Prof Annim Should Have Stayed as Government Statistician for a Year or Two More – Dr. Theo Acheampong
Economist Dr. Theo Acheampong expresses concern over the early exit of Professor Samuel Kobina Annim as Government Statistician, suggesting his continued leadership could have further stabilized Ghana’s data systems.
Accra, Ghana – Prominent Ghanaian economist and policy analyst, Dr. Theo Acheampong, has commented on the recent exit of Professor Samuel Kobina Annim from his role as Government Statistician, stating that he should have remained in office for at least another year or two.
According to Dr. Acheampong, Prof. Annim’s tenure marked significant strides in the modernization and credibility of Ghana’s statistical systems. His early departure, the economist noted, creates a vacuum that may disrupt ongoing reforms and the consistency of economic data gathering and dissemination.
"Prof. Annim brought technical credibility, transparency, and a modern approach to how data is handled in Ghana. While we respect his decision, I believe his continued presence would have further anchored reforms that benefit national planning and policy," Dr. Acheampong stated in a media interview.
Prof. Annim, who was appointed in March 2019, led key projects including the 2021 Population and Housing Census and several national surveys that influenced fiscal and social policy. His approach won praise from international development partners and local institutions alike.
Dr. Acheampong emphasized that succession planning is crucial and urged the government to ensure a smooth transition that preserves the gains made.
Conclusion:
As Ghana prepares to appoint a new Government Statistician, calls like those of Dr. Acheampong highlight the need for continuity in national institutions. The hope is that the next appointee will uphold the data integrity and modernization agenda championed by Prof. Annim.
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