MAKING THE CENSUS A SUCCESS (MAY 11, 2010)

THE 2010 Census will provide another opportunity for the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to count every Ghanaian in order to provide reliable data on the population of the country.
It will also elicit demographic information from Ghanaians to obtain valuable information to guide the government and policy makers in the quest to properly plan and develop the country.
A census is a very useful exercise that provides valuable data that, aside from providing information to help in the formulation of development blueprints, also give some indicators about the development needs of the people.
The word ‘census’ dates back to ancient Rome, from the Latin word ‘censere’, meaning ‘estimate’, which was carried out every five years. It primarily involved the registration of people and property as a way of estimating taxes to be paid.
However, in modern times a census is used for policy and planning purposes to enhance national development and not primarily for the purpose of taxation.
This position was emphasised by the Government Statistician, Dr Grace Bediako, during her visit to the DAILY GRAPHIC to interact with management members of the Graphic Communications Group Limited and some of our editorial staff.
Dr Bediako gave the assurance that there was no reason for anyone to entertain any fear, since information provided would not be used to incriminate anyone.
Indeed, the Government Statistician could not have assuaged people’s fears any better, considering the sometimes weird rumours that are peddled in relation to the purpose of a census.
Such rumours, if not effectively counteracted, have the potential to undermine the data gathering process and, by extension, the validity and reliability of the data.
Any such distortions or validity challenges, no doubt, have serious implications on policy formulation and implementation, since the data on which they are founded do not reflect the real situation.
The need for education to prepare Ghanaians for the census is, therefore, vital if the desired results or outcomes are to be obtained. In this regard, it is important to identify key stakeholders who can effectively work together to ensure that the 2010 Census is very successful and Ghanaians achieve the desired benefits from the exercise.
The GSS has demonstrated some commitment in this regard and has begun reaching out to some of the stakeholders with the aim of ensuring that the census becomes a very big success.
The DAILY GRAPHIC lauds this initiative and urges other stakeholders to contribute their quota in order to complement the efforts of the GSS. We urge the media in particular to turn their spotlight on the 2010 Census and educate the public on its purpose, as well as the role of the citizenry in ensuring a very successful census.
Definitely, this will require very close collaboration with the GSS and it is hoped that the service will sustain its public education and outreach programmes to ensure that a great proportion of Ghanaians are covered.
We also appeal to the government to remain committed to its responsibility of resourcing the GSS and continue to provide whatever support the service will need to ensure the success of the 2010 census.