The Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) and the International Growth Centre (IGC) have formed a collaborative partnership to enhance the forthcoming business survey by the former.
Phase I of the Ghana 2023 Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES) is scheduled to be implemented in August, signalling a significant step toward improving the accuracy, quality and relevance of the survey’s results.
To ensure the effectiveness of the survey in capturing vital business data, the GSS and the IGC recently organised an advisory meeting with journalists and stakeholders. This meeting, marking the fourth edition of the comprehensive survey, aimed to gather valuable insights from diverse stakeholders.
The survey’s objectives encompass several crucial areas, including the establishment of an updated online business register, the revision of business categorisations, the identification of changes in business structures over time, and the profiling of business distribution based on firmographics.
In an effort to enhance data collection accuracy, quality, timeliness and relevance for informed decision-making, the survey incorporates new features. These features extend the scope of the survey to include establishments without enclosures, businesses operating in structures initially designated for other activities, fixed-location businesses within open spaces, mobile businesses, and virtual establishments.
Anthony Kakrah, the Project Coordinator for the Ghana Statistical Services, emphasised the survey’s focus on identifying business growth poles by products, evaluating the factors that contribute to growth, assessing the value of businesses, and monitoring structural changes in businesses over time.
Mr. Kakrah stated: “Policies that rely on outdated census data may fail to reflect reality and hinder policy effectiveness. The 2023 survey aims to update business statuses and the business register to ensure accurate reporting on the current state of businesses, their locations, sizes, age and activities. This will greatly contribute to the growth of businesses and the development of our country”.
Mr. Kakrah also revealed that the IBES is intended to serve as a permanent tool to build a comprehensive business register for the country, reflecting the evolving business landscape and facilitating real-time updates. By providing up-to-date data on employment and business turnovers, the survey will enable policy-makers to make well-informed decisions in a timely manner.
The results of the 2023 IBES are expected to be published in December of this year, offering a comprehensive and current snapshot of the country’s business landscape. Mr. Kakrah confirmed that preparations for the survey are currently underway, with data collection scheduled to begin in August. The report is anticipated to be completed by December, followed by the second phase of the survey in the subsequent year.
Furthermore, the stakeholders’ feedback from the recent meeting will be followed by a similar engagement with policy-makers. This collaborative approach ensures that the survey’s implementation incorporates the perspectives and aspirations of various stakeholders across different sectors of the economy.
