By Peter Martey AGBEKO, APR
In a world where data is the lifeblood of decision-making, one man stands at the intersection of numbers and national development—Professor Samuel Kobina Annim.
As Ghana’s Government Statistician and a renowned economist, Prof. Annim has not only mastered the science of numbers but has also redefined their application in governance, economic transformation, and global statistical development.
From his early days at St. Augustine’s College to his leadership at the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), his journey is an inspiring testament to the power of data-driven change.
A Scholar’s Genesis: From APSU to Global Acclaim
Prof. Annim’s academic foundation was laid at St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast, where he was part of the distinguished APSU Class of 1992. His passion for Economics led him to the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He further pursued an MPhil in Economics at the University of Ghana before obtaining a PhD in Economics from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Prof. Annim has contributed immensely to academia, both in Ghana and internationally. He has authored approximately 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and technical reports, with his work featured in some of the most reputable academic journals such as World Development,Journal of Development Studies, Journal of International Development, and Oxford University Press.
At UCC, he served in leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Economics and Director of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy. His academic and research pursuits have primarily focused on microfinance, poverty, health, and household economics, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Transforming the Statistical Landscape of Ghana
Since assuming office as Ghana’s Government Statistician six years ago, Prof. Annim has embarked on a mission to modernise and professionalize the nation’s statistical infrastructure. Under his leadership, the GSS has achieved remarkable milestones, notably:
- The First Fully Digital Population and Housing Census: Prof. Annim spearheaded Ghana’s first-ever digital census, a groundbreaking initiative that enhanced data accuracy, efficiency, and real-time reporting. This move positioned Ghana among the pioneers in digital census-taking within Africa.
- The Passage of the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003): His advocacy for a legal framework to regulate data governance led to the passage of this Act, strengthening the integrity and independence of Ghana’s statistical systems.
- A Five-Year Corporate Plan for the GSS: A visionary strategist, he championed the development and implementation of a comprehensive corporate plan to guide the operations and evolution of statistical services in Ghana.
- Diversification of Data Sources: Recognising the limitations of traditional data collection, Prof. Annim has expanded Ghana’s statistical ecosystem to incorporate experimental statistics, data science, and non-traditional data sources, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of national development indicators.
- Organizational and Structural Reforms: Under his leadership, the GSS has undergone significant structural changes, enhancing efficiency, automation, and responsiveness to national and global data needs.
Data for Development: A Global Influence
Beyond Ghana, Prof. Annim has been instrumental in shaping the global statistical landscape. His contributions extend to the United Nations, where he co-chairs the High-Level Group on Partnerships, Coordination, and Capacity Building.
He also serves on the executive board of the Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century (PARIS21), advocating for enhanced statistical capacity in developing nations.
His influence in the private sector is equally profound. Recently, he accepted the role of Board Chair for the Africa Environmental and Sanitation Consult, underscoring his commitment to leveraging data for sustainable development and financial resource mobilisation.
A Legacy Anchored in Change, Automation, and Novelty
At the heart of Prof. Annim’s leadership philosophy are three guiding pillars: Change, Automation, and Novelty. These principles drive his approach to national and international statistical systems, ensuring that data remains a powerful tool for policy formulation, governance, and economic growth. His relentless pursuit of excellence has positioned Ghana as a model for statistical innovation and integrity.
An Inspiration to Future Generations
For students, young professionals, and aspiring statisticians, Prof. Annim’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration.
From his formative years at St. Augustine’s College to his current role as Ghana’s Chief Statistician, he exemplifies the power of discipline, foresight, and intellectual rigour. His story underscores the importance of data in shaping societies and the indispensable role of statisticians in national development.
As Ghana navigates an increasingly data-driven world, Prof. Annim’s vision and leadership continue to be instrumental in ensuring that numbers are not just collected but are effectively utilised to drive progress, prosperity, and transformation. In the ever-evolving landscape of statistics, he remains a formidable force—proving that numbers, when wielded with purpose, can indeed change the world.
