We are taking steps to ensure that Ghana does not miss the 2020 Census – GSS | General news

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) says it is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the country does not miss out on this year’s first Digital Population and Housing Census.

Professor Samuel Annim, the government statistician, said the GSS is continuing its preparations, waiting for the coronavirus pandemic to ease.

He said that key preparatory activities have been completed in collaboration with various experts and partners, including; delineate the country in 51,755 enumeration areas (EA) to facilitate the complete enumeration of all people in Ghana.

It is also finalizing the data collection instruments and training materials; compilation of geometry, accessibility and construction indices for each district; and the virtual training of Master Trainers and Regional Data Quality Monitors.

However, he said, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding government sanctioned social distancing and public health hygiene protocols have affected the preparatory commitments of the 2020 census.

“However, being aware of the importance of APS 2020 as the priority national development program, GSS has developed and continues to implement a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan to keep up with the 10-year census calendar, including conducting virtual meetings and training activities, “said Professor Annim.

He said that the GSS is taking every precaution to conduct the 2020 census without jeopardizing the safety of both the public and census staff.

“To this end, GSS will continue to monitor the development situation of COVID-l9 in the country in consultation with relevant government institutions and other interested parties and, accordingly, will make adjustments to the 2020 census schedule,” added Professor Annim.