Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has officially launched field data collection for the second phase of the Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES II), marking a significant step in the country’s drive for data-driven economic development. This follows a rigorous, nationwide, 21-day training programme that equipped over 2,000 field officers with the latest in digital data collection tools, ethics, and quality assurance protocols.
The national launch event at Zenith College, Accra, brought together key stakeholders including national and regional coordinators, technical experts, and institutional partners to set the tone for the survey’s execution. Opening the event, Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu emphasized IBES II’s strategic role in supporting evidence-based policy and investment decisions. As he put it, reliable, up-to-date data is the foundation for informed planning, whether in public sector policy or private sector investment strategy.
IBES II expands on the framework of the 2024 Economic Census, utilizing a sample-based approach to cover 101 sectors, spanning agriculture, manufacturing, services, trade, utilities, mining, and more. National Project Coordinator Dr. Anthony Krakah underlined the survey’s objective: to provide actionable insights into how Ghanaian businesses operate, innovate, invest, and navigate challenges. The resulting data will be critical for guiding interventions at national, regional, and sectoral levels, aligning policy responses with actual market dynamics.
Reminding field personnel of their responsibility, Dr. Owusu Kagya, Director of Business, Trade and Industry at GSS, reinforced the importance of professionalism and confidentiality in all data collection activities. An oath-taking ceremony underscored this commitment, ensuring compliance with the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003).
Fieldwork begins July 10, 2025, and aims to capture data from over 40,000 businesses nationwide. The initiative employs a suite of tools including Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), secure web-based forms, and traditional paper questionnaires to maximize accessibility and data quality. The sample is drawn from Ghana’s comprehensive business register, which includes more than 1.8 million establishments.
The operation is overseen by a Steering Committee, a Technical Advisory Committee, and a Project Implementation Team, with continuous stakeholder engagement and public awareness efforts.
The findings from IBES II will be released in detailed thematic reports and anonymized datasets, providing the business community, policymakers, and investors with the intelligence needed for strategic planning, risk assessment, and resource allocation across Ghana’s evolving economic landscape.