The Amaris Institute of Statistics and Economic Research (AmariStat) was launched in Accra, Ghana on 4th July 2024. The keynote speaker for the launch was Dr. Oliver Chinganya, Director of the African Centre for Statistics of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. In his speech, he highlighted the significance of the launch of Amaris Institute for enhancing statistical systems in West Africa, emphasised the importance of harnessing new data sources and technology for efficient statistical activities, noted some of the challenges in the education and retention of skilled professionals in statistics and proposed strategic pathways for the Institute to achieve its goals He concluded with the statement that “the launch of the Amaris Institute of Statistics and Economic Research is a testament to our commitment to building a brighter future for West Africa and the entire African continent. By focusing on education, collaboration, policy support, and talent retention, it can establish robust national statistical systems that will drive the African development agenda forward.”
The launch also featured presentations by Mr. Nyakassi M. B. Sanyang (Director General, Gambia Bureau of Statistics), Mr. Richard Fatorma Ngafuan (Director General, Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services), Mr. Yemi Adeniran (Statistician-General, Nigeria Bureau of Statistics), Mr. Andrew Bob Johnny (Statistician-General, Statistics Sierra Leone), and Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim (Government Statistician, Ghana Statistical Service). Their presentations provided an overview of the current strategies, successes and challenges of statistical systems in their respective countries.
Dr. Chinganya Speech Highlights
“The launch of the Amaris Institute of Statistics and Economic Research is a testament to our commitment to building a brighter future for West Africa and the entire African continent.”
“AMARISTAT breathes new life to the African data ecosystem and therefore concerted and intentional efforts of collaboration must be exerted to bring the desired changes to the African statistical system.”
“It is not enough to train skilled professionals, we must also create an environment that encourages trained skilled professionals to stay and contribute locally. This includes offering competitive incentives, career growth opportunities, and a conducive working environment.”
“We must invest in education and continuous professional development to build a skilled workforce. This includes developing curricula relevant to our regional context, providing access to modern statistical tools and technologies, and supporting statistical literacy in society”.
“Collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and international organisations is crucial in enhancing our collective capacity.”
