Chief Doli-Wura Zakaria honoured for advancing statistics and data-driven policy in Ghana

Chief Dr. Doli-Wura Awushi Abdul-Malik Seidu Zakaria has been awarded the Ghana Statistical Association (GSA) Excellence Award – President's Award for Outstanding Contribution, in recognition of his significant work advancing statistics and data science in Ghana. The honour was conferred during the 4th Annual Statistics and Data Science Conference, held from 25–29 August 2026, bringing together practitioners from across West Africa.

The award recognises Zakaria's personal professional contributions to statistical practice and his advocacy for evidence-based policymaking in the country. It is explicitly tied to his individual achievements rather than any public or institutional position he may hold, underscoring the distinction as a reflection of his sustained professional engagement with research, analytical thinking and the application of statistical knowledge to Ghana's development challenges.

Why statistics matter for Ghana's future

The growing prominence of data science in Ghana reflects a fundamental shift in how decisions are made across government, business and development institutions. Reliable statistics now underpin critical choices about resource allocation, infrastructure placement and programme evaluation. Without credible data, policymakers struggle to understand national challenges, establish priorities or assess whether public spending delivers intended results.

The practical applications are wide-ranging. Healthcare planners need data to determine where hospitals should be built. Education officials require evidence on enrolment trends and learning outcomes. Agricultural policymakers rely on productivity statistics to support farmer incomes. Revenue authorities use data analysis to improve tax collection. Infrastructure investments depend on demographic and transport pattern analysis. Government agencies increasingly use statistical evidence to demonstrate accountability for public resources.

The private sector equally depends on data to understand markets, consumer behaviour and economic conditions before committing capital to investments. As Ghana's economy matures and competition intensifies, businesses that base decisions on rigorous analysis gain competitive advantage.

Emerging opportunities in data science and analytics

The conference highlighted how artificial intelligence, machine learning and predictive analytics are expanding the role of statistical expertise. These technologies enable analysts to identify patterns in large datasets, anticipate emerging challenges and support more targeted decision-making than was previously possible.

For Ghana, the potential applications span economic forecasting, healthcare planning, agricultural productivity analysis, revenue mobilisation, transportation planning, education management and public-sector efficiency improvements. However, realising these opportunities requires building professional and institutional capacity. The country needs statisticians and data scientists trained in modern methods, organisations equipped with appropriate technology, and a culture of evidence-based decision-making embedded across public institutions.

Speakers at the conference stressed that Ghana must invest in developing this capacity now, as countries that build statistical expertise early gain advantages in evidence-based governance and targeted development planning.

The GSA and professional standards

The Ghana Statistical Association serves as the professional body uniting statisticians, data scientists, researchers, academics and allied professionals across the country. Through professional development programmes, research initiatives, advocacy and collaborative projects, the GSA works to promote high standards in statistical practice and encourage the effective use of data in national development efforts.

Zakaria's award acknowledges not only his personal contributions but also the broader importance of strengthening Ghana's statistical capacity. The recognition is intended to encourage young professionals to view statistics and data science as essential tools for addressing national development challenges rather than purely academic pursuits.