The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has hit back at former deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for his recent allegations that the service is manipulating inflation figures.
Dr Bawumia last week alleged that a critical analysis of the inflation figures from the GSS and the exchange rate figures from the BoG seem to suggest that they were inaccurate.
His comments have been supported by some economists as well as policy think tank, IMANI Ghana.
Speaking to Citi Business News, the Director of Social and Demographic Statistics, Anthony Amuzu said considering the structures and methodology used by the GSS to analyze the data, it is impossible to manipulate the figures.
“This is what we have found out. If it is not so, let’s find out how we could do it better. We are following international standards in trying to go through the process. It is how internationally everybody goes about in measuring inflation rates. So if it is not reflective of the reality, what could have gone wrong?” he asked.
He quickly clarified saying, “I am not saying what they are saying is wrong or right. I am saying if they have found some issue, they should bring it out.”
Mr. Amuzu maintained that “the way we compute this thing, it will be difficult for anybody to manipulate the prices. We have more than 60 centers and we collect this data twice a month on the same item. Over 260 items put together. With this volume of data, how do you manipulate it?”
By: Kwaku Anim Boadu/citifmonline.com/Ghana