Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in joint effort with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGDRD) organized a two-day training session on administrative data to build the capacity of statistics focal persons for selected units/departments across all MMDAs in the country. The objective of the training session is to ensure data management and quality assurance, effective and efficient use of metadata, appropriate approaches in using MS Excel and data visualization while identifying issues and challenges to be encountered during compilation of administrative data.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Jasper K. Adenyo in his opening remarks welcomed all participants to the crucial training session. He indicated that effective and efficient capturing of administrative data would provide accurate real-time information for the Municipal Assembly and other public institutions who rely on data to make informed decisions. Also, the administrative data would help identify areas that need urgent interventions particularly in sectors such as education, health, social welfare and community development. He added that quarterly and annual reports from various units/departments should have a technical backstopping with administrative data which clearly defines variables captured for users to make meaningful analysis when utilizing the report. He urged all participants for their cooperation to ensure a successful training session.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Expected outcomes from the training session include the following.
- Data Quality and Validation
Participants should be able to acquire the necessary skills to evaluate the quality of administrative data, spot mistakes, and apply validation methods. This helps to improve data dependability and accuracy, resulting in more informed decisions.
- Improved Data Literacy
Participants should be able to obtain greater understanding of data gathering techniques, terminology, and how administrative data contributes to overall corporate goals. This increases confidence in working with data and accurately interprets administrative datasets.
- Enhanced Reporting Capabilities
Participants should be able to develop timely and reliable reports using administrative data. This would augment transparency, performance tracking, and the ability to respond to information demands from stakeholders.
- Efficient Data Management
Participants should be able to learn how to manage, organize, and store administrative data effectively, as well as how to expedite workflows, improve access to important data, and comply with data governance laws.
- Cross Departmental Collaboration
Participants should be able to share and integrate administrative data from several units/departments thus improving teamwork and obtaining a comprehensive understanding of organizational performance.ve understanding of organizational performance.
CONCLUSION
key principles and techniques for efficiently managing and utilizing administrative data is crucial. By focusing on data quality, validation methodologies, and effective data administration, there is an assurance that data utilized would be correct, dependable, and valuable for decision-making. Again, it would help generate useful reports, analyze patterns to influence strategic decisions. Even though it is not limited to augment organizational processes, it would properly communicate data-driven insights to stakeholders. Therefore, Participants are encouraged to utilize the new skills and techniques acquired to improve how their units /departments gather, analyze, and use administrative data. In the end, it would help make better decisions, streamline operations, and increase overall performance.
TRAINING SESSION PHOTOS
A group picture comprising the facilitators from GSS and participants present at the training.
A picture of participants engaging with colleagues during a group work session.
A group of participants interacting with each other during a group work session.
Madam Janet Acolatse (GSS Resource Person) during her presentation at the training session.