The government of Ghana has established a 15-member National Steering Committee for the 2023 Integrated Business Establishment Survey (IBES).
The committee's main task is to conduct an economic census of all businesses in the country.
It will provide strategic guidance, oversee the survey's implementation, and monitor activities to ensure its success.
The committee will also assist in mobilizing additional resources as needed for the survey.
This will be the fourth survey of its kind, following previous surveys in 1987 and 2023, along with an economic census in 2013 that excluded businesses within structures.
Speaking at the inauguration, Professor Samuel Annim, the Government Statistician, outlined the objectives of the survey.
These include building an updated online business register, updating the categorization of businesses, and determining changes in the structure of businesses over time.
The survey questionnaire will collect detailed information on various aspects of businesses, such as contact data, head office information, employment data, digital finance, and revenue.
The implementation of the survey incorporates new features to improve data collection accuracy, quality, timeliness, and relevance for decision-making.
Mrs Abena Osei Asare, Deputy Minister of Finance, emphasized the importance of the survey's outcome for comprehensive decision-making and planning.
She urged committee members to approach the exercise with seriousness and ensure the collection of credible and high-quality data from the field.
The committee consists of representatives from various institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ghana Statistical Service, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the National Identification Authority, and the National Development Planning Commission.
Other members include the Ghana Enterprises Agency, the Association of Ghana Industries, the Ghana Union of Traders Association, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the World Bank.
