CIKOD Lauds Ghana’s Statistical Service for Pioneering Research on Governance, Corruption, and Food Sovereignty

Mr. Daniel Banuoku - Deputy Executive Director of CIKOD

Mr. Daniel Banuoku, the Deputy Executive Director of the Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD), a local NGO based in the Upper West Region of Ghana has lauded the Ghana Statistical Service for its groundbreaking research into critical governance issues, including corruption and citizen participation, and their impact on food sovereignty. Mr. Banuoku emphasized that such research provides vital insights for shaping policies that directly affect local communities, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The recognition came during a recent program organized by CIKOD in collaboration with the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council. The initiative aims to foster greater engagement among Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region, encouraging them to prioritize policies that promote local seed production and sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. Banuoku highlighted that the program has successfully motivated regional leaders to commit to policies that bolster food security through the cultivation of indigenous seeds, thereby strengthening regional resilience against external shocks.

Representing the Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanger Puozuing at the event, the Regional Director of Agriculture, Mr. Abu Huudu, stressed the pivotal role governance plays in the agricultural sector, especially in the face of climate change and other external factors. Mr. Huudu pointed out that effective governance mechanisms are essential for adapting to environmental challenges, ensuring sustainable food production, and improving livelihoods within the region.

Adding to the discourse, Mr. John Gambo, the Upper West Regional Statistician, noted that the Ghana Statistical Service’s observance of a day dedicated to corruption and citizen participation in governance serves as an invaluable platform for informing policymakers. He urged civil society organizations to leverage the data provided by the statistical service for advocacy and policy formulation. Mr. Gambo emphasized that utilizing reliable data can significantly enhance governance transparency and accountability, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole.

The event underscores the growing recognition of the critical role that credible data and active citizen participation play in fostering good governance, combating corruption, and advancing food sovereignty.