In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and innovation, Ghana is making strides to stay ahead of the curve. The key to this progress? Data-driven decision-making. During the Young and Safe MEL and Evidence-to-Action (E2A) Workshop, held in Ho, Isaac Newton Bortey, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Consultant for the Young and Safe Project, emphasized the importance of data as a critical resource for national development. He urged stakeholders to prioritize data-driven choices over politically motivated or gut-feeling decisions to ensure Ghana's continued relevance in the data and artificial intelligence revolution.
Bortey's call for action is timely, as the country aims to harness the power of data and AI to improve outcomes for young people. The Young and Safe Project, under the theme "Data Visualisation as Storytelling: Turning MEL Data into Insightful Narratives," is organizing a series of technical workshops to strengthen the analytical and communication skills of MEL officers from partner organizations, NGOs, and government agencies. By promoting evidence-driven decision-making and continuous learning, the project aims to empower young people across Ghana.
Bortey highlighted the significance of data collection and use, drawing a parallel to the importance of oil in the industrial revolution. He stated, "Data is the next oil." Effective policies and programs, he explained, rely on accurate and timely data. Countries that fail to invest in data collection and use risk being left behind in the new industrial revolution, just as many were marginalized during earlier industrial revolutions. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, he added, depends on data for training and learning. Without reliable datasets, countries like Ghana would struggle to harness the benefits of AI technologies.
To address the challenge of data collection and use, Bortey proposed that institutions must integrate data collection into project design and budgeting. Every project budget, he suggested, should include a dedicated component for data collection, particularly primary data, rather than relying solely on secondary sources. He emphasized the importance of analyzing data and using it to inform day-to-day operations, making changes where necessary. This approach ensures that data systems are not just a one-time effort but a routine part of institutional processes.
However, Bortey also raised concerns about the willingness of decision-makers to use insights generated from data analysis. While some institutions have improved in data collection and even publish data-related information, the real challenge lies in translating analyzed data into action. He described the current situation as a missed opportunity, where good data is sometimes collected and analyzed but ignored at the point of decision-making. This undermines the purpose of investing resources into data systems.
To address this challenge, Bortey proposed that institutions must consciously integrate data collection into project design and budgeting. Every project budget, he suggested, should include a dedicated component for data collection, particularly primary data, rather than relying solely on secondary sources. He emphasized the importance of analyzing data and using it to inform day-to-day operations, making changes where necessary. This approach ensures that data systems are not just a one-time effort but a routine part of institutional processes.
The workshop also highlighted the role of data visualization and storytelling in making MEL data accessible and useful to diverse audiences, including policymakers, donors, communities, journalists, and young people. Participants were introduced to tools and approaches for transforming complex datasets into simple and compelling narratives that can influence policy and program decisions. Joana Kwame, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer for the Young and Safe initiative, underscored the need for organizations to collect data that aligns with their mandates. She explained how relevant data can inform decisions across sectors such as education, social welfare, and health, providing examples of tracking school dropout rates, understanding mental health service access issues, and examining sensitive social issues.
Joana also emphasized the importance of data management, noting that sophisticated systems are not always necessary. Simple tools like Excel spreadsheets can make a significant difference if used consistently. The workshop also connected participants to ongoing support from the Eight AI Lab, offering services in data visualization, dashboard development, analytics, and AI support to partner organizations. Overall, the organizers and facilitators expressed cautious optimism about the improving attitudes towards data in Ghana, despite significant gaps. They emphasized the need for sustained commitment to routine data collection, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making to build resilient institutions and ensure development efforts genuinely respond to the needs of young people and society.
