Government Allocates Funds Towards Census

The Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, yesterday, disclosed that Government has allocated an amount of GH¢ 37 million towards the 2010 Population and Housing Census.

Dr. Duffuor stated that the Government since last year has taken steps to ensure that a Population and Housing Census is conducted and therefore, has provided GH¢5million in the 2009 Budget for the census.

He added that an additional GH¢32million has been provided in the 2010 Budget Census and that represents 50 per cent of the census budget , and reaffirms the government's commitment to conduct the national census.

'' The budgetary provisions for the Census programme to date have enabled the Ghana Statistical Service and collaborating institutions and partners to make significant progress in the planning and implementation programme,'' he stressed.

According to him, all data collection instruments that will guide the field exercise have also been developed and tested.

Government Statistician, Dr. Grace Bediako, on her part, indicated that the census will come off this year as the steering committee has considered several factors in order to set a new date for the important exercise.

She indicated that factors such as the impending World Cup in June, raining season and the Muslim Pilgrimage, (the Hajj that is held in November and December each year) will also be considered before the committee sets up the date.

She commended all the development partners such as DANIDA, UNDP, UNICEF, the Swiss Government, Chiefs, Opinion Leaders and all Ghanaians for their support.

Source: ISD (Michelle Fafa Agbenorto)