Prez. Mahama replaces Government Statistician, appoints Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu in acting capacity

President John Dramani Mahama has relieved Professor Samuel Kobina Annim of his duties as Government Statistician, appointing Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu as Acting Government Statistician with immediate effect.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on April 4, 2025, and signed by the Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

According to the statement, Dr. Iddrisu’s appointment is pending consultations with the Council of State.

Professor Annim, a seasoned academic and statistician, was appointed in March 2019 under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

His tenure saw significant reforms in statistical production and dissemination, though the latest decision signals a change in leadership direction under the current government.

Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu: A Profile in Economic Leadership

Dr. Iddrisu brings to the role a wealth of experience from the Ministry of Finance, where he currently serves as Director of the Economic Strategy and Research Division.

In this capacity, he leads Ghana’s macroeconomic analysis, forecasting, and policy research, and coordinates assessments across the real and external sectors of the economy.

He is instrumental in preparing the Ghana Macroeconomic Outlook Report and contributes significantly to the formulation of the National Budget and Economic Policy.

Dr. Iddrisu also serves on numerous governing boards, public councils, and technical committees, offering strategic input on matters of national development.

His previous roles include Director of the Economic Research and Forecasting Division (2013–2019), where he oversaw macroeconomic modeling and long-term forecasting, and Acting Director of the Real Sector Division (2010–2013), where he led research on sectoral productivity and growth.

Dr. Iddrisu holds a PhD in International Development Studies from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan.

He also earned a Master of Public Administration (Public and Economic Policy) from the London School of Economics, an MPhil in Economics, and a BA in Economics with French from the University of Ghana.

Outside the civil service, he lectures part-time at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and has previously consulted for international institutions including Oxfam GB and the World Bank.

His appointment signals President Mahama’s intention to reinforce data-driven governance and economic planning as his administration navigates complex national and global economic challenges.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith