GSS to conduct survey to track impact of COVID-19 on businesses in Ghana

The Ghana Statistical Service in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and the World Bank will from today, 26th May to 20th June 2020, conduct a Business Tracker Survey to track the impact of the novel Coronavirus pandemic on businesses in Ghana.

The survey, which involves the use of telephone interviews for data collection will identify and measure the impact of the disease on small, medium and large-scale establishments operating in the country.

The impact of the pandemic is already hitting businesses and individuals hard across the world.

Currently, Ghana has recorded 6,808 cases of the disease which has killed nearly 350,000 people out of a little over 5 million cases globally.

In Ghana, 2,070 people have recovered, while 32 have died.

In a statement issued by the GSS, Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, said the survey will also assess measures put in place by businesses to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, as well as efforts made to build a better recovery for businesses.

“The survey will also assess measures put in place by businesses to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 as well as efforts to build a better recovery for businesses. The outcome of the survey will enable government and development partners come out with measures to alleviate the impact of the disease on businesses,”he added.

Professor Samuel Kobina Annim further noted that results from the survey will inform policy directions in protecting jobs and safeguarding progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The findings will also provide insights into keeping the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) alive as a tool to handle future pandemics and protect jobs and businesses,” he said.

He also assured owners of businesses and individuals that information provided on businesses will not be disclosed to anyone or any entity in any form, adding that, “the data collection does not require payment of money, and under no circumstance should an establishment be required to pay any amount to any person.”