The Speaker of Parliament has made a passionate call to members and the entire nation not to go into the Population and Housing Census with any partisan divisions.
He explained that the census is critical to planning, budgeting and facilitating the state’s response to challenges.
The census as a national exercise, he said, is far above political party colouration and indicated it is for the development and growth of the country.
The Rtd. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin made the call in a formal communication to the House on Tuesday 29th June, 2021
He said, “The census is very vital to our survival, the quality of our lives and the development of the country.”
“Since 1891 we have conducted numbering exercises to obtain data for planning purposes. The census is therefore a call to get counted in order to make Ghana work better.”
“Data from the census will help the Central and Local Governments to plan interventions in educational, health, housing and other social services.”
The Speaker explained that since the last census in 2010, there have been numerous changes in the structure and spread of the population along with demands for infrastructure, utility services, transportation, health, housing, education among others.
He stated that the role of Members of Parliament in the exercise is not over yet even as he directed for the egress to and from their constituencies be facilitated by the House including financial support for awareness creation in the constituencies on the importance of the National Population and Housing Census.
Mr. Bagbin urged MPs to visit the constituencies frequently during the census to ensure every eligible Ghanaian is countered.
“The Population and Housing Census is not new to us, and like many national exercises of this nature, they neither take anything away from us nor hurt us when we participate in them.”
“In fact, the benefits of participating are immense for a country like ours. We need as much data as we can gather about all spheres of national endeavor to enable us to plan the development of this country better.”
He expressed hope that the awareness created so far and with support of members, constituents will not turn away enumerators when they invaded their homes, offices and private spaces to ask intruding questions.
He advised the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) officials conducting the census to let their training and professionalism be their guide.
He observed that the exercise could be a difficult one but in all situations, the expertise and competence of the GSS staff must shine through and expressed confidence of a very successful 2021 census.
The Speaker disclosed that as a leader who also looks out for people, he participated in the census on Monday and described the exercise as smooth and urged all to take part.
Source: MyPublisher24.com
