The Ghana Statistical Service has launched its newest survey,” the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS 2017/2018)”

According to the services, the survey reveals a mixed picture of the country’s development progress.

“The MICS uncovered some clear contrasts outlining how progress has been made in some areas, while in others the statistics remain concerning, the survey also provides statistically sound and internationally comparable data essential for developing evidence-based policies and programmes, and for monitoring progress toward national goals and global commitments” it said.

According to the survey, 1 in every 5 people still practice open defecation and that 1 out of every 5 young women aged between 20 and 24 years was married before the age of 18. In addition, 94 per cent of children aged 1 to 14 years have experienced violent discipline in Ghana.

The MICS data also revealed that the three Northern Region and part of Volta Region were lacking behind woefully

“While 9 out of 10 pregnant women are attended to by skilled personnel during childbirth in Greater Accra, the figure stands only at 6 out of 10 in the Northern Region” it said

While some encouraging findings have emerged from the MICS, it has also shed light on the disparities in progress and opportunities for households across the country.

Anne-Claire Dufay, UNICEF Representative in Ghana said “Together, all actors need to support policies, programmes and initiatives that make a positive difference for the most vulnerable families, towards a more equitable Ghana.”

Speaking to the survey report, the Acting Government Statistician, Baah Wadieh, said “Because of the robustness of MICS and the level of disaggregation, the statistics are invaluable feedback for targeted policy solutions to address the challenges that have been identified,”

BACKGROUND

The Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) was conducted in 2017/2018 by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MoSWR), Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP).

MICS is extremely useful in that it provides robust and credible data, methodology and assurance for reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MICS can cover 11 goals, with 33 indicators, which is 48% of all survey-based SDG indicators.

Other key findings include: • One in every two newborn babies are put to the breast within the first hour of their life.