Board Chair of the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and keynote speaker at the 7th International Research Conference organized by the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana, Dr. Yaw Anthony Baah, has emphasized the need for an effective strategy to manage Ghana’s vast natural resources in order to tackle inequalities and promote holistic economic development.
The three-day conference, held from August 13 to 15, 2025, brought together seasoned academics from Ghana and abroad, policymakers, government officials, students, and members of the public. Themed “Bridging Inequalities in a Changing World: Advancing Inclusive Growth, Resilience, and Sustainable Natural Resource Management,” the event provided a platform to deliberate on research-driven solutions to societal challenges and explore institutional partnerships to advance inclusive growth.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Baah noted that across the world, prudent management of national and natural resources has proven to be a key driver in reducing inequalities. He stressed the importance of crafting smart and innovative policies to harness Ghana’s economic indicators and create sustainable jobs for the youth, who constitute the largest segment of the population.
“It is trite knowledge that in order for a country to do well and create a decent living for all its citizens, leadership must be innovative and smart in leveraging our natural resources for the collective benefit of all,” Dr. Baah said.
Citing Botswana as an example, he pointed to the country’s model where the state holds a 50% stake in all diamond mining activities despite the sector being private-sector-led.
While noting that Ghana’s recent economic indicators show relative stability in terms of the business environment and public purchasing power, Dr. Baah insisted that such stability must translate into policies that empower the economically active population and bridge the gap between rich and poor.
He revealed that more than 1.2 million Ghanaian youth are currently not in school, training, or employment, a situation with serious implications for national cohesion. He therefore urged the government to accelerate the implementation of flagship programmes such as the 24-hour Economy Policy and the National Apprenticeship Programme, describing them as potential “game changers” for the economy.
Dr. Baah further called for stronger partnerships with the private sector and development partners to identify areas where Ghana has a competitive advantage, particularly in production for both local consumption and export.
“We need a holistic national strategy on what we have as a nation and how we can tap into our partnerships both at home and abroad to set up large-scale industries and corporate complexes. These can give real legs to laudable policies like One District, One Factory, the 24-hour Economy, and other agribusiness-led ventures. They will not only create sustainable jobs but also equip local communities with skills to produce goods that meet international standards while fetching much-needed foreign exchange,” he said.
The conference, which featured compelling presentations from both local and international scholars, underscored the role of research-led solutions and innovative policy-making in addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing Ghana and the wider African continent.
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Story by Sika Togoh|univers.ug.edu.gh
