The Institute for Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana has launched its 2024 Social Development Outlook (SDO) Report.
The report, a biennial research-based publication produced by ISSER faculty, delves deeply into key social factors in the Ghanaian economy, such as employment, cost of living, social protection policies, and the impact of economic interventions on citizens. It serves as a policy tool to guide and refine government decision-making.
Speaking on the sidelines of the launch event on July 10, Director of ISSER, Professor Peter Quartey, explained that the 2024 edition focuses on areas including educational and health policies, governance, and employment, which are crucial for helping policymakers evaluate their strategies for the benefit of the citizenry.
“This year’s SDO report is a brilliant analytical work done by our faculty and researchers. It delves deeply into policy issues surrounding education, health, governance, and sustainable job creation schemes to absorb the teeming numbers of economically active youth churned out annually by universities across the country,” Professor Quartey said.
He noted that the primary aim is for academia to contribute meaningfully to national development by conducting world-class research into state interventions and capturing citizen feedback into a workable document to streamline government operations for improved outcomes.
Professor Quartey also called for bipartisan consensus on policies related to job creation, housing, and education to avoid the constant policy reversals that often accompany political transitions.
“We must be nationalistic in our approach to dealing with critical sectors of the economy like job creation, education, housing, and allied matters. The state must make a conscious effort to let experts in these fields lead policy discussions, rather than handing sensitive positions to party officials simply to reward partisan loyalty. Such acts do not augur well for the full-scale development of a country like Ghana,” he stressed.
On the issue of housing, he advised that the government should focus on creating an enabling environment for private construction companies to thrive, rather than directly engaging in high-risk commercial ventures.
“The government should provide tax incentives and relevant policies to drive down housing costs. Currently, the ordinary Ghanaian worker cannot afford decent housing due to low salaries,” he added.
The event brought together ISSER faculty members, government officials, students, policymakers, and selected journalists to discuss the report’s findings and policy recommendations.
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Story by Sika Togoh |univers.ug.edu.gh
