The proud moment GDSO 2022 report was unveiled to resounding applause from the teeming audience. From left to right: Dr. Awo, Prof. Quartey, Prof Ofori, Prof. Owusu, Dr. Osei-Akoto
The Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has launched the 2022 edition of the Ghana Social Development Outlook (GDSO), a biennial report analyzing the country’s progress across key social development indicators. Produced by the Social Division of ISSER, the report seeks to promote evidence-led decision-making for enhanced development and social well-being.
It has ten chapters, with different but interrelated topics on social development in Ghana. It starts with an Overview chapter followed by the other key topics, namely, Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Housing, Employment, Energy, Gender Equity, Social Relations, and Population.
GDSO 2022 was unveiled by the Provost of the College of Humanities, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori who represented the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. He was assisted by ISSER Director, Prof. Peter Quartey; the Dean of Social Sciences, Prof. George Owusu; the Head of the Social Division and GDSO 2022 Coordinator, Dr. Martha Awo; and the Head of the Economics Division, Dr. Isaac Osei-Akoto.
In a speech read on her behalf by Prof. Ofori, the Vice-Chancellor, congratulated ISSER and spoke about the ever-increasing relevance of research to lives and nation-building, while acknowledging ISSER’s leading role in this regard.
“At a time of heightened socio-economic challenges, research-led decision- and policy-making offers one of the surest lifelines to achieving sustainable development that can have a meaningful and lasting impact on people.”
“The Institute’s unrelenting dedication to promoting and positioning research knowledge and evidence as critical elements in the quest to achieve real development in Ghana is noteworthy,” she added.
The Provost, speaking in his own capacity, also commended ISSER’s deepening research footprints and world-class status. He pledged the continued support of the College of Humanities and the University in advancing the good work of the Institute.
Earlier in his opening statement, ISSER Director Prof. Quartey touched on the important place of evidence-driven publications in ISSER’s research agenda, describing it as “a key channel for conveying research findings and recommendations to stakeholders.”
In addition, the Director highlighted the important role of stakeholder engagement events in the Institute’s broader dissemination efforts.
“These events provide a platform for useful engagements with our stakeholders, and conversations around our work and pressing national and international issues.”
“It’s also an avenue for us to showcase and remind ourselves of the Institute’s ongoing efforts and progress in fulfilling our mandate while recognizing and appreciating the valuable contributions of our staff and partners,” he added.
He concluded by thanking the coordinator and authors of the report and all individuals who contributed to the publication and associated dissemination efforts. He was particularly grateful to the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), Ghana for their continued support of ISSER’s dissemination and stakeholder engagement programmes.
Dr. Awo presented an overview of the report, followed by interactions where the authors took turns addressing participants’ questions on their respective chapters and sharing insights on broader social development issues.
Held on June 6, 2023 at the ISSER Conference Facility, the event drew enthusiastic participants including policymakers, academics, students, private sector and civil society organization representatives, and the media.
Selected online media reports drawing on key takeaways are below:
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