The 2021 post budget review by the Economics Division of the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER) was held on Tuesday 3rd August 2021 at the ISSER conference centre. The objective of the forum was to analyse the 2021 mid-year budget statement presented to the Parliament of Ghana by the Finance Minister on 29 July 2021.
Declaring the purpose of the gathering, Senior Research Fellow Dr. Ama Fenny said: “ISSER has been hosting the media for a review of the budget over the years. These reviews allow researchers at ISSER to share their perspectives on policies outlined by government and progress so far, and in this particular period, measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“We also look at how we are doing in terms of our key fiscal targets.”
The forum featured a presentation by the Director, Prof. Peter Quartey, on behalf of the 10-member team at the Economics Division of ISSER. The Economics Division is headed by Dr. Isaac Osei-Akoto. Other members of the team include: Prof. Augustin Fosu, Prof. Robert Osei Darko, Dr. Andrew Agyei-Holmes, Dr. Richmond Atta-Ankomah, Dr. Fred Dzanku, Dr. Ama Pokuaa Fenny, Dr. Festus Ebo Turkson (Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of Ghana).
The Director of ISSER reiterated that the post budget reviews provide a tactical platform for the Institute to provide objective and independent analysis and comment on the government’s account of national fiscal performance, educate the public and proffer recommendations aimed at achieving stronger fiscal and social and economic outcomes.
The media, as primary target audience of ISSER’s budget review fora, were present in their numbers at the 3rd August forum to interact with the Director and team of researchers, and report on the key conclusions.
The event received wide media coverage including as front page story, respectively in the 4th August and 5th August editions of two respected national dailies, the Daily Graphic, and the B&FT.
The event was organised with funding support of Agricultural Development Bank and Stanbic Bank Ltd.
Below are picture versions of front page stories, and selected online reports.
B&FT (Business & Financial Times)
A recoding of the event is accessible here.