ISSER was established in 1962 as the Institute of Statistics to provide a programme of teaching and research in statistics. In 1969, it was reorganized and renamed the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic research with an expanded mandate to conduct research in the social sciences in order to generate solutions for national development
ISSER currently serves as the research wing under the College of Humanities, University of Ghana and engages in a number of policy relevant research whose findings are intended to help policy makers on the best policy decisions to make for national development.
Our values are fundamental to all activities and interactions, and are to describe the ethos and character of ISSER. These are traits that staff will aspire to and will ensure that everyone acts and behaves in a manner that supports the realisation of the institute’s goals.
ISSER's mission is to carry out activities that would promote the socio-economic development of Ghana in particular and Africa in general. Specifically, the Institute is expected to undertake research in the social sciences, and promote human resource development that:
- Have immediate bearing on the problems and the development needs of Ghana in particular and Africa in general;
- Relate to special assignments from government and other agencies as a way of providing guidance, support and advice;
- keeping with the academic purposes of the University: especially in relation to advanced teaching, enriching and adding to the teaching and effectiveness of institutional programmes in the social sciences; and
- Serve to monitor and evaluate the effects of development policies, projects and programmes both in terms of their objectives and general consequences.
ISSER's goal is to be recognised as a centre for comprehensive and sustained research and training in the social sciences.
To be recognised globally for promoting knowledge for development through authoritative policy research, training and advocacy.