ISSER commended for excellence and consistency in assessing Ghana’s social progress

Prof. Peter Quartey presents a copy of the GSDO 2024 report to Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), University of Ghana.

ISSER was lauded for its continued leadership in producing the Ghana Social Development Outlook (GSDO), a flagship biennial report that has become a key resource for assessing Ghana’s progress on social development. Since its inception in 2012, the GSDO has offered accessible, evidence-based analysis across critical sectors such as health, education, housing, employment, gender, and governance.

Chairing the launch, Mrs. Mary Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative, described ISSER’s track record as one of “remarkable consistency and excellence.” She emphasised the need for stakeholders to engage with the report’s findings and integrate its recommendations into tangible actions.

“We should reflect and integrate its recommendations into our actions and find a way of measuring the impact,” she said, adding that the GSDO should not be a shelf document but a tool for engagement and accountability.

In his welcome address, ISSER Director, Prof. Peter Quartey, echoed this call for uptake and urged greater support for research and dissemination from the private sector and industry actors.

“I take this opportunity to call on other industry players and private sector actors to support research and dissemination initiatives. This is one of the surest ways to drive informed decision-making and contribute to sustainable development,” he stated.

He also acknowledged strategic partners such as the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), whose continued support has been instrumental to the production and outreach of the GSDO.

*Dr. Martha Awo addresses participant questions following her presentation.*

Dr. Martha Awo, Head of ISSER’s Social Division and Coordinator of the GSDO, presented an overview of the 2024 report, spanning developments across ten thematic areas including gender, employment, energy, health, education, water and sanitation, governance, population, housing, and the environment. Her presentation drew attention to both progress and persistent inequalities, while outlining evidence-led recommendations for improved social development outcomes.

*Discussant Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey responds to the GSDO 2024 presentation.*

Responding to the presentation, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of IDEG, commended the depth and rigour of the report, and shared reflections on how its findings intersect with ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic governance and inclusive development in Ghana.

*Participants, including Rev. Prof. Joseph Osafo Adu, Head of the Psychology Department (left), contributed valuable insights.*

The event also featured a lively open forum, with questions and comments from civil society actors, students, academics, and media. ISSER researchers elaborated on their chapters, engaging attendees on key findings and recommendations.