The Ministry of Finance (MOF), in collaboration with the University of Ghana (UG) have launched the Quarterly Economic Roundtable (QER). The inaugural QER, a historic event held on 2 July 2024 at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), marks a significant step towards fostering dialogue between academia and policymakers to address Ghana's economic challenges.
Prof. Peter Quartey, Director of ISSER, highlighted the institute's contribution and the event's historic nature, stating, "This event is historic as it establishes, for the first time, a regular platform for academia to directly support policy formulation with informed insights. At ISSER, we are proud to be part of this national endeavour, playing key role in organizing and hosting this groundbreaking event alongside our colleagues from the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) and other units of the University."
Prof. Gordon Awandare, Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Ghana, speaking on behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance for the partnership. He commended the vision of Minister Mohammed Amin Adam in inviting the University to organize this quarterly dialogue.
Honorable Abena Osei Asare, Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and Minister of State, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Finance. She emphasized the importance of informed dialogue, stating, "It is through constructive dialogue and informed discourse that the seeds of impactful action are sown." She further added, "The interaction between research and implementation, theory and practice is not only advantageous but important for shaping policies that are not only effective but sustainable in the long run."
Dr. Nii Kwaku Sowa, Economist and Country Director of the International Growth Centre (IGC), delivered a riveting keynote speech. He expressed his organization's pleasure in working with the Ministry of Finance and their efforts to bridge the gap between university research and policymaking. Dr. Sowa stressed, "Dialogue must be devoid of political underpinnings. People must be free to say what they want to say, saying it the right way." He provided an insightful analysis of Ghana's macroeconomic indices, challenges, and prospects, setting the tone for the subsequent discussions.
Distinguished panelists from the University of Ghana included Prof. Peter Quartey; Prof. Justice Bawole, Dean of UGBS; Prof. William Baah-Boateng and Prof. Ebo Turkson from the Department of Economics, UG; and Prof. Agyapomaa Gyeke-Dako from UGBS.
High-level representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector also contributed to the discussions. The Ministry of Finance was represented by Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Director of the Economic Strategy and Research Division, and Mr. Samuel Arkhurst, Director of the Treasury and Debt Management Division. Civil society perspectives were provided by Dr. Leslie Dwight Mensah, Economist and Research Fellow at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), and Mr. Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President and CEO of the IMANI Centre for Policy and Education. Mr. Joe Jackson, CEO of Dalex Finance, offered insights from the private sector.
The roundtable focused on three key themes: Fiscal Policy, Debt, and Monetary Policy, with presentations and panel discussions moderated by Mr. Bernard Avle.
The well-attended event provided an opportunity for participants to contribute to the discussions, enriching the dialogue with their comments and questions. Attendees included academics and students from various universities across the country, as well as representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector.
This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between academic research and policy implementation, aiming to collectively define solutions for Ghana's economic challenges.
A recording of the event is available here.
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