SGER2024 launched, report receives praise for credibility and depth of analysis

Prof. Robert Darko Osei, Director of ISSER, presenting highlights of the State of the Ghanaian Economy Report (SGER) 2024 to a full audience at the launch.

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has launched the 34th edition of the State of the Ghanaian Economy Report (SGER 2024) — its flagship annual publication providing independent, data-driven analysis of Ghana’s economic performance and outlook.

This year’s edition features a special chapter on “Debt, Investment and Growth,” offering fresh insights into the relationship between public borrowing, investment efficiency, and long-term fiscal sustainability amid Ghana’s ongoing economic reforms.

The launch, held on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, at the ISSER Conference Facility, University of Ghana, Legon, brought together policymakers, development partners, academics, civil society representatives, private sector actors, alumni, and the media, reflecting the wide interest and influence of the report, which remains one of Ghana’s most authoritative sources of economic analysis.

Chair commends ISSER’s leadership and sustained excellence

*Chair of the event, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, delivering his remarks and commending ISSER for its sustained leadership and research excellence.*

Chairing the event, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education and Professor of Population Studies at the University of Ghana, praised ISSER for its consistency, rigour, and leadership in producing the SGER for over three decades. He said the annual report continues to demonstrate the vital role that rigorous, independent research plays in shaping public policy and national progress, adding that in an era of information overload and misinformation, its credibility and analytical depth remain invaluable.

Prof. Codjoe described the SGER as “a bridge between knowledge and action — between the University and society,” noting that it embodies the University’s values of research that matters, evidence that informs, and dialogue that transforms. He also lauded ISSER for fostering a culture of intellectual engagement that connects academia with real-world policy.

He further called for sustained investment in ISSER’s research infrastructure to ensure the continuity of this national resource, emphasising that “the insights generated here serve not only the University but the nation as a whole.”

Insightful presentations and lively discussions

*Prof. Ama Fenny, Head of the Economics Division and lead coordinator of the SGER 2024, presenting key findings from the report.*

Prof. Robert Darko Osei, Director of ISSER, and Prof. Ama Fenny, Head of the Economics Division and lead coordinator of the report, co-presented the key findings of the SGER 2024. They highlighted Ghana’s performance across fiscal, monetary, trade, and sectoral dimensions and shared insights from the special chapter on Debt, Investment and Growth, which examines the relationship between public borrowing, investment efficiency, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

*Participants engaging in lively discussions during the interactive session, sharing insights and reflections on Ghana’s economic outlook.*

The presentations were followed by an engaging discussion session, moderated by Dr. Ralph Armah and Dr. Nana Amma Asante-Poku, both Research Fellows at ISSER. Participants — including policymakers, academics, and practitioners — interacted directly with the authors, raising pertinent questions and sharing perspectives on Ghana’s fiscal outlook, debt management, and growth priorities.

Sustaining impact through engagement

*Authors and members of the editorial team of SGER2024 in a group photograph following the successful launc*h.

The launch also highlighted ISSER’s broader stakeholder engagement initiatives — including quarterly economic performance reviews, policy dialogues, and alumni partnerships — aimed at strengthening research–policy linkages and promoting wider dissemination of research insights.

Reflecting on ISSER’s role in advancing research that drives development, Prof. Codjoe noted that such engagements keep the University’s work relevant and responsive to national needs. He encouraged continued collaboration among academia, government, and industry to ensure that research findings translate into meaningful policy outcomes.

*Prof. Robert Darko Osei presenting copies of SGER2024 to special guests and partners after the official launch.*

In closing, Prof. Osei expressed appreciation to the report’s authors, the Chairperson, invited guests, and partners for their contributions, reaffirming ISSER’s commitment to promoting knowledge for development through independent and high-quality research.

Access the presentation summarising the key findings of SGER 2024 here.