The Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Prof. Peter Quartey, delivers his inaugural lecture today, 13 March 2025, at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS). His lecture, titled "Debt, Investment and Growth in Ghana: Did We Borrow to Consume?” will examine whether Ghana’s increasing debt accumulation has been channelled into productive investments and economic growth or primarily used for debt servicing and consumption.

We are pleased to announce the release of the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER) Annual Report for 2023-2024. This report showcases our impactful research initiatives, policy contributions, and academic achievements throughout the year. Through strategic collaborations with policymakers and stakeholders, ISSER continues to fulfil its mission of advancing knowledge and influencing policy for Ghana's socio-economic development and beyond.

The Future of Work (FoW) Initiative, West and Central Africa (WCA) Hub, held a virtual inception workshop to introduce its first cohort of grantees, with a strong emphasis on communication and stakeholder engagement.

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, is seeking Communications Assistants to support the ReFinD Research Initiative and the Mastercard Foundation Youth Futures Project. The ideal candidates will work closely with ISSER’s Head of Communications to develop compelling content, enhance digital engagement, and amplify the impact of research through strategic communication.

Despite Ghana's 89% national electricity access rate, fewer than 0.5% of households use electricity for cooking, largely due to perceptions about its cost. However, research by ISSER researchers, detailed in the newly released E-Cookbook for Urban Ghana, challenges this notion.

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) is pleased to announce its 2025 Short Courses Programme. Four comprehensive courses will be offered: Executive Leadership Programme in Monitoring and Evaluation for Public and Private Sectors, Research Methodology and Report Writing, Data Management and Analysis, and Project Cycle Management. These courses are facilitated by experienced trainers using a hands-on approach.

Tara Squire, Regional and Consumer Head at Ecobank Group, Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking at Ecobank Group, and Prof. Peter Quartey celebrate the signing of a pivotal agreement aimed at advancing financial inclusion through research and innovation.

In 2024, ISSER achieved significant milestones in research, training, policy influence, partnerships, and institutional growth. From advancing socio-economic insights to fostering impactful collaborations and delivering advanced training programs, this review highlights key achievements that underscore our commitment to evidence-based development.

1. Advancing Knowledge and Research Excellence