The Institute of Social Statistical and Economic Research (ISSER) has unveiled the sixth edition of the Ghana Social Development Outlook (GSDO), a biennial report, at the ISSER Conference Facility.
Compiled by the Social Division of ISSER, the report aims to delve into the socio-economic challenges of the nation and offer solutions to address them.
In his welcome address, Prof. Peter Quartey, the Director of ISSER, emphasized that the GSDO is a biennial publication that has served as a grassroot source of information since 2012. He highlighted ISSER's commitment to providing cutting-edge research for policymaking and behavior cognition, with the GSDO being a crucial channel to convey research findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
Prof. Peter Quartey, the Director of ISSER
"This sixth edition consists of ten chapters covering various interrelated topics carefully curated by authors from the social division. These chapters explore social development issues in Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Housing, Employment, Energy, Environment, Gender Equity, Social Relations, and Population," Prof. Quartey explained.
He further highlighted that the GSDO adds to ISSER's impressive array of publications, including annual reports published over the past 31 years. With 43 technical reports and special publications on pressing issues, ISSER is committed to organizing public events, such as the launch of institutional publications, to engage with stakeholders and foster discussions on important national matters.
A cross-section of guests at the Launch
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, the Provost of the College of Humanities, who chaired the event on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, recognized the launch of the report as a significant milestone for ISSER. He commended the Director and his team for their continuous efforts to produce research outputs that facilitate reflection and engagement in social and economic deliberations relevant to stakeholders.
"In times of heightened global socioeconomic challenges, research-led decision making and policymaking offer the surest lifeline to achieving sustainable development that can have a meaningful and lasting impact on people. Therefore, the launch of the 2022 Ghana Social Development Outlook today couldn't have come at a better time," Prof. Ofori stated.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities
He acknowledged the importance of the ten topics covered in the report, including Education, Health, Water and Sanitation, Housing, Employment, Energy, Environment, Gender Equity, Social Relations, and Population, as they address crucial social issues concerning both individuals and the nation.
Prof. Ofori congratulated the social division, faculty, and staff on their publication, which contributes to ISSER's extensive list of research dedicated to investigating issues, offering recommendations, and providing solutions to improve the country's state.
A cross-section of guests at the Launch
Dr. Martah Awo, the Head of the Social Division at the Institute of Social Statistical and Economic Research, provided an overview of the 2022 Ghana Social Development Outlook during the launch. She described the report as a biennial publication that critically examines development processes, analyzes their impact on social development, and provides policy directives.
Dr. Martah Awo, the Head of the Social Division, ISSER
Dr. Awo acknowledged the progress made in social development since the publication of the maiden edition in 2012. She noted that the nation has made strides in areas such as poverty reduction, equal access to education, health, and sanitation, through the implementation of major global frameworks like the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.
However, she emphasized that the period under review in the report has posed significant challenges for the nation, including the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukraine war, high fuel prices, inflation, the introduction of the e-levy, and challenges in the financial market.
During the event, the book was officially launched by the Chairperson, members of the ISSER management team, and other dignitaries. A seprewa spoken word performance added a cultural touch to the proceedings. The ceremony concluded with intensive open discussions among participants.
A group photo of dignitaries and guests at the Launch
The event was attended by notable individuals, including Professor Nii Ardey Codjoe, Provost of the College of Education; Professor George Owusu, Dean of the School of Social Sciences; Professor Kofi Agyekum; School of Arts; Dr. Michael Kodom, Research Fellow at ISSER; Dr. Kofi Takyi Asante, Senior Research Fellow; Rev. Prof. A. Y. Owusu, Associate Professor at ISSER; Dr. Isaac Osei-Akoto, Senior Research Fellow at ISSER; Dr. Ralph Armah, Research Fellow; heads of departments; faculty members; staff; media representatives; and students.
The launch of the Ghana Social Development Outlook 2022 report showcases ISSER's commitment to producing research that informs policy decisions and contributes to the nation's development. The report's comprehensive analysis of key social issues and its policy recommendations provide valuable insights for stakeholders to make informed decisions that will benefit both individual institutions and the nation as a whole.
