Sustain economic stability, expand productive employment and create better jobs – ISSER to government

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) is urging the government to maintain economic stability while simultaneously expanding productive employment. The ISSER argues that this is crucial in converting economic growth into improved living standards. In its State of Ghana Economic Report (SGER), ISSER highlighted that Ghana's macroeconomic recovery gained momentum in 2025, with the economy expanding by 6.0%, up from 5.8% in 2024 and surpassing the global (3.4%) and sub-Saharan African (4.5%) averages.

The growth was mainly driven by services (8.1%) and agriculture (6.8%), while industry slowed to 2.3%, largely due to a significant downturn in oil and gas production. However, manufacturing and gold production saw expansion.

The ISSER noted that the macroeconomic conditions improved considerably, with year-end inflation falling from 23.8% to 5.4%, the cedi strengthening, and interest rates declining. This fiscal and external improvement creates a more favorable environment for investment. However, ISSER cautioned that a higher GDP growth does not automatically lead to better livelihoods. They pointed out that employment opportunities, the cost of borrowing, and the distribution of growth benefits remain major concerns.

ISSER's policy priorities include maintaining fiscal discipline and low inflation while encouraging productive investment. The research institute also wants the government to focus on creating better jobs and translating growth into employment opportunities, particularly for the younger population. Additionally, ISSER called for strengthening resilience by diversifying production and exports, improving infrastructure, and reducing dependence on commodity-driven gains.