{
  "id": 54415,
  "title": "ISSER questions slow pace of “Big Push” as construction growth remains weak",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/isser-questions-slow-pace-of-big-push-as-construction-growth-remains",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-02T18:30:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/isser-questions-slow-pace-of-big-push-as-construction-growth-remains-weak/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has expressed concerns over the slow progress of Ghana's \"Big Push\" infrastructure programme, highlighting that construction growth remains sluggish despite the ambitious initiative. In a review of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget, ISSER's Director, Professor Robert Darko Osei, revealed that the latest economic data indicates many flagship infrastructure projects have yet to generate measurable economic activity. The construction sector expanded by a mere 1.3% in the first quarter of 2026, even as the government continues to promote the Big Push as a catalyst for economic transformation.\n\nProfessor Osei attributed the weak performance to the government's fiscal restraint, noting that significant cuts in capital expenditure have hampered infrastructure spending. He emphasized that the government has maintained tight expenditure controls with no supplementary appropriations, which has constrained capital expenditure in the sector. ISSER also pointed out that while fiscal consolidation has helped restore macroeconomic stability, sustained growth will necessitate greater investment in productive infrastructure.\n\nEarlier in the presentation, ISSER highlighted that capital expenditure in the first half of 2026 was 41% below the target, raising questions about whether the expenditure cuts are impeding the implementation of major development projects. Professor Osei stressed that while maintaining fiscal discipline is crucial, the government must ensure infrastructure investment accelerates to foster economic growth, generate employment, and enhance productivity across the economy.",
  "summary": "Presenting ISSER's review of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget, the Director of the Institute, Professor Robert Darko Osei, said the latest economic data suggest many of the flagship infrastructure projects are yet to translate into measurable economic activ",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Mid-Year Budget: Prioritise employment-led growth – ISSER to government",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/mid-year-budget-prioritise-employment-led-growth-isser-to-government",
        "published": "2026-08-02T18:23:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}