Mid-Year Budget: Prioritise employment-led growth - ISSER to government

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) is urging the government to ensure Ghana's strong macroeconomic performance translates into meaningful job creation and improved living standards for citizens. Presenting ISSER's review of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget in Accra, the Director of the Institute, Professor Robert Darko Osei, stated that "Economic growth, fiscal consolidation, price stability etc. should not be an end in themselves. How is the average Ghanaian's daily 'bread and butter' better because of these positives?"

Professor Osei said the country's next phase of economic policy should focus on creating jobs rather than simply improving macroeconomic indicators. He noted that the expansion of Ghana's services sector, which continues to be the largest contributor to economic growth, must result in employment opportunities, particularly for young people. ISSER also cautioned that continued restraint in public spending, while supporting fiscal consolidation, could undermine investments in critical infrastructure needed to sustain long-term growth. The Institute further warned that Ghana's increasing dependence on gold exports poses a significant risk to the economy.