The Director of Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Professor Robert Darko Osei had charged government to ensure that Ghana's macroeconomic performance reflects into better living standards and job creation for citizens.

During his presentation of ISSER's review of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget in Accra on Sunday August 2, 2026, he said that as Ghana records significant gains economically, and improved price stability and also fiscal consolidation, these improvements would mean less if they fail to improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

"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?" Osei questioned.

According to him, the country's next phase of economic policy should focus on creating jobs rather than simply improving macroeconomic indicators.

He further maintained that, the expansion of Ghana's services sector must result in employment opportunities, mostly for young people.

"Focus on employment-led growth going forward. Expansion in the services sector should result in reduced unemployment, for example," he added.

However, he noted that government dependence on gold exports exposes risk to the economy, stating that any decline in global gold market could significantly affect export earnings.

"Gold dominated export value makes exports susceptible to any significant price drops. Value addition will improve our economic complexity and offer buffers against price drops," the ISSER Director stated.

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He also warned that the continued restraint in public spending, although supporting fiscal consolidation, could undermine investments in critical infrastructure needed to sustain long-term growth.

He said, "Continued expenditure restraint could limit investment in critical infrastructure. We need to keep an eye on that while consolidating our gains."

ISSER therefore called on policymakers to pursue growth strategies that create sustainable employment, diversify the economy and ensure the benefits of macroeconomic stability are broadly shared across the population.

ANAS/SA

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