Ghana’s Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has called on the government to prioritise employment-led growth in its review of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget.
Professor Robert Darko Osei, the institute’s director, presented the findings in Accra, arguing that while the country has achieved notable progress in economic expansion and fiscal consolidation, these gains must be translated into tangible job creation to be sustainable.
The recommendation comes as Ghana’s opposition intensifies its criticism of the administration’s economic management, characterising recent expansion as “jobless growth” and highlighting a growing disconnect between macroeconomic indicators and household income levels. The ISSER review suggests that without a deliberate shift toward labour-intensive sectors and skills development, the benefits of fiscal tightening may remain concentrated among a narrow segment of the economy.
This debate mirrors broader discussions in emerging markets, where policymakers are increasingly pressured to balance debt sustainability with social stability.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development recently advised the UK Chancellor to focus on labour market reforms over tax hikes to stabilise public finances, reflecting a global trend toward structural adjustments that support employment. Investors monitoring Ghana’s sovereign risk profile will be watching for any policy shifts that could alter the trajectory of domestic demand and social cohesion.