Development must be just, inclusive, and participatory – GII boss at ISSER Report launch

The Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Mrs. Mary Awelana Addah, has underscored the need for Ghana’s development agenda to be rooted in justice, inclusion, and public participation.

She made the call while chairing the launch of the 7th edition of the Ghana Social Development Outlook (GSDO) by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) in Accra.

Describing the GSDO as an “academic and policy compendium,” Mrs. Addah praised the report for its consistent contribution to shaping national discourse and influencing policy decisions across ministries, civil society, and academia.

“Over the years, this report has shaped discussions in government offices and civil society circles. Many of us have drawn on its insights, sometimes even copying copiously to support our own research and advocacy,” she remarked, acknowledging ISSER’s continued excellence in research and public engagement.

In her keynote commentary, Mrs. Addah echoed a key message from the report: development must be just, inclusive, and participatory, explaining that this requires investment in human capital, strengthened public accountability, and evidence-based reforms that reflect the lived experiences of citizens.

Citing Amartya Sen’s development philosophy, she noted that, “Development is not merely the expansion of income but an expansion of people’s capabilities to live the lives they value. The Sustainable Development Goals remind us to leave no one behind.”

She applauded ISSER’s effort to integrate not only statistics and data, but also broader implications for equity, dignity, and social inclusion in the GSDO.

“This report probes structural shocks, economic downturns, and their consequences for livelihoods, access to services, and democratic accountability. It doesn’t shy away from hard truths, and that’s what makes it a powerful tool for change,” she added.

Reflecting on gender equity, Mrs. Addah commended ISSER for ensuring gender representation at the report launch, pointing out how pleased she was to note the gender balance at the high table, where women were not merely represented but were actively playing meaningful roles.

She also stressed the importance of applying the findings of the report rather than treating them as academic exercises. “Let us not merely read and shelve this report. Let us chew on it, act on it, and measure the impact of its well-researched recommendations,” she urged. “This is not only for policymakers, but also for civil society, development partners, and academics.”

Mrs. Addah expressed the hope that through continued reflection, dialogue, and action, a stronger, fairer Ghana will be built.

The Ghana Social Development Outlook is a biennial flagship publication of ISSER, providing data-driven analysis of the country’s social development across key sectors. The 7th edition covers themes such as education, health, gender equality, economic inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and democratic governance.

It is expected to serve as a valuable resource for policy formulation, academic research, and civic engagement.

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