Final Technical Report ISSR

During the period of the Think Tank Initiative (TTI) grant, Ghana’s Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) has produced two five-year strategic plans which lay out priority areas of the institute under its core activities of Research, Advocacy and Training. The research quality of the institute is guided by its strategic plan. This report provides a detailed summary of ISSER’s activities and accomplishments as well as strategies it has implemented for increased research and organizational capacity development

Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) : annual report, 2014 - 2015

The report notes key findings from one ISSER study which reveals that climate change is not a primary objective for the majority of climate-related spending of the National Climate Change Policy in Ghana, and that issues relating to climate change vary across government institutions. Spending directed towards climate action is not labeled as ‘Climate Finance.’ Further, there is no mention in the policy about how funds will be raised to deliver on the plan outlined in the policy document, and no process outlined to ensure transparency and accountability. The report reviews other programmes and outputs of ISSER

Entrepreneurial alertness and new venture performance: Facilitating roles of networking capability

An ability to act upon an entrepreneurial opportunity is a major driver of new venture success. However, scholarly knowledge is limited on how and when entrepreneur alertness to entrepreneurial opportunities drives new venture success. This article addresses this gap arguing that variations in new venture performance are a function of levels of entrepreneurial alertness and networking capabilities. Using primary data gathered from 203 new ventures operating in a sub-Saharan African economy, Ghana, we find that increases in the levels of entrepreneurial alertness are related to increases in new venture performance. Additionally, we find that, under conditions of increased use of social and business networking capabilities, the potency of entrepreneurial alertness as a driver of new venture success is amplified. Theoretical, managerial and policy implications of these findings are discussed

The Role of Small Towns in Regional Development and Poverty Reduction in Ghana

Ghana, like many other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, lacks a clearly articulated urban development strategy. Urban growth has been rapid but largely uncontrolled. Ghana's adoption of a decentralization programme in 1988 focused some attention on small towns. The country's more recent adoption of the Millennium Development Goals and other specific poverty reduction strategies requires more concerted state promotion of small towns. Improved service provision and delivery through small towns is a necessary component of any successful poverty reduction or regional development strategy. Copyright (c) 2008 The Author. Journal Compilation (c) 2008 Joint Editors and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.