Professor Peter Quartey, Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), has underscored the critical need for a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth in Ghana. Speaking at the launch of the Development Insight Hub (DIH) at the University of Ghana, Professor Quartey emphasized that strengthening M&E systems is crucial for steering effective industrial development. He argued that these systems provide the necessary feedback loops to assess the impact of policies, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently. He further highlighted the importance of investing in the skills and competencies of young people, describing this as foundational for both sustainable economic growth and long-term national development. Professor Quartey, also the Board Chairman of DIH, advocated for youth-centered national programs designed to inspire and cultivate a passion for personal and national advancement.
The Development Insight Hub, according to its Team Lead, Mr. Kwabena Adjei Boakye, seeks to establish a platform that empowers young individuals to harness their potential and enhance their employability. This platform is designed to provide young people with the resources, training, and mentorship necessary to either secure meaningful employment or embark on successful entrepreneurial ventures. Mr. Boakye emphasized the organization’s belief in the untapped potential of young people, advocating for spaces where they can identify and solve problems themselves. He explained that the DIH selects beneficiaries through a rigorous application and screening process, evaluating their profiles and backgrounds to identify individuals with the aptitude and skills to benefit most from the program. While the current focus is on specific regions, Mr. Boakye expressed the intention to expand the program’s reach in the future.
The Head of Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darko, echoed the emphasis on youth development, highlighting the Civil Service’s commitment to robust policy direction as a driver of continuous national growth. He underscored the crucial role young people play in promoting efficiency and responsiveness within the public sector. Dr. Aggrey-Darko pointed out the unique contributions of young people – their energy, innovative thinking, and digital literacy – as invaluable assets in addressing long-standing challenges with fresh perspectives and creative solutions. In the current digital age, characterized by an abundance of data, he stressed the necessity for young people to be equipped with relevant skills throughout their careers, particularly in the area of monitoring and evaluation. This, he argued, is imperative for effective data analysis and utilization in policy formulation and implementation.
The call for a stronger M&E framework highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making in achieving sustainable economic growth. By establishing robust systems to track progress, measure outcomes, and identify areas for improvement, policymakers can ensure that development initiatives are effective and impactful. Furthermore, investing in youth development, as advocated by both Professor Quartey and Dr. Aggrey-Darko, is crucial for harnessing the demographic dividend and securing the long-term prosperity of the nation. Initiatives like the Development Insight Hub play a vital role in providing young people with the necessary skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
The confluence of these perspectives – the emphasis on a strong M&E framework and the focus on youth development – points towards a strategic approach to national development. By equipping young people with the skills to navigate the digital age and providing them with opportunities to contribute to problem-solving, while simultaneously establishing rigorous systems for monitoring and evaluating the impact of policies, Ghana can create a virtuous cycle of sustainable growth and development. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of various factors contributing to economic prosperity and aims to leverage them synergistically.
The launch of the Development Insight Hub represents a tangible step towards realizing this vision. By providing a platform for young people to develop their skills and connect with opportunities, the DIH is contributing to the creation of a more dynamic and innovative workforce. This, coupled with a strengthened M&E framework, can position Ghana for sustained economic growth and development in the years to come. The emphasis on both individual empowerment and systemic improvement highlights a holistic approach to development, recognizing that both are essential for achieving lasting progress.
