The Economy of Ghana Sixty Years after Independence

As Ghana approaches its 60th birthday, optimism and worries for the future continue to be present in equal measure. Economic growth in the last decade has been high by historical standards. Indeed, recent rebasing of GDP figures has put Ghana over the per capita income threshold into Middle Income Country status. However, structural transformation has lagged behind. Fiscal discipline has also eroded significantly and there is heavy borrowing, especially on the commercial market, while elements of the natural resource curse from oil have already occurred. The question most observers ask is whether the gains from two decades of reforms are being reversed. Given this background, this volume brings together leading established and young economists, from within and outside Ghana, to analyze and assess the challenges facing Ghana's economy as it enters its seventh decade and the nation heads towards three quarters of a century of independence. The chapters cover the major macroeconomic and sectoral issues, including fiscal and monetary policy, trade and industrialization, agriculture and infrastructure. The volume also covers a full range of social issues including poverty and inequality, education, health, gender, and social protection. The book also examines the implications of the oil boom for Ghanaian development, and the role of institutions. Contributors to this volume - Charles G. Ackah Clement Adamba A.D. Amarquaye Laryea Ernest Aryeetey William Baah-Boateng Emmanuel A. Codjoe Robert Darko Osei Ama de-Graft Aikins Fred Dzanku Festus Ebo Turkson Kwabena Gyimah-Brempong Abigail Hilson Gavin Hilson Ravi Kanbur Kwadwo Koram Augustin Kwasi Fosu Sam Mensah Andy McKay Edward Nketiah-Amponsah Franklin Obeng-Odoom Abena D. Oduro Isaac Osei-Akoto Eric Osei-Assibey Nkechi S. Owoo George Owusu Bernice Owusu-Brown John Page Ama Pokuaa Fenny Peter Quartey Bernadin Senadza William F. Steel Henry Telli K. A. Tutu Daniel K. Twerefou Christopher Udry Patricia Woedem Aidam Paul W. K. Yankson