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On Wednesday, 31st May, 2017, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), presented findings of a survey on the ‘Expectations of Ghanaians’ of the New Government’ at a Roundtable Discussion.

The purpose of the survey was to assess whether the policy priorities of the new government are in line with the real expectations of Ghanaian citizens.

The Roundtable was chaired by former Commissioner of the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Justice Emile Short; the presentations were led by Senior Economist at the IEA, Dr. Eric Osei-Assibey, alongside Senior Research Fellow, Prof. Ransford Gyampo.

 Participants were drawn from Government, Parliament, Academia, Civil Society, Political Parties, Religious and Traditional Leaders, Diplomatic Corps and the Media whose insightful contributions helped shape the successful event.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Amb. Mercy Debrah- Karikari, Secretary to the Cabinet, Justice V.C.R.A.C. Crabbe, Former Supreme Court Judge, Hon. Vincent Sowah-Odotei, Deputy Minister of Communications, Mr. Richard Quayson, Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, Alhaji Bin Salih, Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Mission and Nii Okaidja III, Gbese Mantse.

The survey findings proved very insightful.  For example, with regards to economic issues, a majority of respondents chose job creation to be their number one expectation from government. On the topic of education, implementing free SHS education ranked at the top, while improving the NHIS system was the leading health priority. Additionally, putting an end to the rising cost of utilities (water and electricity) was the most critical issue participants believed the government should address. In fighting corruption, survey participants chose investigating and punishing corrupt officials to be of greatest importance.

Finally, respondents showed a strong desire for the government to prioritise fighting crime and promoting personal safety in Ghana.

Following the presentation of survey findings, Prof. Gyampo and Dr. Osei-Assibey presented the IEA’s policy recommendations.

The IEA is of the hope that the findings will serve as a guide to the new administration in its policy prioritisation process for its first year in government and beyond.