Policy Workshop held at IIAS, University of Ghana
This research which used a novel framework called Economic Complexity Index and Product Space Analytics pointed out specific products that when added to the products that Ghana already exports with comparative advantage can help quicken the pace of structural transformation. The employment potential of these products for young people and women were highlighted at the workshop.
The project is funded by the International Development Research Center (IDRC) of Canada and was undertaken by the International Institute for Advanced Studies (IIAS) under the auspices of Development Policy Research Unit (DPRU), University of Cape Town. Similar studies were also done in South Africa, Senegal and Kenya. More details of the Economic Complexity project can be accessed here.
Presentations
At the workshop which was held on Thursday December 20, 2018, presentation of findings were made by the lead of the country team, Prof. William Baah-Boateng (Director & Senior Fellow of IIAS and Head of Economics Department, University of Ghana) and Eric Twum (Researcher and Administrator at IIAS). The policy workshop provided the platform for an engagement with the Secretariat of the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative, a flagship industralisation programme being pursued by the current Government of Ghana. Mr. Ernest Agyapong, Team leader of 1D1F, used the opportunity to give a status report of the one-year old programme.
A Photo Overview of the Policy Workshop:
Lead Researcher of Ghana team, Prof. William Baah-Boateng giving an overview of the entire Economic Complexity Project
Prof. Baah-Boateng presenting findings to participants at the Policy Workshop
Mr. Christopher Opoku Nyarko, a Researcher with the Ghana Chamber of Mines asking a question as other participants look on.
Eric Twum, a Research Administrator of IIAS and research assistant of the project explaining Ghana’s Product Space
Prof. Abena Oduro seeking clarification for the Economic Complexity framework
Dr. Ayisi inquires how ECI is computed
Mrs. Francisca Atuluk from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection commenting on how findings from this research could be incorporated into policy making
Prof. William Baah-Boateng analyzing the employment-complexity relationship
Team Leader of 1D1F, Mr. Ernest Agyapong gives a presentation which highlights the status of the year-old flagship industralisation programme of government.
A representative of Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Frank Adu Amankwah asks a question during the session for 1D1F
Group Photo