The Executive Director of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Mr. Sam Salifu Danse, has underscored the importance of strengthening research to address persistent inequalities affecting the five regions in northern Ghana.
Mr. Sam Salifu Danse made the call on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, when a delegation from the ISODEC paid a courtesy visit to the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) to discuss a proposed annual, locally led research and survey programme aimed at tracking inequalities within and across northern Ghana.
The proposed initiative, being championed by ISODEC and TAMA Foundation Universal seeks to generate credible evidence on the nature, drivers, and evolving patterns of inequality across Ghana’s northern regions, while providing insights to inform policy formulation, development planning, and targeted interventions.
Mr. Danse explained that the proposed initiative is meant to bridge existing gaps in research on regional disparities, while providing a platform for continuous evidence generation to deepen understanding of the factors driving inequalities between northern and southern Ghana.
He noted that the NDPC’s endorsement of, and technical engagement with the initiative would be crucial in identifying the root causes of the disparities and ensuring that research findings are effectively communicated to government to inform policy formulation and development interventions.
Mr. Danse reiterated ISODEC’s commitment to its partnership with the NDPC, expressing confidence that the Commission’s active engagement would enhance the relevance, credibility, and policy influence of the proposed research initiative, while ensuring that its findings effectively inform national development planning and decision-making.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director General of NDPC, welcomed the proposal, describing it as “a step in the right direction” that could support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and promote the efficient use of resources.
Dr Amoah noted that the Commission had encountered concerns relating to regional disparities during its recent stakeholder engagements across all sixteen regions.
On his part, Dr. Bishop Akolgo, a consultant emphasised He highlighted concerns regarding unequal economic exchanges between northern and southern Ghana and encouraged the research team to adopt a comprehensive approach by incorporating indicators such as infrastructure development, access to services, and economic opportunities.
Dr Akolgo underscored the importance of examining inequality beyond income disparities to include gender, ethnicity, social exclusion, and other structural dimensions.
Source: ISODEC Communications
