Jospong Group, ISSER forge partnership to bolster social and economic research

In a strategic move aimed at advancing social and economic research, Africa Environmental Sanitation Consult (AfESC), the research and innovation arm of the Jospong Group, has formalized a partnership with the Institute of Statistical Social & Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana.

Through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed recently, the two institutions committed to a broad-ranging collaboration designed to strengthen research and educational initiatives in Ghana.

The MoU covers a variety of collaborative areas, including joint research projects, shared grant applications, exchange programs for students and staff, and joint organization of seminars and courses. This comprehensive agreement aims to support both the educational and research missions of AfESC and ISSER while also offering practical training and industrial placements for students.

ISSER Director Professor Peter Quartey underscored the potential impact of the partnership, highlighting the enhanced capabilities it will bring to securing research funding and expanding the reach of both institutions’ work in social and economic development. “Pooling our resources and expertise allows us to make a greater impact,” said Prof. Quartey. “Together, with a shared objective, we can significantly improve our ability to secure the grants we need to drive important research initiatives forward.”

Dr. Abena N. Asomaning, Managing Director of AfESC, emphasized that the collaboration marks a significant step forward for her organization, opening doors for new research opportunities that can drive impactful initiatives. "Partnering with ISSER is a pivotal milestone for AfESC," Dr. Asomaning noted. "It opens up an array of opportunities for innovative research, enabling us to explore new pathways that will benefit not only the Jospong Group but also the broader Ghanaian community."

Expanding research and education

ISSER, founded in 1962 as the Institute of Statistics, has a longstanding history of contributing to national development. In 1969, the institute expanded its mandate to include social and economic research, rebranding as ISSER and integrating policy-driven research to address Ghana's social and economic needs. As the research wing of the College of Humanities at the University of Ghana, ISSER remains committed to fostering data-driven policy solutions for sustainable development.

Africa Environmental Sanitation Consult (AfESC), known for delivering high-quality research and consultancy services across Africa, brings its expertise in industrial research, project design, and capacity building to the partnership. The organization draws on a team of skilled engineers, scientists, and researchers, positioning itself as a center of excellence and a valuable knowledge partner for both local and international projects.

With this collaboration, both institutions aim to drive impactful initiatives in social and economic research, reflecting a commitment to Ghana’s development priorities through evidence-based strategies. Through shared resources, enhanced grant potential, and a synergy of expertise, the partnership is expected to make significant contributions to Ghana’s research landscape and offer meaningful benefits to students, researchers, and policymakers alike.