Ghana Social Science Journal

Navigating the post-COVID landscape: Resilience, sustainability and in-clusive growth

Edward Nketiah-Amponsah — 2026-05-27

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a defining moment in contemporary global history, exposing deep structural vulnerabilities while simultaneously creating opportunities for transformation across societies (Conduah & Ofoe, 2025; Hale et al., 2021; World Health Organization, 2020). In Ghana, the pandemic disrupted economic systems, strained governance institutions, intensified social inequalities, and challenged the resilience of communities (World Bank, 2021; UNDP, 2020). Against this backdrop, the 9th School of Social Sciences International conference held in October 2024 provided a critical platform for scholars to interrogate these disruptions and propose pathways toward recovery and long-term sustainability. This special issue of the Ghana Social Science Journal (GSSJ) brings together selected papers from that conference under the theme “Resilience, Growth, and Sustainability in the Post-COVID Era: The Role of Social Sciences.” The aim of this special issue is threefold. First, it seeks to deepen understanding of how societies in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa have responded to and are recovering from the pandemic's multidimensional impacts. Second, it highlights the role of social science research in unpacking complex socio-economic, environmental, and institutional challenges. Third, it advances policy-relevant insights that contribute to building resilient systems capable of withstanding future shocks while promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

Effect of capital account liberalization on external debt in Sub-Saharan Africa

Divine Selase Amewu — 2026-05-27

Financial sector reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the past few decades, including the liberalization of the capital account, have had a positive impact on capital inflows to the region. This paper examines the effect of capital account liberalization on external debt in SSA. We use the Chinn-Ito Index as a measure of capital account liberalization utilizing a robust panel data set from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund databases for the period 2007 to 2021 on 42 SSA countries. The study employs the Dynamic System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) estimation technique. We find a positive and significant effect of capital account liberalization on external debt, suggesting that greater capital openness is associated with higher levels of external debt. We also find that the stock of external debt increases the likelihood of further debt buildup, which is indicated by the significant and positive coefficient of the lagged external debt variable. Further results show that economic growth and trade openness reduce external debt, while investment increases it. These findings highlight the dual nature of capital account liberalization: it expands financing opportunities but also raises debt vulnerabilities, underscoring the need for cautious liberalization and stronger debt management in SSA. The study therefore recommends that SSA countries adopt a cautious, sequenced approach to the management of capital accounts, given the existing liberalized regime, strengthen debt management frameworks, and ensure that external borrowing is channelled into productive, growth-enhancing investments. Additionally, promoting sustainable economic growth and trade competitiveness will be essential to reducing the increased reliance on external borrowing and safeguarding long-term debt sustainability.

Financial stability and the foreign direct investment – growth nexus

Boison Angmortey Angmosi — 2026-05-28

The role of financial stability in the relationship between foreign direct investments (FDI) and economic growth is examined to provide an understanding of the level of financial stability required for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) economies to benefit from FDI. Both stocks and annual inflows of FDI are used in establishing the relationship between FDI and Growth, while assessing the moderating effects of financial stability in that relationship. The two-step system generalized method of moments (SGMM) estimator is used to analyse annual data for thirty-four (34) SSA economies from 2002 to 2021. The study reveals that FDI causes SSA economies to grow only in the presence of stable financial systems. FDI stocks and annual inflows tend to only drive economic growth in the presence of financial stability. The place of stable financial systems in ensuring sustained economic growth in SSA cannot be overemphasized, as its absence may cause other factors such as FDI which would have otherwise been beneficial, to rather be a curse.

Organizational resilience for better service delivery: The case of Ghana’s Electoral Commission

Joshua Jebuntie Zaato — 2026-05-28

Organizational resilience remains paramount to the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery by public institutions. This is because it allows organizations to effectively respond to and recover from crises and disruptions. By focusing on resilience, organizations can enhance their ability to withstand uncertainties, ensure institutional continuity, and sustain long-term success in a dynamic and unpredictable environment. These characteristics are fundamental to the success or otherwise of any learning organization, especially those deemed as guardians of democracies. In Ghana, the Electoral Commission (EC) is the main guardian of democracy and one of the leading institutions of elections in Africa and all developing countries. It has successfully conducted elections resulting in four successful turnovers in the last three decades (2001,2009,2017,2025). Nevertheless, the EC has faced a diverse array of challenges that have tested its resilience across various fronts. These include electoral violence and political vigilantism during voter registration and by-elections. Others include political interference in its work. But no other event challenged the EC as much as the COVID-19 pandemic, which required additional security measures and the adoption of reforms like continuous voter registration. In this study, we developed (from the extant literature) a theoretical framework for building resilient organizations and use it to study and analyze Ghana’s EC. This study will be beneficial to other Electoral Commissions in developing countries, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also be beneficial to all other public organizations that aspire to provide better and more efficient public services to citizens in a democracy.

Probation sentencing and juvenile re-offending in Ghana: The perspectives of juvenile justice practitioners

Prince Boamah Abrah — 2026-05-28

This study investigates probation sentences and juvenile reoffending in Ghana, drawing on the opinions of Probation Officers at the Department of Social welfare in Accra. Drawing on phenomenological research methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Probation Officers to obtain their views on the effectiveness of probation in Ghana. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. The results reveal the factors which predispose juveniles to commit crime: delinquent peer association, poverty, and lack of parental supervision. The roles played by probation officers are also discussed in the article. Additionally, location/residential change, involving probationers in decision making and providing for the material needs of probationers were some of the factors found to reduce reoffending. Finally, the challenges that probation officers encounter are discussed. The study strengthens the debates on what works to reduce reoffending among probationers.

Distributional effects of non-farm income on farm income and household welfare: Evidence from rural Ghana

Franklin Nkudefe Adjotor — 2026-05-28

The study examines the impact of non-farm income on farm income across the income distribution of rural households in Ghana, as well as its effect on poverty incidence. Data were obtained from the 7th Round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey. Quantile and probit regression models with instrumental variables were employed to achieve the study’s objectives. Quantile regression results show that non-farm income helps stabilize farm income but is less effective for the poorest households. A one-unit increase in non-farm income raises rural farm income by 14.2 percentage points (p < 0.05) at the 50th quantile and 14.7 percentage points (p < 0.05) at the 75th quantile but has no significant effect at the 25th quantile. The probit regression further reveals that non-farm participation reduces poverty, but this only holds for households in the lower half of the income distribution. Our findings underscore the need for complementary economic activities for improving the livelihoods of rural populations. It also calls for a review of the land tenure system, which the study identified as having adverse effect on the poorest households. This study provides new insights into the impact of rural non-farm activities on agricultural households, detailing their role in alleviating poverty across the income distribution.

Adaptation challenges of international students at the university of Ghana

Abigail Nana Asamoah — 2026-05-28

Globally, the number of international students rose from approximately 2.1 million in 2000 to nearly 6.9 million in 2022. Ghana is home to about 5,416 international students, but they are rarely the focus of research. A few studies that have been done about international students in Ghana were mainly quantitative and mixed methods, which considered communication among students in a multi-cultural learning environment and health-seeking behaviours for malaria treatment. There are not enough studies conducted to understand the adaptation challenges from the international students’ point of view. This study explores the adaptation challenges of international students at the University of Ghana. A qualitative approach was adopted, and twenty–five (25) international students at the University of Ghana were recruited through a purposive sampling technique. Purposive sampling allowed the researcher to select participants based on their qualities and criteria determined by the research purpose. The data was collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews and subsequently analyzed using the seven-step framework analysis. Four (4) themes emerged under this study: 1) language barrier, 2) challenge navigating the environment, 3) financial problems 4) unmet institutional support needs. This study concludes that international students face challenges adjusting to university life in a foreign country, regardless of their country of origin. There is, therefore, a need to provide adequate support for them to adapt successfully to university life.

How does international migrants’ investment in country of origin influence their return prospects: The case of Ghanaian immigrants in the United Kingdom

Abdulai Bonchel Duut — 2026-05-28

International return migration has gained attention in recent years, though the connection between investment in a country of origin and return intentions remains underexplored. This paper uses an explanatory mixed-methods design to examine the effect of investment in a country of origin and the return proposition for Ghanaian immigrants in the United Kingdom. The study conducted a cross-sectional survey among 297 respondents and carried out 30 in-depth interviews. The results showed that the average age of respondents was 37.8 years, and the majority were married (77.1%), had a tertiary education (85.2%), and were employed (66.3%). More than two-thirds (76%) of them indicated that their motivation for investing in Ghana was driven by their desire to return. The desire to return to Ghana is higher among immigrants who are actively investing in Ghana’s economy. The study found that Ghanaian immigrants with guaranteed legal status in the UK could secure jobs and operate businesses to accumulate capital for possible investment back home. There is a need for Ghanaian authorities to integrate investment sectors with digital and financial services to attract more interest, while migration policies should account for the transnational nature of migrants.

Gambling among Ghanaian tertiary students: Exploring gender dynamics, motivations, and risks in urban Accra, Ghana

Rabiu K. B. Asante — 2026-05-29

Gambling among young people in sub-Saharan Africa has emerged as a significant public health concern, with tertiary students in urban areas such as Accra, Ghana, being particularly vulnerable. This study examines gambling behaviours, motivations, and associated risks among undergraduate student gamblers from the University of Ghana, with a focus on gender dynamics and the influence of gambling advertisements. Using a cross-sectional design, the study reveals that gambling is a pervasive activity among tertiary students sampled; among these student gamblers, 84.5% gambled exclusively online (primarily sports betting), while a further 13.8% used both online and in-person modes and 1.7% gambled in person only. Male students reported higher gambling frequency. However, there were no statistically significant differences in gambling addiction levels. Although female students were more exposed to gambling adverts, the difference was equally not statistically significant. These findings notwithstanding, they highlight the need for gender-specific interventions. Financial pressures, peer influence, and the normalization of gambling through media were identified as key motivators for gambling. Exposure to gambling advertisements and financial losses were significant predictors of gambling addiction, emphasizing the role of targeted marketing in exacerbating gambling-related harms. The findings underscore the need for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements, financial literacy programmes, and university-led initiatives to mitigate the negative consequences of gambling among tertiary students. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on youth gambling in sub-Saharan Africa and highlights the importance of addressing the unique vulnerabilities of tertiary students in urban contexts.

Spatial variations in access to sanitation across Tema, Ghana

Iris Ekua Mensimah Fynn — 2026-05-29

Inequitable access to sanitation remains a major barrier to sustainable urban development, as sanitation services are central to public health, environmental quality and economic well-being. By integrating environmental, infrastructural, and household-level indicators, the study moves beyond narrow assessments of sanitation access This study examines spatial variations in access to sanitation across Tema in Ghana, focusing on communities 3, 12 and Newtown. Conceived as Ghana’s first planned city after independence and initially connected to a unified sanitation grid, Tema now faces significant infrastructure strain as rapid urbanization, population growth and chronic municipal funding limitations have transformed its sanitation landscape. Using a multi-methods approach that integrates biophysical and urban data in the ArcGIS software, access to sanitation across Tema was mapped via a multi-criteria analysis approach, and the results were explained using qualitative data. Findings reveal significant infrastructural gaps between the legacy planned system and newer residential developments, many of which remain unconnected to the formal sanitation grid. Intra-urban disparities in sanitation provision are apparent in all residential areas with communities inhabited by more affluent residents typically receiving better-quality services, more reliable infrastructure, and greater municipal attention than low-income and marginalized neighbourhoods. The study underscores the need to align sanitation planning with biophysical and urbanization realities.

Personality traits and energy conservation behaviour: Implications for energy transition in Ghana

Emmanuel Adu-Danso — 2026-05-29

This paper explores the relationship between the “Big Five” personality traits and energy conservation behaviour in Ghana. The energy conservation behaviours analysed are categorised as habit adjustment, energy investments, proactive conservation and brand loyalty. Drawing on a sample of 1,580 households from three regions, our findings revealed that individuals exhibiting agreeableness and conscientiousness tend to demonstrate a predisposition toward habit adjustment, whereas those characterized by openness, agreeableness, and neuroticism show a greater proclivity for engaging in strategic investments in energy-efficient appliances. While the traits of openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness are positively associated with proactive conservation behaviours, extraversion is negatively associated with taking the initiative to conserve energy within the household. Also, individuals high in agreeableness and openness are more inclined to select trusted brands. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions designed to foster environmental responsibility to specific personality traits to advance a sustainable energy transition.

Surviving on the margins: The impact of COVID-19 on food security among internal migrants in slum communities of Accra

Cynthia Addoquaye Tagoe — 2026-05-29

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities among marginalised populations worldwide, particularly in urban settings. Grounded in crisis and vulnerability theories and frameworks, the paper explores how systemic inequalities and public health shocks heightened food insecurity and induced diverse coping strategies among internal migrants in Accra. Using a survey of 100 migrants from Old Fadama and Agbogbloshie as well as interviews with four migrants and an assemblyman, this paper analyses food security trends across three time periods: pre-COVID, during COVID and post-COVID, allowing for a comparative analysis of food security across these phases. The study finds that the economic disruptions caused by COVID-19 disproportionately affected these migrants, leading to a range of coping strategies including reducing meal portions, purchasing food on credit, and relying on less expensive foods. While food security showed slight improvement post-pandemic, it remained below pre-COVID-19 levels. The study underscores the inadequacy of formal social protection programmes and, in some cases, the structural exclusion of migrants from these interventions, further deepening their vulnerability. By combining a three‑period application of the USDA 18‑item scale with qualitative interviews among internal migrants in two slum communities in Accra, the study advances understanding of food security among this group in urban Ghana. It reveals how changes in food security are linked to coping strategies and barriers to formal support, thereby informing the design of crisis‑responsive social protection programmes that target migrants’ specific needs in the city.