About the Department
The Department of Applied Economics teaches and researches economics as an applied discipline — one whose worth is measured by the decisions it improves.
What we set out to do
The Department trains graduates who can apply economic reasoning and analytical tools to real-life problems, making economics practical, relevant and connected to industry and society. Our aim is to produce economists who combine solid academic training with the practical skills that policy, business and development work require — and who can defend a recommendation with evidence.
Our objectives
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Equip students with a strong foundation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and applied econometrics, focusing on practical application rather than excessive abstraction.
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Develop the ability to apply economic concepts to everyday issues — jobs, prices, poverty, inequality, trade and industrial growth.
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Build capacity to use statistical, mathematical and computational tools for economic and policy analysis in ways that are relevant to industry and the working world.
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Strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills for tackling real-world social and economic challenges.
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Prepare graduates for careers in government, industry, finance, research, consulting and international organisations, and for postgraduate study.
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Cultivate the ethical values, professional attitudes and communication skills that effective economic practice depends on.
Why applied economics, and why now
Applied economics is central to national development strategy. Ghana’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies places industrial transformation, job creation and inclusive growth at the centre of national policy, and both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals turn on sound economic policy and evidence-based decision-making. The Department exists to supply the analytical capacity those commitments assume.