Economist / Policy Analyst , career path in Ghana
Economists study how resources, prices and policy interact, and translate data into advice for government, banks and development bodies.
Possible pathway , SHS to professional
This is one legitimate route, not the only one. See “Alternative routes” below.
- 1
SHS
Build a strong WASSCE profile in the subjects below.
- 2
WASSCE subjects
Economics, Core Mathematics, Elective Mathematics, Geography or Government
Open →
- 3
Programme
BA/BSc Economics, Economics and Statistics, Development Economics and related programmes
Open →
- 4
University / institution
Accredited Ghanaian institutions offering these programmes.
Open →
- 5
Skills
Econometrics, Stata / R / Python, Excel modelling, Data visualisation
Open →
- 6
Projects
Analyse Ghana Statistical Service or Bank of Ghana datasets
- 7
Internship
Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Finance
- 8
Entry-level role
Research Assistant, Economic Analyst, Risk Analyst
- 9
Professional career
Economist / Policy Analyst
- 10
Specialisation
Director of Research
- 1
SHS
Build a strong WASSCE profile in the subjects below.
- 2
WASSCE subjects
Economics, Core Mathematics, Elective Mathematics, Geography or Government
Open →
- 3
Programme
BA/BSc Economics, Economics and Statistics, Development Economics and related programmes
Open →
- 4
University / institution
Accredited Ghanaian institutions offering these programmes.
Open →
- 5
Skills
Econometrics, Stata / R / Python, Excel modelling, Data visualisation
Open →
- 6
Projects
Analyse Ghana Statistical Service or Bank of Ghana datasets
- 7
Internship
Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Finance
- 8
Entry-level role
Research Assistant, Economic Analyst, Risk Analyst
- 9
Professional career
Economist / Policy Analyst
- 10
Specialisation
Director of Research
What this career involves
- Analyse economic and market data
- Model scenarios and forecasts
- Write policy and research briefs
- Evaluate programmes and investments
- Present findings to decision makers
Recommended SHS background
Relevant university programmes
Alternative programmes
Recommended certifications
- Data analysis certificates (Coursera, World Bank courses)
- CFA for finance-leaning roles
- M&E certification for development work
Projects you can build
- Analyse Ghana Statistical Service or Bank of Ghana datasets
- Write policy briefs on a current economic issue
- Build an inflation or exchange-rate dashboard
Internship opportunities
- Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Finance
- Think tanks (IMANI, IEA, ISSER)
- Banks, insurers and development agencies
Entry-level roles
Industries
Career progression
- Research Assistant
- Analyst
- Senior Economist
- Lead Economist or Policy Advisor
- Director of Research
Alternative routes
- Statistics or maths degree, then economics MSc
- Enter through data analysis roles
- Development studies route into policy work
Further education
- MSc/MPhil Economics
- MPA / MPP
- PhD for research and academia
Skills you need
Tap any skill for what it is and free places to learn it. Sources are credited on the credits page.
Foundation skills
Start here — these make everything else easier.
Technical skills
The core know-how employers test you on.
Tools & technologies
The software and equipment used on the job.
Soft skills
How you work with people. Often decides who gets hired.
Industry knowledge
Rules, regulators and context specific to Ghana and the sector.
Advanced skills
Build these after the basics to specialise and stand out.
Verified programmes for this career
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Common roles
Employers hiring in Ghana
Reported salary range
GHS 3,000 - 12,000/month
Ranges are indicative market reports, not guaranteed pay.
Remote & international potential
Research and consulting roles often hybrid or fully remote.
Search: 'Economic Analyst Ghana', 'Research Officer'. Publish short data write-ups.
Related careers
Sources
Last updated 2026-08-20