The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is Ghana’s first public policy Institute. Established 32 years ago in 1989, when Ghana was still under military rule, the Institution is strategically located at the heart of the capital – Accra with a staff size of twenty-five. IEA is not affiliated to any political party within or outside Ghana. However, it engages all parties on equal basis in any advocacy platform to democratic development in the country. The Institute played a lead role in the fight to restore democratic rule in 1992. Since then, the it has worked hard to promote democratic and good governance principles and respect for human rights in Ghana and Africa through cutting-edge, evidence-based research and forceful and sustained advocacy.
The Institute’s mission is to promote good governance, democracy and a fair market economy. It believes in the creation of an environment in which economic, social, political and legal institutions function openly and freely as the key to sustainable economic growth and human development.
The Institute has positioned itself as a first-class policy and knowledge-based institution. In carrying out its objectives and functions, IEA collaborates with networks of think tanks, CSOs and other stakeholders in and outside Ghana to pursue a common agenda of influencing policies for the betterment of peoples’ lives. IEA has cast a niche for itself in the public policy space and become a first point of reference and contact on critical public policy issues. Over the years, with the kind support of many institutions and organizations, IEA has managed important and wide-raging research and data projects that have influenced policy and legislations in Ghana and beyond. Many of the projects have focused on Governance issues, including corruption, human rights, gender rights, and trust in public institutions.