At Cornerstone Economic Research, we recognise that investing in the people who deliver social services is one of the most powerful ways to protect children, strengthen families, and build resilient communities. In partnership with UNICEF Ghana and Child Frontiers, we are working to assess and develop a national, evidence-based strategy to strengthen Ghana’s social service workforce and to prepare robust investment cases for long-term, sustainable financing.
Why this matters
Across Ghana, social service systems are under severe strain. Only 41% of government social welfare positions are currently filled, leaving significant gaps in child protection and welfare services. At the same time, disparities in service delivery between districts, fragmented systems, and limited fiscal space make it difficult to ensure that vulnerable children and families receive the care and support they need. Strengthening the social service workforce is therefore both an urgent and strategic investment in Ghana, for today and the future.
Our role
Cornerstone’s role in this partnership is to lead the development of two investment cases:
- A national case for investing in the social service workforce, quantifying the economic and social returns of expanding and supporting this critical cadre.
- A case for Integrated Social Services (ISS), exploring innovative financing options and presenting evidence to help government and partners mobilise additional resources.
These investment cases will draw on our expertise in public finance for children, costing, fiscal space analysis, and “cost of inaction” studies. By clearly demonstrating both the costs of underinvestment and the long-term benefits of action, we aim to provide decision-makers with persuasive, actionable evidence to drive reform and budgetary commitments.
How we work
Our approach is grounded in evidence, consultation, and sustainability. Our work blends technical expertise in financial modelling with a participatory approach. This ensures that the strategies and investment cases are not only technically sound but also realistic, contextually grounded, and nationally owned.
Cornerstone has pioneered methodologies for investment cases in Eastern and Southern Africa, working in countries such as Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, and Mozambique. In Ghana, we are building on this experience to ensure that social service workforce planning is fiscally realistic and aligned with national priorities.
Our commitment
We believe that effective, well-resourced social service systems are a cornerstone of inclusive development. By supporting Ghana to cost, plan, and advocate for its social service workforce, we are contributing to a stronger foundation for child protection, education, health, and social protection. Ultimately, this means better outcomes for children and families, and stronger, more resilient communities.