Marcus Bansah

Marcus Bansah is an Assistant Professor of Economics at St. Olaf College, where he teaches courses in Macroeconomic Theory, International Economics, and Contemporary Issues in Macroeconomics. He is affiliated with the Department of Economics and contributes to both undergraduate instruction and applied economic research.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Economics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2019)
• M.A. in Economics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2015)
• M.Phil. in Economics, University of Ghana, Legon (2010)
• B.A. in Economics (Summa cum laude), University of Ghana, Legon (2007)

His research centers on macroeconomic and policy-related issues in developing and small open economies. Key areas include monetary policy, taxation, trade liberalization, financial development, and the informal sector. He employs empirical and theoretical methods to analyze how macroeconomic policies affect welfare, informality, and financial inclusion. His work often integrates development and international economics perspectives with real-world policy implications.

The recent articles reflect a strong focus on development-oriented macroeconomic questions, particularly the interplay between inflation, credit access, and informality; the role of remittances in financial development; and the fiscal and welfare consequences of trade reforms. His publications appear in peer-reviewed journals such as The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development and Managerial and Decision Economics, indicating a consistent contribution to applied economic theory and policy analysis.

Media and Public Engagement:

• Featured expert on inflation and regional economics in Twin Cities PBS, MPR News, StarTribune, and WCCO-TV
• Contributor to Zippia's future of job market report
• Profiled by St. Olaf News for blending classroom learning with real-world applications

Marcus Bansah has served as a graduate teaching associate, research assistant, and faculty intern at institutions including the University of Tennessee, University of Ghana, and Ashesi University. He was previously the Belmont University Fellow in Economics at Jack C. Massey College of Business. His research has been presented at conferences such as the Southern Economic Association annual meetings. He has also conducted policy-relevant research at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana.

Labs and Research Affiliations:

• Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research (University of Tennessee) – Graduate Research Assistant
• Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana – Principal Research Assistant