Sanaa:First paragraph of the news story.
According to Ghana Web, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), with the support of GIZ's PAIRed programme, has initiated nationwide stakeholder consultations. These consultations aim to review and update the guidelines for Regional Planning Coordinating Units (RPCUs) and District Planning Coordinating Units (DPCUs) to ensure they reflect changes in Ghana's decentralised development planning system.
The initial consultation, which took place on 6 October 2026, gathered stakeholders to evaluate the current guidelines, identify implementation challenges, and suggest improvements based on their practical experiences. Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, the Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, emphasized that the existing guidelines, originally developed in 2004, are outdated given the current operational environment for RPCUs and DPCUs.
He pointed out changes in legal and institutional frameworks, planning and budgeting processes, as well as the increasing use of digital systems in public administration. Rev. Owoo urged participants to draw from their experiences to identify gaps and propose practical measures to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of the revised guidelines.
Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of NDPC, stressed the importance of incorporating the experiences of officials directly involved in development planning and coordination at the regional and district levels. She highlighted the necessity of aligning the guidelines with current institutional arrangements, planning requirements, and technological advancements while addressing practical challenges faced during implementation.
Dr. Amoah also noted the significance of timely preparation and submission of development plans and annual progress reports, as delays at regional and district levels can impact national development planning, monitoring, and reporting. She expressed gratitude to the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, GIZ, and other stakeholders involved in the process, urging participants to offer practical recommendations to strengthen the guidelines and improve coordination across the decentralised planning system.
The consultations will continue throughout the country, with feedback from stakeholders guiding the finalisation of the revised RPCU and DPCU guidelines.