Upper east region: The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Nii Moi Thompson, has emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement to ensure that Ghana's national development agenda remains stable, irrespective of changes in government. Speaking during strategic consultations with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and key stakeholders in the region, he noted that the exercise aimed to gather practical feedback from those implementing government policies to understand why some initiatives fail and how future plans could be improved.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Thompson explained that the Commission's new planning approach would be anchored on the Directive Principles of State Policy in Chapter 6 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. This approach aims to ensure continuity across political administrations. He indicated that the Consolidated National Development Plan will guide the country's long-term vision, tentatively called Ghana Vision 2057, and make national development objectives binding on all political parties. Thompson stressed that aligning party manifestos with these constitutional principles would help prevent policy disruptions after elections.
He further highlighted the importance of equitable development across all regions, cautioning against the excessive concentration of investment in Accra. Although the Greater Accra Region occupies a small portion of Ghana's land area, it attracts the majority of foreign direct investment. Dr. Thompson emphasized that strengthening local economic development across all districts will form the foundation of the country's next national development plan.
Audrey Smock Amoah, the Director-General of the NDPC, also stressed the importance of effective planning in achieving Ghana's development goals. She explained that the Commission operates under Articles 86 and 87 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and is mandated to advise the President on development policy while coordinating the decentralized planning system from the national level down to the districts. The current policy framework, which runs from 2026 to 2029, focuses on 'Resetting Ghana's Agenda, Creating Jobs, Ensuring Accountability and Promoting Shared Prosperity.'
Dr. Smock Amoah noted that district development plans play a critical role in governance and public sector accountability, serving as the basis for monitoring, evaluation, and resource allocation across government institutions. She urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives to ensure that their development plans reflect the aspirations of the people and align with national priorities.
Donatus Akamugri Atanga highlighted the significance of stakeholder engagement in shaping Ghana's Consolidated National Development Plan. He emphasized the region's immense human potential, rich cultural heritage, and growing opportunities in agriculture, trade, renewable energy, and tourism. Atanga noted that effective planning requires active input from traditional authorities, local government leaders, technical officers, and development partners. He stated that such a plan must transcend political cycles and provide a stable framework that guides policy, investment, and development interventions for the benefit of present and future generations.