Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chair of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has outlined key priorities the commission will focus on as it crafts a unified national vision. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to inclusive and data-driven planning to accelerate Ghana’s transformation.
This marks Dr. Nii Moi Thompson’s second time leading the NDPC. He addressed the public following the swearing-in ceremony presided over by President John Dramani Mahama.
Focus Areas Under Dr. Nii Moi Thompson’s Leadership
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson revealed that seven commissioners will operate through eight strategic sub-committees covering the economy, governance, and infrastructure.
- 1. Economy – Fiscal and monetary policies, with close collaboration with experts like Dr. Forson and Dr. Johnson Asiamah.
- 2. Transport & Logistics – Vital for supporting a 24-hour economy.
- 3. Energy & Private Sector Development – Ensuring sustainable industrial growth.
- 4. Agriculture & Natural Resources – Enhancing food security and resource management.
- 5. Employment, Productivity & Earnings – Linking economic growth to livelihoods.
- 6. Public Sector Reforms & Governance – Strengthening institutional efficiency.
- 7. Social Development – Improving education, health, and welfare.
- 8. Infrastructure & Land Use – Addressing land acquisition challenges for development projects.
“Through these committees, we will advise the President and engage stakeholders nationwide,” Dr. Nii Moi Thompson stated.
“The economy, with a focus on fiscal and monetary policies, comes first,” he said, acknowledging the roles of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Dr. Johnson Asiamah, whom he described as “the two men of the moment.” He emphasized collaboration with them to leverage their expertise.
Other focus areas include transport and logistics, which Dr. Nii Moi Thompson noted are central to establishing a 24-hour economy. The list continues with energy and private sector development, agriculture and natural resources, employment and productivity, public sector reforms, social development, and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on land use.
“We put land use there because of its critical role in infrastructure development,” he explained.
Through these focus areas and technical research, the commission will provide strategic advice to the president, as has been done since 1994.
A Platform for All Voices in National Planning
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson stressed the need for broader participation in national development planning.
“The law requires the commission to provide a wider platform for Ghanaians from all walks of life,” he said. This includes input from political parties, Parliament, civil society, traditional authorities, faith-based groups, think tanks, and citizens.
He emphasized that national planning must combine structured research with popular demands.
“No one is left out,” Dr. Nii Moi Thompson added.
In addition to planning, the NDPC monitors and evaluates government performance. It does so through annual progress reports, which he said have remained underutilized.
“We will change that,” he asserted. “We will digitize the process and allow civic auditing—public monitoring of government performance in near real-time.”
Making Development More Meaningful for Ghanaians
As Ghana’s lead planner, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson underlined the NDPC’s role as the government’s “brain trust” on strategic development matters. He criticized the overemphasis on GDP as a measure of progress.
“For too long, we’ve heard about GDP growth, GDP growth, and GDP growth,” he said. “It remains abstract to the public and even some professionals.”
He proposed a new approach. “We’ll use a three-dimensional approach—growth in GDP, growth in employment, and growth in wages,” he explained. These indicators, he said, are more relatable and impactful for everyday Ghanaians.
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson added that productivity will be the thread running through all economic evaluations. Quoting President Mahama, he concluded, “Ghana must function efficiently.”
With renewed focus and broad inclusion, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson reaffirmed the NDPC’s mission to build a development strategy that truly reflects the nation’s aspirations.
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