President John Dramani Mahama has said development in Ghana should be forward-looking. Tasking the newly sworn-in National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) with consolidating all existing frameworks into a single, forward-looking plan to guide long-term development, President Mahama described the urgent call for a long-term national development plan as a national interest.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House, President Mahama stressed the need for a national blueprint that reflects broad consensus and addresses structural barriers to growth.
A Unified Strategy for Development in Ghana
President Mahama highlighted the existence of multiple frameworks with similar long-term goals, including the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, the Ghana @100 long-term l Development Framework, and Vision 2057 Perspective Framework.
“Development in Ghana cannot be left to fragmented efforts. We must integrate all existing frameworks—such as the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter, Vision 2057, and the 40-Year National Development Plan—into one dynamic, forward-looking strategy,” he said.
He emphasized that the plan must be inclusive and developed in consultation with Parliament and the public.
“This must be done in close collaboration and consultation with Parliament and the people’s representatives to ensure that the final plan reflects a broad national consensus and is subject to regular review in response to evolving domestic and global challenges,” he stated.
President Mahama noted that the consolidated plan should guide ministries, agencies, and local assemblies over the next four years.
Addressing Structural Challenges to Development in Ghana
He warned that without long-term planning, Ghana’s economy will continue to face deep-rooted limitations. He emphasized that true development in Ghana would require bold structural reforms to unlock value addition, industrialization, and innovation.
Quoting Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, he underscored the importance of strategic vision.
“Without a clear vision, economic policies lack direction. Radical transformation demands a long-term perspective,” he quoted.
NDPC Mandated to Drive Development in Ghana
President Mahama expressed confidence in the commission’s leadership and its ability to chart a transformative course with Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, who previously led the creation of the 40-Year National Development Plan in 2017, returning as chairman of the NDPC.
A Roadmap to Sustainable Development in Ghana
President Mahama outlined key objectives for the NDPC’s new development strategy, including
- Consolidating all existing frameworks under one adaptable national plan.
- Fostering public-private partnerships to drive value addition and industrialization.
- Ensuring periodic reviews to respond to global and domestic changes.
He concluded with a call to chart a bold path for the nation’s future, calling for the plan to be actionable, strategic, and capable of adapting to economic realities.
