The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has embarked on a strategic initiative to enhance coordination and leadership in Ghana’s decentralised planning system.
In collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the NDPC recently organised a four-day course in Accra to provide public officials with the skills they need to manage the complexity of development planning.
Professor George Gyan Baffour, Chairman of the NDPC, acknowledged the substantial challenges created by the COVID-19 epidemic and other economic shocks, calling for a more integrated and resilient approach to national planning.
According to him, the NDPC was committed to strengthening coordination and collaboration among the stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
“Effective coordination and strong leadership are the bedrock to address the unique challenge of alignment,” Without these elements, efforts to achieve national development goals can become fragmented and inefficient,” Prof. Gyan Baffour noted.
Key takeaways from the workshop include coordinating development efforts across sectors and levels, leading change and innovation in institutions and promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Prof. Gyan Baffour emphasised the need for capacity building and a more systematic approach to training in the decentralised planning system.
He noted that the workshop was an important step towards creating a pool of skilled professionals capable of championing cooperation and driving the implementation of development objectives.
On his part, the Adviser and Head of Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Dr. Roger Koranteng, noted that excellent planning was vital to any country’s development. “If a country fails to plan, it fails to succeed,” he added.
He highlighted the need for coordination and team building when dealing with complex public sector challenges. “A plan should inform a budget and not the other way around,” he advised, underscoring the importance of aligning budgets with strategic priorities.
The curriculum focuses on critical areas such as leadership skills, coordination and harmonisation, conflict resolution, supervision approaches and emotional intelligence.
The NDPC’s collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat in organising this workshop reflects its commitment to building the capacity of public servants and strengthening the decentralized planning system.
By investing in the skills and knowledge of middle to senior-level personnel, the NDPC and its partners are paving the way for a more coordinated, effective, and efficient national development planning process.
The seminar brought together significant members of numerous government entities, including regional and district officials.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
