The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has underscored the importance of engaging traditional authorities as part of efforts to develop Ghana’s Consolidated National Development Plan.

Speaking during a visit to the palace of the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, Dr. Thompson explained that the Commission is undertaking nationwide consultations to gather perspectives from key stakeholders whose insights are critical to shaping Ghana’s long-term development agenda.

“We are here to listen and learn from the custodians of our communities. The perspectives of traditional authorities are invaluable in ensuring that national development planning reflects the realities and aspirations of the people,” he said.

According to him, the consultations form part of NDPC’s broader efforts to ensure that the Consolidated National Development Plan is grounded in inclusive dialogue and benefits from the collective wisdom of institutions that play influential roles in local governance and community development.

Responding on behalf of the Dagbon King, representatives of the palace expressed appreciation to the Commission for the engagement and reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional leadership to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s development agenda.

They noted that the Dagbon Kingdom has taken proactive steps to articulate its development priorities through the establishment of a Development Committee following the enskinment of the King in 2019. The Committee subsequently developed a Ten-Year Strategic Development Plan outlining priority areas for transformation within the kingdom and its surrounding communities. Copies of the document were presented to the NDPC delegation to support ongoing discussions on development planning.

In a separate engagement at the palace of the King of Mamprugu and President of the North East Regional House of Chiefs, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, the spokesperson of the palace welcomed the NDPC delegation and commended the Commission for strengthening collaboration with traditional authorities.

He noted that consultations of this nature create an opportunity for traditional institutions to share perspectives on the development needs of their areas while contributing to broader national planning efforts.

The Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustained engagement with traditional authorities across the country.

She described chiefs as critical partners in Ghana’s development planning architecture and emphasised that their perspectives would continue to inform the preparation and implementation of national development strategies.

The NDPC delegation was accompanied by the Commission’s regional representatives, including Mr. Benard Jagri and Mr. Naaba David Kombat, together with regional planning officers who are supporting the stakeholder consultation process.