The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has successfully concluded series of orientation workshops aimed at familiarizing stakeholders with the newly finalized guidelines for the 2026-2029 Medium Term Development Plans (MTDPs). Held concurrently across all sixteen regions of Ghana from October 28 to November 8, 2024, the workshops were supported by the German Development Cooperation through GIZ Ghana.
In his address, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Titus-Glover acknowledged the extensive consultations involved in creating the guidelines, which included contributions from stakeholders such as academia, professional bodies, and development partners. He noted that the guidelines reflect national development priorities and promote the harmonization of programs and projects at all levels.
The Minister stressed the importance of employing effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that development plans are not only well-formulated but also successfully implemented, ultimately benefiting local communities. He also pointed out that these guidelines will serve as valuable reference materials for a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and development partners.
Encouraging active participation, Minister Titus-Glover urged attendees to share their ideas and suggestions to refine the development strategy. He reiterated the commitment of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to support the timely preparation and certification of Medium-term Development Plans, which are crucial for the allocation of the national budget starting January 2026.
The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has developed these guidelines in accordance with the National Development Planning Systems Act of 1994 and its complementary legislative instrument, L.I. 2232. The guidelines provide a structured framework for the preparation of the 2026-2029 Medium-term Development Plan (MTDP) across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
On his part, Mr. Bright Atiase, Deputy Director of the Monitoring and Evaluation Division of NDPC, emphasized the importance of the orientation program for national development planning.
Laetitia Eryn, Component Manager of the PAIReD programme with Giz, highlighted the comprehensive review of the previous 2022-2025 MTDP guidelines that led to the creation of the new framework. This initiative was led by a multidisciplinary Task Team, incorporating expertise from the NDPC, the Ministry of Finance, and LUSPA, with support from the PAIReD programme.
Eryn underscored the significance of participatory governance and accountability, stating, “An integrated planning approach that aligns development plans with expenditure management and land use planning is central to achieving sustainable development and equity.” She emphasized that incorporating themes like climate adaptation and gender responsiveness into the MTDP guidelines will enhance resilience to climate change and promote inclusive development.
The workshops served as an essential platform for collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Participants included key stakeholders such as Regional Development Planning Officers, Budget Analysts, and Physical Planning Officers.
It covered a broad range of topics, including budgeting, spatial planning, statistical analysis, and the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They aimed to bolster the technical capacity of participants and facilitate effective implementation of the MTDPs through collaborative efforts and resource mobilization.