The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with UNICEF and key stakeholders, January 31, 2025 officially launched the process for the Terminal Evaluation of the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (MTNDPF) 2022-2025. The event which took place in Accra and marks an essential step in assessing the implementation and impact of the framework designed to guide Ghana’s development strategy.
The evaluation aims to provide evidence-based recommendations that will inform the formulation of the next Medium-Term Development Policy Framework (2026-2029). The findings are expected to enhance the effectiveness of strategies and interventions aimed at strengthening Ghana’s development planning process, ensuring sustainable national progress.
Mr. Richard Tweneboah-Kodua, the Director for Research at NDPC, emphasised the significance of the MTNDPF, also known as Agenda for Jobs II. Developed in 2021, the framework operationalizes Article 36, Clause 1 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which mandates the government to efficiently manage the national economy for the welfare of its citizens.
The MTNDPF has served as a blueprint for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in preparing and implementing their Medium-Term Development Plans. It has also guided the annual budgeting process for these entities, as outlined in the Public Financial Management Act and Regulations.
 Mr. Tweneboah-Kodua highlighted the critical role of evaluation in national development, stating, “Without proper self-evaluation, failure is inevitable.” He noted the importance of assessing the challenges, impacts, and lessons learned during the implementation period, particularly as the country gears up for the next framework.
The Terminal Evaluation focuses on key areas vital to national development, including Social Protection, Child Protection, Education, Health, Nutrition, Job Creation, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). The evaluation will span six months and will be conducted transparently, leveraging the Cross-Sectoral Planning Group established under the National Development Planning Commission Act.
To ensure a comprehensive assessment, the NDPC has formed an Evaluation Reference Group consisting of representatives from academia, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and government institutions. Steering and Technical Committees have also been established to oversee the evaluation process.
Charles Dzradosi, Social Policy Specialist with UNICEF, stressed the importance of the evaluation in shaping effective national development strategies. He reiterated UNICEF's commitment to supporting Ghana's initiatives and the necessity for a thorough evaluation to guide future planning.
Stakeholders from various MDAs participated in the pre-launch of the Terminal Evaluation, contributing valuable insights that will shape the evaluation process and ensure a comprehensive assessment.
As Ghana prepares for its next phase of development planning, the insights gained from this evaluation are expected to play a pivotal role in steering the country toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.