The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, UK has organised a four-day training workshop aimed to equip participants with advanced skills in coordination, leadership, and governance to facilitate effective vertical (bottom-up/top-down) and horizontal (intra- and inter-institutional) coordination within the decentralized planning system. 
The event, held from August 12-15, 2024, in Accra, brought together about forty middle to senior-level staff from various public institutions, including Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) involved in the decentralized planning process.
In a speech read on his behalf, Professor George Gyan Baffour, the Chairman of the NDPC, acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic shocks, which have necessitated a more integrated and resilient approach to national planning. 
According to him, the NDPC is committed to strengthening coordination and collaboration among the various 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," said Prof. Gyan Baffour. "Without these elements, efforts to achieve national development goals can become fragmented and inefficient."

The workshop focused on equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate effective vertical (bottom-up/top-down) and horizontal (intra- and inter-institutional) coordination mechanisms. Key areas covered included:

1. Coordinating development efforts across sectors and levels
2. Leading change and innovation in institutions
3. Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance

Prof. Gyan Baffour stressed the importance of capacity development and a more systematic approach to training within the decentralized planning system. He noted that the workshop was a crucial step towards building a pool of knowledgeable personnel capable of championing coordination and driving the implementation of development initiatives.
For his part, Dr.  Roger Koranteng, an Adviser and Head of the Public Sector Governance at the Commonwealth Secretariat, stated the critical importance of effective planning for the success of any country. "If a country fails to plan, it fails to succeed," he stated. The program was designed to address key areas, including leadership competencies, coordination and harmonization, conflict management, supervision techniques, and emotional intelligence.
Dr. Koranteng underscored 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.
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 event also highlighted the pivotal role of local governments in the decentralized planning system. Participants emphasized the need to empower local governments by enhancing their capacity, providing adequate resources, and fostering a culture of accountability.  
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.