President John Dramani Mahama officially inaugurated members of the 8th National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) on May 2025, reaffirming his government’s commitment to inclusive national planning that aligns with the aspirations of Ghanaians.
In his address, President Mahama underscored the importance of a unified, long-term development plan that transcends political cycles. He highlighted the ongoing preparations for the next Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies, which aims to serve as a foundation for the medium-term national development policy framework over the next four years.

Quoting Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, President Mahama noted that economic policies must be tied to a long-term vision. He noted the need for Ghana to break free from its historical reliance on a narrow range of primary commodities and urged the Commission to consolidate existing frameworks into a single, flexible plan, with Parliament playing a critical role.
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the NDPC, responded on behalf of the Commission, thanking the President for their appointment and pledging to fulfill their mandate with integrity. He announced the Commission now comprises 37 commissioners, organised into eight specialized sub-committees focused on key sectors of national development.
Dr. Thompson stressed the importance of inclusivity in the planning process, ensuring that all Ghanaians—politicians, civil society, and individuals—can contribute to the national development agenda. He also outlined plans to digitise annual progress reports and promote civic auditing to enhance government accountability.
Key focus areas for the new Commission include a shift away from measuring development solely by GDP, advocating for a holistic model that incorporates job growth and productivity. Thompson highlighted the significant disparity in output between Ghanaian and American workers, calling for urgent reforms to address this gap.
Additionally, he acknowledged the President’s support for local economic development and plans to revive the District Business Climate Survey to assess bank credit to the private sector at the local level.
The Chairman reiterated the Commission's commitment to decentralization, aiming to empower district assemblies and foster equitable development.