In a significant move to enhance national development planning and reporting, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) on Tuesday July 16,2024, launched an initiative to integrate the Annual Progress Report (APR) into the District Development Data Platform (DDDP) in Accra. This innovative project, undertaken with the support of the GIZ - PAIReD Programme, aims to automate and streamline the APR process for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across Ghana.
Speaking at the opening of the Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop, the Acting Director of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Division, NDPC, Dr. Nana Opare-Djan emphasised the significance of this endeavor. "Integrating the APR into the DDDP is designed to improve the accuracy and timeliness of our reports, ensuring that they reflect the progress of our development plans and initiatives," he said.
The workshop, which brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including regional and district-level development planners, marked a crucial step in realizing the full potential of the DDDP. Participants were introduced to the platform's features and functionalities, as well as best practices for data entry and management.
"By integrating the DDDP into our national M&E framework, we aim to streamline data collection, enhance data accuracy, and provide timely reports that inform decision-making processes at every level of governance," Dr. Opare -Djan added.
The partnership with the GIZ - PAIReD Programme has been instrumental in advancing this initiative, enabling the NDPC to enhance the functionality of the DDDP and make it a more robust and user-friendly tool for MMDAs.
One of the key outcomes of the workshop is the creation of a network of trained professionals who can champion the use of the DDDP within their respective regions. "Your role as trainers will be critical in ensuring that the benefits of the DDDP are fully realized at the local level," Dr. Opare -Djan stressed.
Integrating the APR into the DDDP is not just a technical exercise but a strategic initiative to enhance the overall effectiveness of Ghana's development planning and reporting processes. By reducing the risk of human error, minimizing administrative burdens, and ensuring timely report generation, the NDPC aims to drive more effective and responsive governance.
"The knowledge and skills you acquire during this workshop will transform how we approach development planning and reporting," the Acting Director concluded. "As we embark on this journey together, let us remain committed to enhancing the quality and impact of our development efforts."