Parliament has given its approval for GH¢63.2 million to be allocated for the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) to implement its programmes and activities for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. The motion for approval was moved by Dr John Ampontuah Kumah, Deputy Minister of Finance.
Mr Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, highlighted that the Commission's focus in 2024 would be on tracking the progress of development under the National Development Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Programme (NDPPM&EP). He emphasized that the NDPC would strengthen its coordination, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation role to ensure positive development outcomes.
“In 2024, the Commission would continue to perform its constitutional mandate of advising the President on national development planning policy and strategy,” Mr Kwarteng stated in his report to the House. He outlined specific operations, including building the capacity of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in applying ICT in plan preparation, coordinating environmental policies, and mainstreaming development communication.
Mr John Abu Jinapor, NDC Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, underscored the NDPC's pivotal role in national development. He emphasized the need for a nonpartisan approach, stating, “In most countries where they have witnessed accelerated economic development, the equivalent of the National Development Planning Commission, which is nonpartisan, is at the centre of policymaking.”
Mr Jinapor urged the Commission to be innovative in generating funds internally to supplement the budgetary allocations from the state.
Echoing the sentiment, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Deputy Minority Leader and NDC MP for Ellembelle, highlighted the crucial role of the NDPC in enhancing the efficiency of the government machinery.
