The Greater Accra Region has become the first in Ghana to achieve full certification of the Medium-Term Development Plans of its 29 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) for the 2026–2029 planning period.

Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, the Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), disclosed this during a strategic regional consultative engagement in Accra.

She described the milestone as a demonstration of institutional discipline, responsiveness to review processes, and commitment to credible development planning.

She explained that the certification reflected strong coordination between the Regional Coordinating Council and the Assemblies in aligning their plans with national policy frameworks and planning guidelines.

Dr Amoah emphasised that adherence to approved development plans is crucial, as public expenditures are assessed against these plans by both internal and external auditors. She urged other regions to emulate Greater Accra’s example by prioritising timely submissions and alignment with national priorities.

Dr Nii Moi Thompson, the Chairman of the NDPC, commended Greater Accra for setting the pace but cautioned that certification must translate into tangible development outcomes.

“Certification is not the end of the process; it is the beginning of disciplined implementation,” he said, urging assemblies to focus on measurable impact, institutional efficiency, and accountability in execution.

He also highlighted persistent challenges such as budget fragmentation, weak revenue mobilisation, and poor spatial planning.

Madam Linda Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, described the achievement as both an honour and a responsibility. She reaffirmed the Region’s commitment to ensuring that approved plans are fully executed to deliver improvements in infrastructure, jobs, sanitation, and public services.

Certificates of approval were presented to the Regional Coordinating Council and all MMDAs with certified plans, marking a significant step toward disciplined, accountable, and impactful development planning in the Region.