The Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, has underscored the critical role of effective planning in driving sustainable growth, equitable development, and shared prosperity across Ghana.

She made the remarks during a regional stakeholder engagement held at the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council, where Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and key actors met to deliberate on the preparation of the Consolidated National Development Plan.

Dr Amoah outlined the Commission’s constitutional mandate, noting that its operations are guided by Acts 479 and 480, which provide the framework for coordinating development planning from the national to the district level.

She stressed that development must be inclusive, stating that no Ghanaian should be disadvantaged based on location.

Dr Amoah highlighted the five priority areas under the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (2026–2029), namely economic growth, social development, environment and infrastructure, governance and institutional strengthening, and international relations.

She explained that these pillars are designed to translate national priorities into practical actions at the regional and district levels. She also urged local authorities to focus on completing ongoing projects before initiating new ones, warning that delays in implementation could undermine national progress.

On long-term planning, the NDPC Director-General explained that the proposed Consolidated National Development Plan aims to harmonise existing frameworks into a single, coherent national strategy.

According to her, this approach will ensure continuity in development efforts beyond political transitions, prevent duplication, and safeguard the efficient use of resources.

She further pointed to the Ghana Infrastructure Plan as a key component, integrating investments across sectors such as energy, roads, water, housing and ICT to drive national prosperity.

In a welcome address, Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi commended the NDPC for its inclusive consultation process, noting that broad stakeholder participation is essential for responsive and impactful development planning.

Meanwhile, Regional Economic Planning Officer Beatrice Kwartei Asare outlined the region’s development prospects, citing agriculture, tourism and youth employment as key opportunities, while calling for stronger collaboration to address infrastructure and investment gaps.

The event also saw the presentation of approval certificates for district Medium-Term Development Plans for the 2026–2029 period, led by Prof. John Akparep, the region’s representative on the Commission.