Former Environment Minister Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has criticised Ghana’s approach to national development, describing existing visions as largely aspirational and unsupported by science, technology and innovation.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on Monday, January 12, the renowned heart surgeon questioned the country’s development planning framework, arguing that the absence of a coherent long-term strategy continues to undermine sustainable progress.

He observed that policies introduced by successive governments are frequently abandoned when there is a change in administration, a practice he said prevents continuity and long-term impact.

According to him, Ghana urgently needs a development plan that transcends political cycles and becomes a shared national agenda.

“I don’t attempt to assess any government; first of all, there must be a plan—a plan that survives the present government and moves into the future,” he said.

“What we have seen are visions and dreams that resemble party manifestoes, wishful thinking not backed by science, technology and innovation.”

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng further stressed that any credible national development plan must place universities, research institutions and academia at its core.

“Any plan that doesn’t have a role for universities, academic institutions or research bodies cannot stand the test of time. We don’t have a clear plan for education, industry or transportation,” he added.

Drawing international comparisons, he cited China’s long-term planning approach as an example worth studying.

He noted that China’s transformation was rooted in deliberate, science-driven strategies initiated as far back as March 1986, underscoring the importance of evidence-based planning in national development.