The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has underscored the critical role of tackling corruption and promoting strong national values in Ghana’s development, warning that weak ethical standards continue to compromise the use of public resources.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in the North East Region, Dr Thompson noted that development plans must be anchored in sound societal values to achieve meaningful outcomes.

“For every development plan, whether national, regional or institutional, after stating the vision, mission and objectives, it is equally important to define the core values that bind it together,” he said.

He highlighted that corruption and the misuse of public resources remain significant obstacles to development, pointing out that revenue collected by some district assemblies sometimes fails to reach official accounts.

“If the right values exist, revenue collected will reach the district’s account. But if the prevailing value is to divert or misuse funds, development will always be constrained,” Dr Thompson explained, adding that integrity, accountability and professionalism must guide public administration.

The NDPC Director General, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, emphasised the importance of strategic planning and accountability in delivering sustainable development outcomes.

She noted that the Commission provides guidelines and review mechanisms to ensure that plans from ministries, departments, agencies, and districts align with national policy frameworks.

“When the plans reach us, we subject them to the policy framework, the guidelines and all applicable laws. Institutions are then given comments, and only when these are satisfactorily addressed do we issue certificates,” she said.

Ibrahim Tia, North East Regional Minister, commended the NDPC for engaging stakeholders and stressed the value of inclusive planning.

“Development planning is most effective when it reflects the voices, aspirations and priorities of the people it seeks to serve,” he stated, urging participants to actively contribute ideas to accelerate socio-economic transformation across the region and the country.