New NDPC chair pledges broader public inclusion, real-time monitoring in National Development Planning

Dr. Nii Moi Thompson is the new Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). He promises a bold, inclusive, and transparent approach to Ghana's development agenda. His goal is to give "development a human face" and involve all Ghanaians in planning.

At his inauguration at Jubilee House in Accra, Dr. Thompson thanked President John Dramani Mahama for his appointment. He assured the public that the NDPC will focus on effective planning and public engagement. The Commission now has 37 members, down from 49, and will work through eight specialized sub-committees.

These sub-committees cover various areas such as economy, transport, energy, agriculture, and social development. Dr. Thompson stressed that their work involves public consultation and civic engagement. He stated that everyone—from parliamentarians to individuals—should contribute to development plans.

A key part of his vision is digitizing government monitoring tools for "civic auditing." This will allow citizens to track government performance in real-time through accessible platforms.

Dr. Thompson also proposed a new way to assess economic performance. Instead of just focusing on GDP growth, he wants a holistic "3D" framework that includes job growth and wages alongside GDP figures. He noted that many people do not understand GDP and emphasized giving development a human face.

He highlighted the need to boost national productivity by addressing output levels between countries. For example, an average American produces about $80 an hour while a Ghanaian worker produces only $5. This gap needs to close.

Dr. Thompson acknowledged President Mahama’s commitment to local economic empowerment. The NDPC will prioritize Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives like reviving the District Business Climate Survey. They plan to collaborate with financial institutions to analyze credit flows in districts.

He praised the President for returning sanitation management responsibilities to district assemblies as a step toward decentralization. Dr. Thompson criticized current procurement practices as inefficient and harmful to local communities.

He concluded by reaffirming the NDPC's role as the nation's "brain trust" on development matters and its commitment to collaboration with stakeholders at all levels.

The NDPC was established under the 1992 Constitution and plays a central role in national policy formulation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Here are the members of the National Development Planning Commission:

1. Dr. Nii Moi Thompson - Chairman (Economics)
2. Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson - Minister (Ministry of Finance)
3. Dr. Johnson Asiamah - Governor (Bank of Ghana)
4. Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu - Government Statistician (Ghana Statistical Service)
5. Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah - DG (NDPC DG)
6. Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey - Minister (Gender, Children and Social Protection)
7. Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie - Minister (Tourism, Culture, Creative Arts)
8. Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim - Minister (Local Government Affairs)
9 . Hon Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare - Minister (Trade & Industry)
10 . Hon Abdul-Rashid H Pelpuo - Minister (Labour & Employment)

(Additional members continue with similar details.)