Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), has advocated for a fundamental shift in Ghana’s development model.
He has therefore urged policymakers to elevate spatial planning as a primary driver of inclusive growth.
Speaking at a regional stakeholder engagement in the Ahafo Region on Thursday, March 26, 2026, he argued that national development must transcend mere policy design to involve the deliberate organization of land use, infrastructure, and economic activities across the country.
“Planning must reflect the needs of all segments of society and ensure equitable access to opportunities,” he stated.
Dr. Thompson identified a significant disconnect between sectoral planning and spatial realities, describing this gap as a primary weakness in the nation’s current development framework.
He noted that while economic growth is frequently planned within specific sectors like agriculture and industry, insufficient attention is directed toward the physical locations where this growth should manifest.
By aligning economic strategies with spatial considerations, he believes the government can effectively mitigate urban congestion and bridge the development gaps that persist between regions.
Complementing this vision, the Director-General of the Commission, Audrey Smock Amoah, emphasised the necessity of planning discipline and strict adherence to national guidelines.
“Whenever you request funds, the first document that will be demanded is your development plan,” she said.
She further explained that while monitoring and evaluation systems have been bolstered to enhance accountability, persistent delays in the submission of Annual Progress Reports continue to hinder progress.
Representing the Ahafo Regional Minister, Acting Coordinating Director Joseph Frimpong Nayo called for a transition toward data-driven decision-making.
He stressed the importance of moving from subsistence agriculture toward value-added industrialization, a shift that must be anchored by robust infrastructure.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
