The Nation Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has launched a long-term development framework for Ghana, dubbed the Ghana@100 Long-term Development Framework. The main aim of the Ghana@100 Long-term Development Framework is to have a democratic, inclusive self-reliant and developed country by the time Ghana is 100 in the year 2057.
At the Ghana@100 Long-term Development Framework launch, Chairman of the NDPC Professor Steven Adda said that the document is an abridged version and a build-up of the draft 40-year development plan his administration inherited from the former management led by Professor Kwesi Botchwey.
He said the document shows four key areas the country should concentrate on, which have been identified as strategic pillars for the Ghana@100 framework.
He mentioned that the first pillar hinges on government, peace and security, which focuses on building efficient and accountable institutions in a society imbued with high integrity and resolved to make concerted efforts to maintain peace and security.
The second pillar hinges on economic growth, which is aimed at having an industrialised, inclusive and resilient economy.
The third pillar hinges on social development, with plans to ensure an equitable creation of well-developed human capital. The last pillar is environmental protection, which is aimed at building well-planned and safe communities while protecting the natural environment.
He said that the document has set out 10 drivers needed to achieve the pillars: namely quality political leadership, values and attitudinal change, peace and security, environmental primacy, and efficient public service and institutional strengthening.
The rest include maintaining macro-economic stability; human capital development and efficient productivity; science, technology and innovation; land reforms, infrastructure development; and clean and affordable energy.
He said the framework also outlines the potential sources of funding for its implementation, which includes the raising of tax revenues – which is currently around 13 percent of GDP – to at least 20 percent; and blocking leakages and illicit financial flows which cost the country an estimated US$3billion annually.
He said a Ghana Beyond Aid is possible, but it will require stronger leadership and commitment to a long-term vision: and it is their hope that the Ghana@100 framework provides the goals/vision for its realisation.
In a remark, the Director-General of NDPC, Dr. Kodjo Mensah-Abrampa, said the Ghana@100 framework spells out clearly the country’s priorities which should guide any government to help Ghana reach its full potential level of development.
“We have worked on this, and we got all the necessary information needed for a long-term development plan. And this was done through broader consultation with private sector organisations, civil society organisations and other groups across the country,” he said.
He added that the document speaks to every Ghanaians because its language is very simple, and its goals and the drivers necessary to attain them are very clearly stated.
