National Development Planning Commission Finalizes Guidelines for 2026-2029 Medium Term Plans.

Kumasi: The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has finalized guidelines for the preparation of the 2026-2029 Medium Term Development Plans of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The guidelines align with the National Development Planning (System) Act 1994, Act 480, and the National Development Planning (System) Regulations 2016, L.I. 2232.According to Ghana News Agency, the guidelines were developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance and the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), among others. The NDPC has also collaborated with the Ministry of Finance on the Integrated Assembly Financing Framework (IAFF) to enhance domestic revenue mobilization for MMDAs.In an effort to ensure comprehensive consultation and participation, the Commission is organizing regional orientation workshops for MMDAs on the Planning Guidelines. This initiative also includes training on the IAFF in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Mr. Christopher Papa Kojo Conduah, a Senior Planning Analyst at NDPC, highlighted the importance of data in making projections and emphasized the inclusion of planning, budget, and spatial planning officers for effective implementation starting January 2026.Mr. Conduah remarked on the significant changes in operational approaches, noting the impact of COVID-19 on planning processes. He pointed out that emerging issues such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, gender dimensions, water and sanitation, and climate change present opportunities for MMDAs to address these concerns in their medium-term development plans. He further explained that the pandemic's restrictions had adverse effects on revenue targets and projects, hindering revenue mobilization for development efforts.The upcoming Medium-Term Development Plan aims to rectify the shortcomings experienced during the COVID era, thereby fosterin g economic growth and stability.