Accra: The Eighth National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has been inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama, marking a significant restructuring of the advisory body under the leadership of Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, an economist. The newly appointed 37-member Commission succeeds the previous 49-member body.
According to Ghana News Agency, the NDPC was established under Articles 86 and 87 of the 1992 Constitution as part of the Executive. The National Development Planning Commission Act, 1994 (Act 479) and the National Development Planning (System) Act, 1994 (Act 480), provide the core legal framework for the establishment of the Commission and the performance of its functions.
Key members of the Eighth NDPC include Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Minister of Finance; Dr. Johnson Asiamah, Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician; and Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General, NDPC. The commission also comprises other notable ministers such as Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim.
The 16 Regional Representatives feature individuals like Mr. Joseph Baradoe from Ahafo, Sir Charles Adjei from Ashanti, and Professor John Yaw Akparep from Bono East, among others. These representatives are tasked with bringing regional insights into national development planning.
Additionally, the commission includes experts like Mr. Seth Ofori-Ohene, a Financial and Business Expert, and Prof. William Baah-Boateng, a Labour Economics Expert. Institutional and academic representatives are also part of the commission, including Mr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku from the Association of Ghana Industries and Dr. William Cantah from the University of Cape Coast.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Thompson expressed gratitude to the President for the trust placed in the commission. He pledged, on behalf of all commissioners, to diligently fulfill their mandate and contribute to the nation's development.
