GENERAL NEWS

Ghanaians support long-term national development plan

Stakeholders of the National Development Plan, have welcomed the process that would lead to the preparation of long-term document to guide the country’s development in the next 40 years.

The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) is leading the process in drafting the national plan as mandated by the 1992 Constitution.

The launching of the process also follows various calls from the Ghanaian society on the need for the nation to put together a blueprint for national progress and sustainable development which was captured in the report of the Constitution Review Commission.

At the launching in Accra on Tuesday, various speakers representing, industry, faith-based organisations, trade union, women groups, students, youth, media and civil society all expressed support for the national document and called for deepening consultations to ensure that the issues reflect the views of all.

Mr Kofi Asamoah, Secretary General of Trades Union Congress, pledged workers support towards the development of the plan, which he said should factor issues of adequate energy supply for industry, affordable housing for workers as well as improved security for all Ghanaians.

Professor Akua Pokua Brentum, Convenor of Netright, a human right organisation, called for a document that would ensure that gender equality and gender parity from kindergarten to tertiary level are achieved within 40 years as well as ensure that the disability law was implemented to the letter.

Mr Paul Worlanyo of the National Union of Ghana Students mentioned the investment in the human resources, mechanisation of agriculture as well as proper management of national service personnel who are posted to rural areas.

Reverend Dr Kwabena Opuni Frimpong, General Secretary of Christian Council of Ghana wished for a united and prosperous Ghana where social justice, peace and respect for each other were highly upheld.

Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, Representative of the Federation of Muslim Councils said the national plan should contain issues that would ensure a moral community that inspires confidence and general good of the society.

The Reverend Bishop Palmer Buckle of the Catholic Bishops Conference emphasised the need for a strong national leadership that would be ready to implement the national plan to ensure sustainability.

Mr Affail Monny, President of Ghana Journalists (GJA) said he wished to see a Ghana where journalists tell the Ghanaian truth and accurate stories so the plan should factor issues of research, ethics, and trust among journalists.

Present at the function were President John Dramani Mahama who launched the preparation plan as well as former President John Jerry Rawlings, former president John Agyekum Kufuor, the Chief Justice, Speaker of Parliament, Chairperson and Members of Council of State, the diplomatic corps, representatives of political parties as well as students.

Dr Kwesi Botchwey, Chairman of the NDPC said after an initiative consultation on the preparation process with various entities, the launching now signals the beginning of collation of various views and opinions of stakeholders that would be factored in the national development plan.

The plan would form a framework within which political parties would draft their short term party manifestos to implement for the people in the country.

GNA

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