The Board Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has criticised public officials for accepting awards at a time when persistent flooding and other longstanding development challenges continue to affect communities across Ghana.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face programme on Tuesday, June 9, Dr Thompson questioned the basis for celebrating government performance when recurring problems such as flooding, urban congestion and infrastructure deficits remain unresolved.
His comments come shortly after the Presidency directed Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of state institutions and other political appointees to seek prior approval before participating in or accepting awards from private organisations. The directive followed the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held in Accra on June 6, where several government officials received honours.
Dr Thompson expressed concern that public officials were focusing on social media visibility and awards rather than implementing national development plans designed to address critical challenges facing the country.
“There are no mechanisms for sanctions. The people who are supposed to make sure that we have these things are clowning around on social media. It pisses me off, to be blunt with you,” he stated.
According to him, Ghana already possesses comprehensive policy frameworks, including the Ghana Infrastructure Plan, capable of addressing many of the country’s recurring problems. However, he argued that the challenge lies not in the absence of plans but in the failure to execute and enforce them.
“People who have been entrusted with the responsibility to manage the country are now spending their time on social media, and they are indulging in dubious awards. It offends me and saddens me. Everything we’re going through shouldn’t be. There’s a blueprint,” he added.
His remarks come against the backdrop of renewed flooding in Accra and other parts of the country following recent heavy rains that displaced residents, destroyed property and disrupted economic activities. The situation has also triggered demolition exercises by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other state agencies targeting structures obstructing waterways.
Dr Thompson maintained that many of these challenges could have been significantly reduced if recommendations contained in long-term national development frameworks had been implemented. He stressed that stronger accountability mechanisms and a renewed commitment to executing development plans are essential to achieving sustainable national progress.
