Civil society organisations are advocating a new approach to national development planning that could help Ghana maintain consistent policy direction beyond political transitions.
The Local Governance Network (LoGNet) has urged the government to align the country’s long-term national development plans with constitutional review cycles to strengthen policy continuity and accountability.
The network believes that synchronising these two national processes would help prevent frequent policy disruptions that often occur when new administrations assume office, while also promoting sustainable development.
Mr. Christopher Dapaah, National Coordinator of LoGNet, made the call during a capacity-building workshop on constitutional review issues for civil society organisations (CSOs) and media practitioners in Kumasi.
The workshop was organised by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), a member organisation of LoGNet, with support from the STAR-Ghana Foundation.
Mr. Dapaah explained that linking development planning with constitutional review timelines would ensure that Ghana’s national vision remains stable and focused on inclusive growth regardless of changes in political leadership.
“Aligning Ghana’s long-term development plans with constitutional review cycles is a strategic necessity. It ensures that our national vision transcends political transitions and remains firmly anchored in inclusiveness and sustainability,” he said.
He proposed that the country’s long-term development framework should span several decades with clearly defined milestones tied to constitutional review periods, while maintaining the flexibility needed to respond to emerging national and global challenges.
According to him, such a framework could serve as a national blueprint for development, ensuring that policies remain consistent and aligned with national priorities over time.
Mr. Dapaah further noted that the approach would enhance transparency and accountability in implementing development initiatives, while promoting the active participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in the national development process.
He added that aligning development planning with constitutional timelines would also support Ghana’s commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.
The LoGNet Coordinator also emphasised the need to prioritise key sectors including agriculture, renewable energy and digital innovation to drive long-term economic growth.
He explained that synchronising national development planning with constitutional review cycles would provide a predictable framework for assessing reforms, monitoring progress and ensuring that development priorities remain consistent across successive governments.
