The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye has encouraged the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) to take contingency planning very serious, since disasters, such as COVID-19, can roll back all the gains made.
He urged the NDPC to work closely with Parliament for effective planning.
Prof. Mike Oquaye was speaking at the launch of the 2019 National Development Planning Commission’s annual progress report, in Accra.
The 2019 National Development Planning Commission’s report is an assessment of progress made in the implementation of the 2019 medium-term national development policy framework.
Areas assessed include the economy, environment, infrastructure, governance, corruption and public accountability.
Under the social and infrastructure dimension, access to potable water was increased by 61.8%. However only 21% was achieved under open defecation reduction.
Under education, there was an increased enrolment at the Senior High School level, as a result of the implementation of the Free SHS policy.
But there was also a decrease in enrolment at the kindergarten, primary, and JHS levels. Also, the country scored low marks for sanitation services.
Progress was made in the areas of security, energy, health and agriculture.
The country’s currency – the Cedi, also under performed against three major currencies, resulting in the country not achieving its targeted growth rate.
Speakers at the programme concluded that much needs to be done.
The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye said planning for unforeseen contingencies is important for national development.
He said the NDPC must work closely with Parliament.
The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Prof. Stephen Adei said Ghanaians must commend government when there are some achievements, instead of always dwelling on the negatives.
A minute’s silence was observed for the late former President Rawlings.
