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October 12, 2026
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NDPC examines how evidence shapes Ghana’s development planning and policy decisions
Policy
Growth
Key Points
- The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) is reviewing how research and evidence are used to guide national development planning and policy in Ghana.
- Preliminary findings from a study by Mettalytics and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) indicate challenges in effectively integrating available evidence into the planning process.
- Prof. William Cantah of UCC highlighted that the main issue is not evidence availability, but rather its movement and influence within the planning process.
- Key factors affecting evidence use include institutional arrangements, political priorities, timing, access to decision-makers, relationships, ownership, and technical capacity.
- The NDPC Director-General, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, welcomed the findings and stressed the importance of clearly defining the study's scope for proper application in Ghana's planning process.
Why This Matters
This initiative is crucial for Ghana as it directly addresses the efficacy of national development planning and policy formulation. By improving the integration and use of evidence, Ghana can enhance resource allocation, ensure more impactful policy decisions, and drive sustainable development across all sectors, ultimately leading to better outcomes for its citizens.
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