The speaker of Ghana’s seventh Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye has called for the strengthening of the Civil Service, arguing that a vibrant Civil Service is what the country needs to implement developmental policies.
The Speaker explained that a professional and well resourced Civil Service is crucial to the national developmental agenda.
Prof. Michael Oquaye was addressing participants at the launch of the National Developmental Planning Commission’s Annual Progress Report for 2019.
The 108-page Report assesses the progress of implementation of the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework.
The coordinated programme, dubbed: “Agenda for Jobs: Creating Prosperity and Equal Opportunity for All,” formed the basis for the preparation of a detailed medium-term national development policy framework to be implemented from 2018-2021.
The speaker used the occasion to commend the NDPC for been restless in the midst of COVID- 19 to launch Ghana at 100, a nationally-owned long term perspective and the 2019 APR report successfully.
Hon Prof Rev Mike Oquaye also advised that lack of coordination among institutions spearheading a similar agenda ought to be addressed to enhance progress towards a feasible national developmental plan.
Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission Dr Kodjo Esseim Mensah-Abrampa on his part said highlights of the 2019 Annual Progress Report of NDPC shows significant growth has been recorded for Ghana’s economy. Particularly in the area of agriculture, there’s been a reduction in non-functional loans; the banking sector reforms have also led to a reduction of these loans as well as an improvement in private sector assets to increase loans.
Prof Stephen Adei, Chairman of the NDPC, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting government’s action plan, and said the 2019 APR would not only create an opportunity for the public to discuss its content, but all stakeholders would appreciate the achievements of the country without being politicized.
Prof. Emeritus Stephen Adei took the opportunity to congratulate the first batch of the beneficiary Free Senior High students over their outstanding performance which has never happened in the history of Ghana.