NDPC reviews 2004 planning guidelines to reflect changes in decentralised system

The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has launched a nationwide review of guidelines governing Regional Planning Coordinating Units (RPCUs) and District Planning Coordinating Units (DPCUs) in Ghana. This initiative, supported by GIZ’s PAIRed programme, aims to update the 2004 guidelines to better align with the evolving decentralised governance system in the country.

The reviews commenced on October 5, 2026, with consultations in the Upper East and Central Regions. A session in the Greater Accra Region on October 6 gathered stakeholders to evaluate the existing guidelines, pinpoint challenges, and propose practical enhancements based on their experiences.

Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, highlighted that the current guidelines no longer accurately represent the context in which RPCUs and DPCUs operate. He encouraged participants to identify gaps and suggest measures to make the revised document more pertinent and effective.

Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of the NDPC, emphasized that the review must be informed by the firsthand experiences of officials engaged in development planning and coordination at regional and district levels. She noted that this process presents an opportunity to align the guidelines with current institutional structures, planning necessities, and technological advancements.