NCCE hosts NDPC

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has received a high-powered delegation from the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) at its Head Office.

Chairperson of the NCCE, Mad. Kathleen Addy, who doubled as chairman of the meeting, warmly welcomed the guest institution and expressed her excitement about their visit. She stated that it is necessary for state agencies to collaborate towards national development.

Outlining the operational structure of the NCCE, Mad. Addy underscored the highly decentralised nature of the Commission with presence in every district across the country.

However, the Director General of the National Development Planning Commission, who also served as leader of the delegation, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, intimated that while the NDPC has a national presence, it does not have offices at the district level. "We work closely with the Regional and District Planning Coordinating Units at those levels", she added.

Indicating the purpose for calling on the NCCE, the Director General revealed that the NDPC is engaging relevant stakeholders, including the NCCE, traditional authorities, district assemblies, among others, on its agenda to prepare a long-term development plan for the country.

According to her, the convention has been the preparation of short to medium-term development plans; however, there is a need for a long-term plan that will serve as a guide and be binding on successive governments, following calls from astute members of society, including the clergy.

Dr. Amoah further asserted that an obstruction to Ghana's development is not a lack of plan but its implementation and the attitude of those in charge, pointing out the critical role the NCCE plays in shaping attitudes and behaviours through civic education.

She mentioned that the NCCE is a strategic partner that the NDPC intends to work closely with in the preparation and implementation phases of the long-term development plan.

In response, NCCE Chair, Mad. Addy highlighted the Commission's readiness for the collaboration, adding that it is well positioned in terms of structure and expertise to assist the NDPC in its quest that has the nation at the centre, once the required resources are provided.

In the company of the Chairperson of the NCCE were her two deputies, respectively in charge of Operations and General Services, Mr. Samuel Akuamoah and Mr. Victor Brobbey, as well as the Commission Secretary, Mrs. Lucille Hewlette Annan, Esq., and the line directors at the Head Office.

Representing the NDPC were its Director General, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah; Director for Development Planning and Coordination, Dr. Sandra Kesse Amankwah; Planning Analysts, Mr. Christopher Conduah and Mr. Ebo Sam Awortwe, and the Public Relations Officer, Ms. Michelle Agbenorto.