Prof. Ephraim Avea Nsoh, a development planning expert and a former Upper East Regional Minister, has called for stronger integration of regional development plans into national policy frameworks, warning that such documents risk becoming ineffective if they are not properly mainstreamed and institutionalized.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East programme, Prof. Avea Nsoh said development planning remains critical for structured growth but is often treated as a formality rather than a guiding national tool.
He said effective development requires clear, long-term roadmaps that are consistently implemented regardless of changes in political leadership.
“A road map, a kind of development plan that guides you as to what to do is always important,” he said. “You cannot go in the dark. You have to have something clear that everybody follows.”
Prof. Avea Nsoh compared Ghana’s approach to countries such as China, which he said adhere strictly to long-term national development plans, resulting in more consistent economic growth and industrial expansion.
He criticized what he described as weak coordination and limited stakeholder involvement in Ghana’s planning processes, arguing that many development plans are not fully embedded within the operations of key institutions.
According to him, regional and district development frameworks must be actively adopted by ministries, agencies, and local authorities to ensure continuity.
“If it is not mainstreamed into the main document, it means you cannot throw it away when you have come,” he said.
Prof. Avea Nsoh further stressed the need for broader consultation with experts, local authorities, and communities during the planning process to ensure ownership and sustainability.
He also urged stronger alignment between regional development plans and national flagship programmes, including infrastructure, energy, and job creation initiatives.
The development planning expert said political transitions often disrupt continuity, leaving many policies unimplemented or abandoned.
He expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to strengthen regional development planning in the Upper East Region but insisted that implementation and institutional commitment will determine success.
Prof. Avea Nsoh made the remarks while contributing to discussions on the upcoming Upper East Regional development framework and its implementation strategy.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
