The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) of Ghana, under the leadership of Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, has embraced a collaborative partnership with the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC) to advance key economic initiatives. This partnership signifies a concerted effort to leverage the expertise and resources of both organizations to address critical issues such as global debt management and the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The collaboration emerged from a high-level meeting convened to discuss the implementation of GITFiC’s agenda, which encompasses a global debt initiative and a comprehensive roadmap spanning 2025-2031. This strategic alignment underscores the NDPC’s commitment to fostering economic growth and development within Ghana and across the African continent.
The NDPC’s commitment to this collaboration is multifaceted, encompassing research, advocacy, and active participation in the implementation of GITFiC’s projects. Recognizing the importance of robust economic research and effective advocacy in shaping policy and driving positive change, the NDPC has pledged to work alongside GITFiC in these crucial areas. Furthermore, the NDPC has agreed to play a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation of GITFiC’s projects by serving on a dedicated committee. This committee, comprised of representatives from key government institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana, and the Ministry of Trade, will provide guidance and oversight to ensure the effective execution of GITFiC’s initiatives.
The collaborative framework established between the NDPC and GITFiC emphasizes structured engagement and knowledge sharing. To facilitate seamless communication and collaboration, GITFiC will appoint a dedicated representative to the NDPC. This representative will serve as a liaison between the two organizations, ensuring effective coordination and information exchange. Furthermore, GITFiC will submit key documents to the NDPC for review, including a position paper outlining its strategic approach, a detailed six-year plan outlining its projected activities, and a formal letter requesting the NDPC’s participation on the oversight committee. This transparent and structured approach to information sharing will foster a strong working relationship and ensure alignment between the two organizations.
The collaboration extends to the integration of GITFiC’s initiatives into the national policy framework. GITFiC will submit its Agenda 2051 document and copies of its curricula to the NDPC for comprehensive review. This review process will assess the potential for integrating these initiatives into Ghana’s national policy framework, ensuring alignment with national development priorities. This integration will further solidify the partnership and enhance the impact of GITFiC’s work on Ghana’s economic trajectory. The collaborative effort also involves the establishment of tertiary clubs in universities within Ghana and Togo. These clubs will serve as hubs for student engagement and contribute to the implementation of GITFiC’s initiatives.
The government’s endorsement of the collaboration between the NDPC and GITFiC further strengthens the initiative. The President’s office referred a letter from GITFiC’s CEO, Mr. Selasi Koffi Ackom, to the NDPC for further action, demonstrating the government’s recognition of the importance of this partnership. This high-level support underscores the potential for GITFiC’s work to contribute significantly to Ghana’s economic development. In preparation for its upcoming conference in November, GITFiC is developing a policy framework on debt management and sustainability, which will be submitted to the NDPC for review. This proactive approach to policy development demonstrates GITFiC’s commitment to addressing critical economic challenges.
The partnership between the NDPC and GITFiC represents a strategic alliance with the potential to significantly impact Ghana’s economic development and its role within the African continent. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations, this collaboration aims to address key economic challenges, promote sustainable growth, and enhance regional integration. The government’s support for this partnership further strengthens its potential to achieve its ambitious goals and contribute to Ghana’s economic prosperity. The collaborative approach, encompassing research, advocacy, policy development, and implementation, positions Ghana to effectively navigate the complexities of the global economic landscape and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
