The National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council (NAPRM-GC) has initiated a formal partnership with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). This new collaboration aims to enhance governance assessment, data management, and national development planning.
Mrs. Winnifred Akoto-Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the NAPRM-GC, led a delegation to the NDPC on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The visit sought to engage the NDPC's new leadership and strengthen their existing relationship. The NAPRM-GC and NDPC have previously collaborated on key national initiatives. These include Ghana’s Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) and the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee.
This move fits within Ghana’s broader economic and political goals of improving governance and efficiency. Structured cooperation between key planning and oversight bodies is crucial for transparent development. It ensures that national policies are informed by reliable data and consistent assessments. This initiative aligns with efforts to streamline public sector operations and avoid redundant processes across government agencies.
Mrs. Akoto-Sarpong stated that their current collaboration has been largely informal. She said, “We have been working informally. We call on most of the officers to assist us when we are conducting assessments and require data.” She proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a structured framework for cooperation. This MoU would improve efficiency and reduce duplication, especially in data collection and governance assessments.
The formalization intends to resolve issues like data fatigue among providers. Such fatigue occurs when different bodies request the same information repeatedly. A structured approach ensures that data collected by one agency can be more easily shared and utilized by another. This makes the overall data ecosystem within government more robust and responsive to policy needs.
Proposed areas for collaboration under the MoU include developing a data framework. This also covers joint review of governance indicators. Capacity building for programme officers and district development planning officers is another key area. Joint publications will also support knowledge sharing.
Mrs. Akoto-Sarpong highlighted the NDPC's role as the repository of Annual Progress Reports (APRs). This makes the NDPC a critical partner in monitoring Ghana’s development agenda. She suggested integrating governance indicators into the NDPC’s District Development Data Platform. This would minimize repeated data requests from various stakeholders.
Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of the NDPC, welcomed the proposed collaboration. She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the NAPRM-GC. Dr. Amoah noted that the mandates of both institutions closely align. This is especially true in areas of governance, institutional development, and international relations.
She explained that the NDPC’s development framework includes Governance and Institutional Development as one of its five dimensions. This offers significant opportunities for deeper collaboration. An MoU would define responsibilities and establish a clear roadmap for joint activities. It would also lead to proposals for a Governance and Development Dialogue, joint research, and publications. These engagements would strengthen accountability and evidence-based policymaking.
Dr. Amoah also pointed out the NDPC’s presence at national, regional, and district levels. This presence is through Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). She identified capacity building as a key area for joint work. Integrated planning with NAPRM-GC would enhance accountability and contribute to Ghana’s broader development goals.