Traditional leaders from the Bono East and Ahafo Regions have emphasised the pivotal role of youth empowerment, technical education, and infrastructure in driving Ghana’s development, while lauding the Government’s efforts to consolidate regional input into a national development plan.

The President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Owusu Sakyi III, called for strategic reforms to empower the youth and strengthen the country’s infrastructure.

“We must protect and empower the youth so they can contribute to national progress. A long-term development strategy for a country as endowed as Ghana must deliberately shift us from raw agricultural production to value addition, supported by strong transport systems and reliable energy,” he said, urging stakeholders to actively contribute to a more responsive and inclusive development agenda.

The Chief made this statement when a team from the National Development Planning Commission, led by its Chairman, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, and the Director-General, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, together with two Senior Planning Analysts, paid a courtesy call on him following a strategic engagement with MMDAs and key stakeholders at the Bono East and Ahafo Regional Coordinating Councils. The visit also sought the Chiefs’ wisdom in the preparation of the Consolidated National Development Plan.

Nana Owusu Sakyi III stressed the need to prioritise technical and vocational education, noting that “we have over 20,000 nurses who are unemployed because there are no spaces. Everyone wants to be a lawyer or planner, but we must place a premium on technical and vocational schools because that is how we can develop the country.” He also highlighted the importance of chieftaincy, stating, “Chieftaincy is very important and must be included in national development.”

In the Ahafo Region, Barima Twereku Ampem III, President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, commended the Commission for taking planning consultations to the field rather than remaining in Accra. “Every government comes into power with its plans, and often, when a new government assumes office, previous plans are shelved. Coming to the regions and engaging stakeholders ensures continuity and progress,” he said.

The Chief also highlighted critical regional needs, including road construction, higher education institutions, a regional hospital, and an airport. “We have complained bitterly about our roads, especially the River Tano bridge. If there were a consistent plan, future governments would continue projects seamlessly without additional burden,” he noted.

Addressing the Chiefs in their respective regions, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, said, “Last year, the President launched the Ghana Infrastructure Plan, which will reduce corruption. However, we must also formalise our economy. At some point, we have to take ownership of our economy rather than being spectators.” He added that the new development framework will align with the Directive Principles of State Policy to ensure inclusive growth.

The Director-General of NDPC reinforced the Commission’s commitment to listening to regional authorities. “Our visit has two phases: first, engaging the Regional Coordinating Council, and second, meeting with the President of the House of Chiefs. Your insights and experience are critical to successfully designing and implementing the Consolidated National Development Plan,” she said.

She emphasised that the process aims to harmonise development efforts and ensure sustainable outcomes across all regions, highlighting the indispensable role of traditional leaders in national planning.