2015 CSD PUBLIC LECTURE
2015 CSD PUBLIC LECTURE
CENTRE FOR SOCIAL DEMOCRACY, GHANA (CSD-GHANA)
Topic: “A Long Term National Development Plan for Ghana; Prospects and Challenges” Speaker: Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Director-General, National Development Planning Commission Chairman: Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary, Christian Council of Ghana Date: Tuesday 13th October, 2015 • Time: 4:30pm Venue: University of Professional Studies Auditorium
Partners
...
Media Partners
Republic of Ghana
2014 CSD Public Lecture
Welcome Statement
FROM CENTRE FOR SOCIAL DEMOCRACY
Centre for Social Democracy was founded by a team of young professionals some three years ago with the aim of sharing ideas on national issues and also proffering policy alternatives to shape public discourse and national development. Since its formation, we have focused on building a strong foundation for the organization. With the support of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung we developed a 5-year strategic plan focusing on promoting issues related to Economic Policy, Social Policy, Governance and Youth Development. Again, with the kind support of FES, we have held two training sessions for fellows of CSD-Ghana to enhance
their research skills. We are particularly grateful to Fritz Kopsieker, the Resident Director for his unflinching support to CSD-Ghana. Ladies and Gentlemen, One of the tools CSD-Ghana uses to achieve its objectives is public lectures. We are glad that after months of feverish preparations, we are finally holding this year’s public lecture which is the second after a successful maiden lecture in 2014. May I use this opportunity to congratulate the team at CSD-Ghana, FES, NDPC and UPSA that worked tirelessly to put this programme together. When we approached the National Development Planning Commission through its Director-General Dr. Nii Moi Thompson to deliver this year’s public lecture,
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
On behalf of Centre for Social Democracy, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2015 CSD Public Lecture.
3
our intention was to get just Dr. Thompson to speak. To our surprise, the Commission took a greater interest in what we are doing and offered to be a partner hence they assisted in diverse ways to make the programme successful. We therefore wish to place on record our profound gratitude to Dr. Nii Moi Thompson and NDPC. We are equally grateful to University of Professional Studies, Accra and our media partners for their kind support. Ladies and Gentlemen
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
The topic for our lecture this year is “A Long Term National Development Plan for Ghana; Prospects and Challenges”. For several years now, Ghanaians have been debating the need for a national development plan but without any action. Sometimes the debate went on for weeks and fizzled out.
4
The strongest indication of Ghanaians’ desire for such a plan was clear during the work of the Constitution Review Commission. It is instructive to observe that even though the need for a national development plan was not originally among the 44 indicative set of issues used by the Constitution Review Commission for its consultations, the widespread, consistent and clear call for a national development plan or vision across the
country caused them to thoroughly examine the issue and make appropriate recommendations. Indeed, the current practice where in the words of the Constitution Review Commission “… national development has been geared towards the fulfilment of election promises mainly contained in political party manifestos, rather than towards an all-inclusive programme of ensuring social and economic progress” is simply unacceptable hence the need to develop a long term plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians. CSD-Ghana supports the development and implementation of a Long Term National Development Plan partly because we believe that if the sovereignty of Ghana resides in the people of Ghana in whose interest and for whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised, then the development of a long term national development plan puts the power in the hands of citizens to shape their future and set priorities for leadership. CSD-Ghana is of the firm belief that the proposed plan, if properly managed during implementation, will save the country the uncertainty of policy frameworks and also avoid the abuse of discretionary powers exercised by political parties when they are in government.
The choice of the topic for this lecture is therefore an opportunity to engage in further discourse on the matter. Critical among the issues is ensuring inclusiveness and for that matter ownership of the plan by Ghanaians. When the plan is finalized how will it be communicated such that as many Ghanaians as possible know what is contained in the plan, clearly understand their role in the successful implementation of the plan and also hold the government accountable on the implementation of the plan? These and many other issues will engage our attention today. We are glad that the man at the centre of the action, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, is here to speak to the issue.
Considering the fact that nature of the topic requires the sharing of divergent views and opinions, we have also assembled a team of highly interested and experienced discussants to contribute to the discourse. There’s also an opportunity during the open forum for participants to contribute to the discussion. I therefore invite each and every one of us to fasten our seatbelts and enjoy the ride of lecture. Once again you’re welcome and we are grateful that you joined us.
- Prosper Hoetu Convener, CSD-Ghana
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
The stories of South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Botswana, demonstrate the critical role long term national development plans have played in transforming the fortunes of nations and ensuring the overall development and well-being of their citizens. The enterprise is however not devoid of challenges. There’s already a debate about how the plan will be binding on successive governments such that they do not abandon course.
5
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
PROGRAMME
6
16:30
Arrival and registration of participants
16:55
Arrival of Invited Guests and Speaker
17:00
Rendition of National Anthem
James Afedo, MC (PRO, UPSA)
Introduction of Invited Guests
MC
Introduction of Chairman
Selorm Dake, Fellow, CSD-Ghana
Chairman’s response
Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary, Christian Council of Ghana
Welcome Address
Prosper Hoetu, Convenor, CSD-Ghana.
Statement from CSD Governing Council
Ambassador Lee Ocran, Member, CSD Governing Council
Statement from FES
Fritz Kopsieker, Resident Director, FES
Statement from UPSA
Dr. Abednego Okoe Feehi Amartey, Pro Vice-Chancellor, UPSA
Cultural performance
Resident Cultural Troupe, NYA
Introduction of Guest Speaker
Jerry Andoh, Fellow, CSD Ghana
Address by Guest Speaker
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Director-General, National Development Planning Commission
Comments from Discussants
Dr. Bossman Asare, Senior Lecturer/Head, Political Science Department, University of Ghana Dr. Maame Gyekye-Jandoh, Senior Lecturer, Political Science Department, University of Ghana
Q & A Session
James Afedo, MC (PRO, UPSA)
Presentations
• Dzidzor Kwakumey • Hawa Heda Phabouh-Chekosy • Alain Gbeasor
Chairman’s Closing remarks
Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary, Christian Council of Ghana
Vote of thanks
Beatrice Annangfio, Fellow, CSD-Ghana
Refreshment
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
Mr. Kwasi Pratt Junior, Managing Editor, Insight Newspaper
7
ABOUT THE
SPEAKER
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
Dr. Thompson was the senior economic advisor and acting deputy resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Pretoria, South Africa, prior to joining the government as an economic advisor in November 2013. In September 2014, President Mahama appointed him Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission.
8
He has extensive experience in economic development in Ghana and elsewhere. Among other places, he worked as an analyst at the Office of Management and Budget in the US City of Pittsburgh while he was a doctoral student at the University of Pittsburgh in 1994. He later worked as a senior economist at the Bureau of Fiscal and Economic Analysis, Office of the State Deputy Comptroller in New York City, where he was responsible for federal, European and Japanese economic policies and their impact on New York City’s economy. Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Director General, National Development Planning Commission, Ghana
He returned to Ghana in 1998 after a 22-year absence and upon setting up a development consultancy quickly became a vocal presence in matters of economic development in Ghana. His clients included government ministries and international development organisations, such as the World Bank and the Africa Capacity Building Foundation in Zimbabwe. He also worked as a
In 2010, he accepted an invitation from President Mills to become a Commissioner of NDPC, a position he occupied (even while working abroad) until his appointment as Director-General. He later served as chief technical adviser on local economic development (LED) for the ILO in Ghana, managing 8 LED projects in the Central Region that greatly built the capacity of SMEs and small business associations. Through the ILO, he later served as an advisor to the government of Sierra Leone before taking up the appointment with the UN in South Africa in 2011. In South Africa, he championed the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He was the lead writer of
the national manual on how legislatures can influence the attainment of the MDGs. Along with colleagues from the African Union, the African Development Bank, UNDP and the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), he co-wrote the African Economic Outlook for 2012 and 2013 with a focus on economic transformation and youth employment, respectively. A member of the American Economic Association, Dr. Thompson holds a BA in economics from the City University of New York (Brooklyn College); an MA in international economics from the State University of New York (Albany); and a PhD in development economics and public policy from the University of Pittsburgh, all in the United States. Dr. Thompson also worked as a journalist in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the 1970s and 1980s. (Oct. 2015)
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
researcher for the Centre for Budget Advocacy, a research fellow at the Institute of Democratic Governance, and the executive director of the Development Policy Institute, all in Accra.
9
CENTRE FOR SOCIAL DEMOCRACY, GHANA (CSD-GHANA)
Programmes and Activities To help achieve our vision, we undertake the following activities:
The Centre for Social Democracy, Ghana (CSD-Ghana) is an independent, non-for-profit, multi-issue public policy think tank that aims to bridge the gap between researchers, intellectuals, politicians, and policy-makers by serving as a platform for progressive thinking with the ultimate aim of providing policy alternatives and influencing policy.
Research and dissemination findings on governance, democracy and other social issues that affect the masses.
Our vision
Provide the opportunity of networking among like-minded young professionals, think tanks and organizations across the world.
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
Our vision is to become a leading think-tank in Africa the proffers credible research and evidence based solutions and policy alternatives.
10
Our mission Our mission is to undertake research and provide critical policy alternatives on governance and socioeconomic issues. Mobilize and build the capacities of young professionals in line with social democratic values and ideas.
Organize of public lectures, seminars and other events to promote the ideals of social democracy.
Contact Us Centre for Social Democracy (CSD-Ghana) P.O. Box CT 7486, Cantonments, Accra. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.csdghana.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/csdghana Phone: 024 4406237, 050 010 2010
The Centre for Social Democracy, Ghana (CSD-Ghana) wishes to express its profound gratitude to all those who contributed to making the 2015 CSD Public Lecture successful.
CSD-Ghana is equally grateful to University of Professional Studies particularly Prof Joshua Alabi, Dr. Abednego Okoe Feehi Amartey and Mr. James Afedo, Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Public Relations Officer respectively for their tremendous support.
CSD-Ghana is particularly grateful to Friedrich-EbertStiftung (FES) for their invaluable support.
CSD-Ghana also thanks GTV, The Finder, TV3, Daily Graphic, Starr FM, Radio Gold, Citi FM, Radio Univers and Cookhouse.
We also thank our Guest Speaker, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson for accepting to deliver this year’s lecture. We are also grateful to the National Development Planning Commission for their partnership and support.
Finally, CSD-Ghana is grateful to all those who made time to participate in the lecture.
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
APPRECIATION
11
Design & Print: TYPE COMPANY LTD. +233.30.223.2252
CENTRE FOR SOCIAL DEMOCRACY, GHANA (CSD-GHANA)
Topic: “A Long Term National Development Plan for Ghana; Prospects and Challenges” Speaker: Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Director-General, National Development Planning Commission Chairman: Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary, Christian Council of Ghana Date: Tuesday 13th October, 2015 • Time: 4:30pm Venue: University of Professional Studies Auditorium
Partners
...
Media Partners
Republic of Ghana
2014 CSD Public Lecture
Welcome Statement
FROM CENTRE FOR SOCIAL DEMOCRACY
Centre for Social Democracy was founded by a team of young professionals some three years ago with the aim of sharing ideas on national issues and also proffering policy alternatives to shape public discourse and national development. Since its formation, we have focused on building a strong foundation for the organization. With the support of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung we developed a 5-year strategic plan focusing on promoting issues related to Economic Policy, Social Policy, Governance and Youth Development. Again, with the kind support of FES, we have held two training sessions for fellows of CSD-Ghana to enhance
their research skills. We are particularly grateful to Fritz Kopsieker, the Resident Director for his unflinching support to CSD-Ghana. Ladies and Gentlemen, One of the tools CSD-Ghana uses to achieve its objectives is public lectures. We are glad that after months of feverish preparations, we are finally holding this year’s public lecture which is the second after a successful maiden lecture in 2014. May I use this opportunity to congratulate the team at CSD-Ghana, FES, NDPC and UPSA that worked tirelessly to put this programme together. When we approached the National Development Planning Commission through its Director-General Dr. Nii Moi Thompson to deliver this year’s public lecture,
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
On behalf of Centre for Social Democracy, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2015 CSD Public Lecture.
3
our intention was to get just Dr. Thompson to speak. To our surprise, the Commission took a greater interest in what we are doing and offered to be a partner hence they assisted in diverse ways to make the programme successful. We therefore wish to place on record our profound gratitude to Dr. Nii Moi Thompson and NDPC. We are equally grateful to University of Professional Studies, Accra and our media partners for their kind support. Ladies and Gentlemen
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
The topic for our lecture this year is “A Long Term National Development Plan for Ghana; Prospects and Challenges”. For several years now, Ghanaians have been debating the need for a national development plan but without any action. Sometimes the debate went on for weeks and fizzled out.
4
The strongest indication of Ghanaians’ desire for such a plan was clear during the work of the Constitution Review Commission. It is instructive to observe that even though the need for a national development plan was not originally among the 44 indicative set of issues used by the Constitution Review Commission for its consultations, the widespread, consistent and clear call for a national development plan or vision across the
country caused them to thoroughly examine the issue and make appropriate recommendations. Indeed, the current practice where in the words of the Constitution Review Commission “… national development has been geared towards the fulfilment of election promises mainly contained in political party manifestos, rather than towards an all-inclusive programme of ensuring social and economic progress” is simply unacceptable hence the need to develop a long term plan that reflects the needs and aspirations of Ghanaians. CSD-Ghana supports the development and implementation of a Long Term National Development Plan partly because we believe that if the sovereignty of Ghana resides in the people of Ghana in whose interest and for whose welfare the powers of government are to be exercised, then the development of a long term national development plan puts the power in the hands of citizens to shape their future and set priorities for leadership. CSD-Ghana is of the firm belief that the proposed plan, if properly managed during implementation, will save the country the uncertainty of policy frameworks and also avoid the abuse of discretionary powers exercised by political parties when they are in government.
The choice of the topic for this lecture is therefore an opportunity to engage in further discourse on the matter. Critical among the issues is ensuring inclusiveness and for that matter ownership of the plan by Ghanaians. When the plan is finalized how will it be communicated such that as many Ghanaians as possible know what is contained in the plan, clearly understand their role in the successful implementation of the plan and also hold the government accountable on the implementation of the plan? These and many other issues will engage our attention today. We are glad that the man at the centre of the action, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, is here to speak to the issue.
Considering the fact that nature of the topic requires the sharing of divergent views and opinions, we have also assembled a team of highly interested and experienced discussants to contribute to the discourse. There’s also an opportunity during the open forum for participants to contribute to the discussion. I therefore invite each and every one of us to fasten our seatbelts and enjoy the ride of lecture. Once again you’re welcome and we are grateful that you joined us.
- Prosper Hoetu Convener, CSD-Ghana
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
The stories of South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Botswana, demonstrate the critical role long term national development plans have played in transforming the fortunes of nations and ensuring the overall development and well-being of their citizens. The enterprise is however not devoid of challenges. There’s already a debate about how the plan will be binding on successive governments such that they do not abandon course.
5
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
PROGRAMME
6
16:30
Arrival and registration of participants
16:55
Arrival of Invited Guests and Speaker
17:00
Rendition of National Anthem
James Afedo, MC (PRO, UPSA)
Introduction of Invited Guests
MC
Introduction of Chairman
Selorm Dake, Fellow, CSD-Ghana
Chairman’s response
Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary, Christian Council of Ghana
Welcome Address
Prosper Hoetu, Convenor, CSD-Ghana.
Statement from CSD Governing Council
Ambassador Lee Ocran, Member, CSD Governing Council
Statement from FES
Fritz Kopsieker, Resident Director, FES
Statement from UPSA
Dr. Abednego Okoe Feehi Amartey, Pro Vice-Chancellor, UPSA
Cultural performance
Resident Cultural Troupe, NYA
Introduction of Guest Speaker
Jerry Andoh, Fellow, CSD Ghana
Address by Guest Speaker
Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Director-General, National Development Planning Commission
Comments from Discussants
Dr. Bossman Asare, Senior Lecturer/Head, Political Science Department, University of Ghana Dr. Maame Gyekye-Jandoh, Senior Lecturer, Political Science Department, University of Ghana
Q & A Session
James Afedo, MC (PRO, UPSA)
Presentations
• Dzidzor Kwakumey • Hawa Heda Phabouh-Chekosy • Alain Gbeasor
Chairman’s Closing remarks
Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, General Secretary, Christian Council of Ghana
Vote of thanks
Beatrice Annangfio, Fellow, CSD-Ghana
Refreshment
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
Mr. Kwasi Pratt Junior, Managing Editor, Insight Newspaper
7
ABOUT THE
SPEAKER
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
Dr. Thompson was the senior economic advisor and acting deputy resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Pretoria, South Africa, prior to joining the government as an economic advisor in November 2013. In September 2014, President Mahama appointed him Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission.
8
He has extensive experience in economic development in Ghana and elsewhere. Among other places, he worked as an analyst at the Office of Management and Budget in the US City of Pittsburgh while he was a doctoral student at the University of Pittsburgh in 1994. He later worked as a senior economist at the Bureau of Fiscal and Economic Analysis, Office of the State Deputy Comptroller in New York City, where he was responsible for federal, European and Japanese economic policies and their impact on New York City’s economy. Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, Director General, National Development Planning Commission, Ghana
He returned to Ghana in 1998 after a 22-year absence and upon setting up a development consultancy quickly became a vocal presence in matters of economic development in Ghana. His clients included government ministries and international development organisations, such as the World Bank and the Africa Capacity Building Foundation in Zimbabwe. He also worked as a
In 2010, he accepted an invitation from President Mills to become a Commissioner of NDPC, a position he occupied (even while working abroad) until his appointment as Director-General. He later served as chief technical adviser on local economic development (LED) for the ILO in Ghana, managing 8 LED projects in the Central Region that greatly built the capacity of SMEs and small business associations. Through the ILO, he later served as an advisor to the government of Sierra Leone before taking up the appointment with the UN in South Africa in 2011. In South Africa, he championed the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He was the lead writer of
the national manual on how legislatures can influence the attainment of the MDGs. Along with colleagues from the African Union, the African Development Bank, UNDP and the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), he co-wrote the African Economic Outlook for 2012 and 2013 with a focus on economic transformation and youth employment, respectively. A member of the American Economic Association, Dr. Thompson holds a BA in economics from the City University of New York (Brooklyn College); an MA in international economics from the State University of New York (Albany); and a PhD in development economics and public policy from the University of Pittsburgh, all in the United States. Dr. Thompson also worked as a journalist in Sierra Leone and Liberia in the 1970s and 1980s. (Oct. 2015)
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
researcher for the Centre for Budget Advocacy, a research fellow at the Institute of Democratic Governance, and the executive director of the Development Policy Institute, all in Accra.
9
CENTRE FOR SOCIAL DEMOCRACY, GHANA (CSD-GHANA)
Programmes and Activities To help achieve our vision, we undertake the following activities:
The Centre for Social Democracy, Ghana (CSD-Ghana) is an independent, non-for-profit, multi-issue public policy think tank that aims to bridge the gap between researchers, intellectuals, politicians, and policy-makers by serving as a platform for progressive thinking with the ultimate aim of providing policy alternatives and influencing policy.
Research and dissemination findings on governance, democracy and other social issues that affect the masses.
Our vision
Provide the opportunity of networking among like-minded young professionals, think tanks and organizations across the world.
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
Our vision is to become a leading think-tank in Africa the proffers credible research and evidence based solutions and policy alternatives.
10
Our mission Our mission is to undertake research and provide critical policy alternatives on governance and socioeconomic issues. Mobilize and build the capacities of young professionals in line with social democratic values and ideas.
Organize of public lectures, seminars and other events to promote the ideals of social democracy.
Contact Us Centre for Social Democracy (CSD-Ghana) P.O. Box CT 7486, Cantonments, Accra. E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.csdghana.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/csdghana Phone: 024 4406237, 050 010 2010
The Centre for Social Democracy, Ghana (CSD-Ghana) wishes to express its profound gratitude to all those who contributed to making the 2015 CSD Public Lecture successful.
CSD-Ghana is equally grateful to University of Professional Studies particularly Prof Joshua Alabi, Dr. Abednego Okoe Feehi Amartey and Mr. James Afedo, Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Public Relations Officer respectively for their tremendous support.
CSD-Ghana is particularly grateful to Friedrich-EbertStiftung (FES) for their invaluable support.
CSD-Ghana also thanks GTV, The Finder, TV3, Daily Graphic, Starr FM, Radio Gold, Citi FM, Radio Univers and Cookhouse.
We also thank our Guest Speaker, Dr. Nii Moi Thompson for accepting to deliver this year’s lecture. We are also grateful to the National Development Planning Commission for their partnership and support.
Finally, CSD-Ghana is grateful to all those who made time to participate in the lecture.
2015 CSD Public Lecture Programme
APPRECIATION
11
Design & Print: TYPE COMPANY LTD. +233.30.223.2252
