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NDPC presents vision 2057 Development Framework to President Akufo-Addo
The National Development Planning Commission has on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, presented a new Long-term National Development Perspective Framework, dubbed VISION 2057 to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, in Accra.
The document, according to Proffessor Gyan Baffour, Board Chairman of NDPC, outlines a comprehensive vision for the country’s development when Ghana attains 100 years since independence.
The Framework envisions Ghana as a prosperous, self-reliant environmental sustainability and is guided by the Black Star Rising: Long-Term National Development Plan commonly known as the 40-year Plan which was to be implemented from 2018-2057.
The NDPC claims that the preparation of this vision document was necessitated by the exigencies of current development challenges facing Ghana, as a result of the devastating impact of COVID-19, the geo-political uncertainties, and the macro-economic fallout and as a result, proposes a more general development of specific policies and programmes in their medium-term development plans.
Describing it as a non-prescriptive development blueprint that is broad based, aspirational and all-inclusive, they said, VISION 2057, integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development with the vision for a free, just, prosperous, and self-reliant nation, which secures the welfare and happiness of its citizens, while playing a leading role in international affairs” by 2057.
The vision emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, and good governance, it envisions a prosperous nation with a strong economy, equitable social development, environmental preservation, and effective governance with the overall goal to improve the living standards of Ghanaians and attain an upper middle-income country status and recognise the challenges posed by population dynamics, urbanisation, and various risks, and thus provides strategic direction for resilience and preparedness.
According to the NDPC, Drivers of Transformation, which encompasses economic development, social development, natural and built environment, build effective, efficient and dynamic institutions and emergency preparedness and resilience, will ensure the achievement of sustainable macro-economic stability; enabling attitudinal culture for sustainable social cohesion; ensuring peace and security; providing an effective and efficient public service and institutional strengthening; enhancing human capital development for improved productivity; advancing science, technology and innovation; providing effective land reforms; guaranteeing sustainable infrastructural development; and delivering clean, affordable and sustainable energy transitional path
Describing the framework as forward looking, President Akufo-Addo said, to have a plan that accommodates the reality of the multi-party democratic state that we have in Ghana, which allows people to come with different commitments to the seat of government is very important.
The President added that, “today we have a framework with certain targets which can guide all of us going forward, and which can guide us in the shaping of our manifesto whilst recognizing the importance of a manifesto, in the governance of a nation because that is the contract between the parties and the people of Ghana.”
“They are the products of social engagements. Not everybody would have thought that this FreeSHS matter was a priority for the country. There are still people who question it. And if they were in office, perhaps that’s not what would have been the emphasis, but for me it was a priority and I said so to the people of Ghana before I came here,” he continued.
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
