Ghana’s Vision for Development: A Study of Ghana Vision 2020 and the Gprs I and Ii

Abstract

Over the years, successive governments have experimented with myriads of development plans and strategies to accelerate the pace of development of Ghana. Governments have introduced development policy frameworks such as the First Step (1996-2000) of the Ghana Vision 2020 and the Poverty Reduction Strategies (2003-2009). The ideas behind these plans have been to consolidate the gains achieved so far in the area of political, economic and social development and also ensure poverty levels are reduced through economic growth.This study seeks to examine the processes and the outcomes of the Ghana Vision 2020 and GPRS I & II. Interviews were the main data collection tool used. A purposive sampling technique was employedto select respondents.Twenty respondents were selected for the study. The study found that the approach to planning has become more participatory and decentralized with the involvement of civil society organizations, academic institutions and other government agencies. Ghana has achieved some level of development in the thematic areas of private sector competitiveness, governance and civic responsibility, human resource development and macroeconomic stability in areas of private sector growth, employment, poverty reduction, health care and lower levels of inflation although the country can improve on its current standings. The findings reveal that the country does not have a national development agenda rather it has separate political parties‟ development agenda. Politicization of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has inhibited Ghana‟s vision for development hence the need for a long term national development adhered to by successive governments.