An Analysis of the obstacles confronting Development Initiatives in Ghana

Ghana and Singapore attained political autonomy from Britain simultaneously. Ghanaian governments have used diverse development strategies to promote economic growth. Regrettably, Ghana has not attained even half of the progress and economic affluence that Singapore is now experiencing. This has led to considerable speculation among Ghanaians on the existence of the Nation Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and significance of the country's comprehensive development strategies. Regarding these inquiries, I emphasize that Ghana has an institution responsible for formulating and executing development strategies to propel the nation's progress. According to Acts 479 and 480 of the 1992 constitution, the NDPC must guide the country's growth. Knowing how development initiatives promote a nation’s growth, the NDPC has used short-term, medium-term, and long-tern programs to encourage Ghana’s growth but has yet to achieve the desired result.

The Importance of Development Plans
Development plans serve as a structured frameworks that outlines objectives, resources, activities, and chances for learning aimed at fostering progress. Additionally, they recognizes significant achievements in fulfilling goals and objectives, which helps a nation to evaluate her growth. Additional advantages of a development plan include facilitating a country in attaining comprehensive, enduring, and fair economic expansion, guaranteeing a sustainable environment, and fostering effective governance via proficient institutions. Ghanaians seem not to see these benefits and think if the country has development plans, then the government and the NDPC need to do more for the citizens to feel it, or do well to protect such programs through constitutional means, as the Speaker of Ghana's Parliament, Hon. Alban Bagbin stated at Ho on December 17, 2023, that there is the need for a national development plan to provide a solid development line for the nation.

Obstacles to Development Planning in Ghana

Upon examination, the Nation Development Planning Commission merely look like a nominal entity. However, a thorough analysis of its accomplishments since its inception reveals that the institution has fulfilled some of its objectives. Nevertheless, both internal and external factors hinder its efficient functioning. One of the primary obstacles hindering Ghana's growth strategy is bribery and corruption, often referred to as "Keteasehye ne Proye" (meaning hiding it beneath the bed and allowing it to decay) or "Kalabule," as well as Protocol. Corruption leads to an increase in project expenses, a decrease in revenue for both citizens and the government, the development of low-quality infrastructure, a delay in economic progress, the loss of foreign funding, and more stringent criteria from donors.

Another obstacle hindering the nation's progress is the absence of transformative leadership. The lack of good leadership, particularly transformative leadership, is a substantial obstacle for many emerging countries, including Ghana. Except for a small number of leaders in Ghana, most of them use their influence on the government or ministries to gain personal, political, and economic benefits. I commend the Minister of Roads and Highway, Hon. Ofori-Atta, in the current government for his exceptional leadership and performance. He stands out as the most transformative leader among the current group of ministers. How I wish the current government can make him their Vice-President for the 2024 election. May he receive divine blessings and be granted a long life.

The absence of stakeholder engagement in development activities in Ghana is detrimental to the nation's progress. The country's limited participation in development planning worsens marginalization. Another factor contributing to the failure of development in Ghana is the need for more interaction between the parties participating in the country's development plan. The nation's historical dependence on extractive institutions and certain recent occurrences provide a significant obstacle to establishing a robust centralized state, further impeding economic development prospects. Ghana's progress is also hindered by other problems, such as cronyism, favoritism, tribalism, and nepotism. These enable individuals with political and social connections to get jobs for which they lack the necessary qualifications.

Although several more obstacles hinder Ghana's growth, I cannot list them all due to limitations of space and time. However, it is crucial to emphasize the Conditionalities imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as one of the significant hurdles. The loans provided to the nation are condition upon economic actions such as reducing government borrowing via increased taxes and decreased spending, allowing enterprises to fail, implementing structural adjustments, and addressing unemployment. Implementing structural adjustment and macroeconomic intervention programs results in adverse economic circumstances detrimental to Ghana's growth.

Ultimately, each political party in Ghana submits a thorough strategic plan that clearly states its aims and objectives for the length of its tenure in government. Regardless of the praiseworthy nature of their predecessor's growth strategy, they will not perpetuate it. Continuing with it would decline their popularity among Ghanaians and may lead to electoral defeat; thus, they choose to chart their own path.

Recommendations
From all accounts, Ghana wants to follow Singapore's lead, but the hurdles outlined makes it impossible. In this respect, the Ghanaian government should implement laws that not only penalize but also deter corruption. Such laws must include legislations that prohibits conflicts of interest among public officials and mandates the declaration of property and income, particularly for those accepting positions in government. Second, the government must have solid legal enforcement, including police, prosecutors, and courts, independent of political and other pressures and genuinely carry out their duties. Furthermore, Ghana must strive for a robust commercial media free of political interference and other forms of involvement. This kind of media may detect and expose corruption.

Building a competent and independent audit and justice system, including a well-resourced court and an oversight agency to handle complaints, is also critical. Ghanaians must also foster an atmosphere that allows robust and responsible civil society groups to scrutinize the government. Such powerful and independent institutions boost political will by putting pressure on politicians, even at the highest levels, to act. Building institutions takes time and does not provide the immediate outcomes that interest politicians and funders. However, Ghana must tackle corruption methodically, secure long-term stability, and propel the country ahead. The nation needs transformational leaders to motivate followers to achieve more by focusing on the followers' values and assisting the followers in aligning their values with the ideals of the country.

Finally, while launching development initiatives in a community, the authorities in-charge must consider the views and opinions of stakeholders since they assist in guiding choices and give the support required for long-term sustainability. Another benefit of integrating stakeholders is that it helps avoid project delays or bottlenecks. If development initiators can appropriately involve stakeholders, they can better accomplish time, scope, quality, cost, and other goals. If organizations want to achieve projects success, they must recognize stakeholders.

Dr. Kwame Aduhene-Kwarteng (Castro).