The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has presented an extensive Long-term National Development Perspective Framework, dubbed VISION 2057, to the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The unveiling took place at the Jubilee House in Accra, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s developmental journey.

Professor Gyan Baffour, Board Chairman of NDPC, described the document as a comprehensive vision for Ghana’s development when the country celebrates 100 years of independence in 2057. The Framework envisions Ghana as a prosperous, self-reliant nation committed to environmental sustainability, guided by the principles of the Black Star Rising: Long-Term National Development Plan, also known as the 40-year Plan, spanning from 2018 to 2057.

The NDPC emphasized that the preparation of VISION 2057 was driven by the urgent need to address current developmental challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical uncertainties, and macroeconomic fallout.

“The exigencies of current development challenges necessitated the creation of this vision document to provide a strategic direction for Ghana’s medium-term development plans.”
Prof. Gyan-Baffour, Chair of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC)

Described by the NDPC as a non-prescriptive development blueprint, VISION 2057 is broad-based, aspirational, and all-inclusive. It integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development, aiming to create a free, just, prosperous, and self-reliant nation that ensures the welfare and happiness of its citizens while playing a leading role in international affairs by 2057.

The Framework emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, and good governance, envisioning a prosperous nation with a robust economy, equitable social development, environmental preservation, and effective governance.

The ultimate goal is to improve the living standards of Ghanaians and achieve upper middle-income country status. It acknowledges the challenges posed by population dynamics, urbanization, and various risks, providing a strategic direction for resilience and preparedness.

According to the NDPC, the “Drivers of Transformation” include economic development, social development, natural and built environment, institutional efficiency, and emergency preparedness and resilience.

These drivers aim to ensure sustainable macro-economic stability, promote a culture of sustainable social cohesion, ensure peace and security, provide effective public services, enhance human capital development, advance science and technology, implement effective land reforms, guarantee sustainable infrastructure development, and deliver clean, affordable, and sustainable energy.

A Forward-Looking Framework

President Akufo-Addo lauded VISION 2057 as a forward-looking framework that accommodates the realities of Ghana’s multi-party democratic state. He highlighted the importance of having a plan that allows for different commitments to the seat of government, thereby guiding the nation forward.

“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.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana

Reflecting on the diverse priorities that political parties bring to governance, President Akufo-Addo noted, “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.”

VISION 2057 represents a bold vision for Ghana’s future, aiming to transform the nation into a beacon of prosperity, sustainability, and good governance. As Ghana navigates the challenges of the 21st century, this framework serves as a guiding star, illuminating the path towards a brighter, more resilient future.

With the presentation of VISION 2057 to President Akufo-Addo, Ghana takes a significant step towards realizing its long-term development aspirations, setting the stage for a century of progress and prosperity.