A Presidential Staffer at the Jubilee House, Nana Yaa Jantua, has called on political leaders to adopt a long-term national economic development plan for Ghana. This plan would ensure continuity in national development programmes and enable successive administrations to build on existing initiatives instead of abandoning them. The call was made at the Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah Africa Leadership Conference and Awards in Accra.
The conference was organised by the West Africa International Press Limited in collaboration with the Nkrumah Vision Alive Movement. Nana Yaa Jantua stated that Ghana's economic development should not be tied solely to the manifestos and priorities of political parties. A national development plan would provide a common framework for successive governments to pursue long-term economic transformation and ensure that development programmes were sustained across different administrations.
Nana Yaa Jantua noted that Ghana could draw lessons from Dr Kwame Nkrumah's development plans, particularly his emphasis on industrialisation, economic independence, and the use of local resources for national development. She stressed the need for increased efforts to add value to Ghana's raw materials locally instead of exporting them in their raw state. According to her, strengthening local production and increasing trade among African countries were necessary steps towards greater economic independence.
The Executive Director of Eminent West Africa Nobles Forum, Dr Dee Otibu-Asare, also spoke at the conference. He said Africa needed a development approach that reflected its historical and socio-economic realities rather than depending heavily on foreign economic programmes. Dr Otibu-Asare stated that Africa did not need socialism or capitalism, but rather Nkrumahism.
Dr Otibu-Asare noted that Dr Nkrumah's legacy continued to influence African political thought and had guided the philosophies of several world leaders. He urged Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to learn more about Dr Nkrumah's ideas and his contribution to Ghana's independence and African unity. This would help to promote national unity and development in Ghana.
Professor Samuel Aniegye Ntewusu, Director for the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana, called for the integration of Dr Nkrumah's ideas and ideologies into Ghana's educational curriculum. He noted that Nkrumah's ideas should not be viewed through the lens of political party affiliation but rather as principles that could contribute to national development.
The organisation also honoured individuals for their outstanding and exceptional leadership and contributions to national development. Among the awardees were Nana Yaa Jantuah, Prof. Samuel Aniegye Ntewusu, and Dr De-Gaulle Moses Dogbatsey. The event was held on September 28, 2026, and was reported by Prince Addo Frimpong.
Key points
- A long-term national economic development plan is needed to guide Ghana's development beyond individual governments.
- The plan would ensure continuity in national development programmes and enable successive administrations to build on existing initiatives.
- Dr Nkrumah's development plans and legacy continue to influence African political thought and guide the philosophies of several world leaders.
