Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra | Thursday, May 28, 2026
The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, has called for a fundamental shift in Ghana’s economic measurement framework, proposing a “3D Growth” model that places equal emphasis on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, employment creation and wage growth.
Speaking at the 12th Ishmael Yamson & Associates (IYA) Business Roundtable in Accra, Dr. Thompson argued that Ghana’s longstanding reliance on GDP as the principal measure of economic performance no longer provides a complete picture of national development.
According to him, GDP growth often fails to capture critical indicators such as job creation, rising incomes and improvements in citizens’ living standards.
“Growth without jobs is meaningless. Growth without rising incomes is unsustainable,” he stressed.
Dr. Thompson explained that under the proposed 3D Growth framework, economic performance would be assessed not only by the level of output produced but also by how effectively the economy creates decent jobs and improves wages.
He warned that economic growth risks becoming disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens, particularly the thousands of young people entering the labour market annually, if employment and income generation are not given equal priority.
Highlighting structural weaknesses within Ghana’s economy, the NDPC Chairman noted that about 92 percent of businesses operate within the informal sector and account for roughly 80 percent of employment, yet contribute only about 27 percent of GDP.
He said addressing this imbalance would require deliberate efforts to improve productivity, promote formalisation and increase value addition across all sectors of the economy.
Dr. Thompson further stressed that infrastructure investments should be evaluated not only by physical delivery but also by their impact on employment generation, efficiency and long-term productivity growth.
He identified electricity, water systems, transportation and logistics, and digital infrastructure as critical drivers of economic transformation, adding that these sectors must be supported by strong institutions and consistent implementation.
The NDPC Chairman also expressed concern about persistent weaknesses in policy execution, arguing that poor coordination between planning and implementation continues to undermine Ghana’s development efforts.
He called for stronger alignment between national development plans and budgetary allocations, as well as greater accountability across public institutions.
According to him, Ghana’s next phase of development must be guided by the principles of 3D Growth, where progress is measured not only by economic expansion but also by jobs created, incomes improved and living standards enhanced.
Dr. Thompson’s proposal formed part of wider discussions at the roundtable aimed at identifying strategies to position Africa for sustainable growth and global relevance over the next 25 years.
