NDPC, UNICEF Ghana Renew Strategic Partnership to Advance Child-Centred National Development
Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. | Accra | August 3, 2026
The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Ghana have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their long-standing strategic partnership to advance inclusive, child-centred national development and strengthen planning, monitoring and accountability systems across Ghana.
The renewed commitment was made during a courtesy call on the Director-General of NDPC, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, by UNICEF Ghana’s newly appointed Deputy Representative, Ms Emmanuelle Collet, on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr Smock Amoah described the partnership between NDPC and UNICEF as one built on trust, shared values and sustained collaboration at the national, sectoral, regional and district levels. She noted that the relationship has consistently supported the Commission’s policy coordination, planning, monitoring and evaluation functions while strengthening governance, institutional development and accountability mechanisms.
She explained that the Commission’s work is guided by interconnected development priorities that place people at the centre of national planning.
“Our work is organised around interconnected focus areas, and wherever people are concerned, development issues are linked. That is why our approach is aligned with the localisation of the SDGs. Education, health, nutrition, disability inclusion and social protection are all national priorities, and our interventions are designed to support citizens across these dimensions,” she said.
Dr Smock Amoah commended UNICEF for its consistency, professionalism and long-standing support, describing the organisation as one of NDPC’s most dependable development partners. She expressed confidence that the collaboration would continue to support Ghana’s development aspirations.
“With UNICEF, we have consistently enjoyed a strong and reliable partnership, which gives us confidence in pursuing our development objectives. We value the passion, commitment and professionalism that UNICEF continues to bring to this collaboration. Your visit gives us renewed assurance that we are working together towards a common purpose of reducing inequalities and advocating for those whose voices are often unheard,” she added.
Earlier during the engagement, Directors of the Commission’s four line divisions briefed the UNICEF Deputy Representative on NDPC’s constitutional mandate and its role in coordinating Ghana’s national development planning framework. They highlighted ongoing collaboration with UNICEF in child-focused planning, nutrition and food security, integrated social services, digital monitoring systems, Sustainable Development Goal reporting and child-sensitive policy development.
Responding on behalf of UNICEF Ghana, Ms Emmanuelle Collet expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage with the Commission at the start of her assignment in Ghana. She praised NDPC’s structured approach to development planning and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to sustaining the institutional partnership.
“I am truly impressed by the level of structure and coordination within the Commission. Please be assured that UNICEF remains fully committed to this partnership. It is an institutional relationship that has endured over time and is grounded in our shared development priorities. I look forward to working closely with NDPC so that, together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and communities across Ghana,” she stated.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of NDPC and UNICEF Ghana to strengthening collaboration in support of Ghana’s sustainable development agenda, with a particular focus on improving the well-being of children, vulnerable populations and communities nationwide.
