The National Development Planning Commission, NDPC, and the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF Ghana, have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening a long-standing strategic partnership aimed at advancing inclusive development and child-focused planning across the country.
The commitment was made on Monday, 3rd August 2026, during a courtesy call on NDPC by Ms. Emmanuelle Collet, UNICEF Ghana’s newly appointed Deputy Representative.
“A Partnership Built On Trust And Shared Values”
Welcoming the UNICEF delegation, NDPC Director-General, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, described the relationship between the two institutions as one grounded in trust, shared values, and sustained collaboration at the national, sectoral, regional and district levels.
She noted that over the years, UNICEF has consistently supported the Commission’s core mandate in policy coordination, planning, monitoring and evaluation, while also contributing to stronger governance, institutional development and accountability systems.
“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,” Dr. Smock Amoah said.
She commended UNICEF for its consistency and professionalism, describing the organisation as one of the Commission’s most dependable development partners.
“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.
Key Areas Of Collaboration Highlighted
Directors of the Commission’s four line divisions briefed Ms. Collet on NDPC’s constitutional mandate and its role in coordinating Ghana’s national development planning architecture.
They highlighted ongoing joint work with UNICEF in several areas, including:
– Child-focused planning and budgeting
– Nutrition and food security programming
– Integrated social services delivery
– Digital monitoring and data systems
– Sustainable Development Goals reporting
– Child-sensitive policy development
The Directors emphasized that the partnership has helped strengthen the Commission’s capacity to integrate child rights and equity considerations into national and district planning frameworks.
UNICEF Reaffirms Commitment
Responding on behalf of UNICEF Ghana, Ms. Emmanuelle Collet expressed appreciation for the warm reception and described NDPC as a highly structured institution with a direct link to development planning across all districts.
“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,” she said.
Ms. Collet stressed that UNICEF’s engagement with NDPC goes beyond individual office holders and is anchored in long-term institutional goals.
“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.
Focus On Localising The SDGs
Both institutions agreed that the partnership will continue to prioritize the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular emphasis on reducing inequalities and ensuring that vulnerable children and communities are not left behind.
The meeting forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s early engagements with key government partners as Ms. Collet begins her assignment in the country.
