Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 1

Ghana’s GPRS II/MDGs Processes and Experiences

MDG-Based Development Planning Training Workshop in Dar-es-Salaam

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 2

OBJECTIVES

• Share experience on key features of the GPRS II/MDGs processes at the country level.

• Generate discussion on the lessons learned.

• Guide future action.

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 3

THE ROAD MAP

• Govt Provided the Political Will

• MP Missions

• Formation Of National MDGs Committee

• MDGs Needs Assessment Process

• GPRS II Process

• Lessons Learned

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 4

THE MDGs NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS

• Steps taken in the preparation of the Needs Assessment (NA) report – Government sent a formal request for assistance

to the UNCT and the Millennium Project (MP) in carrying out an MDG NA.

– Two MP Missions followed – GoG responded with TORs

• To carry out NA indicating the long-term financial, infrastructure & HR needs to meet the MDGs

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 5

THE MDGs NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS II

• Steps Contd……– GoG responded with TORs Contd…….

• To develop long-term plan outlining policies, institutions and investments to achieve the MDGs by extending and revising the 2012 long-term framework in the light of the MDGs NA.

• To carry out the necessary analysis for the 2005 revision of the existing GPRS and assist government to produce a revised MDG-based GPRS.

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 6

THE MDGs NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS III

• Steps Contd……– Sectoral working groups formed (based on GPRS groups) – Engagement of 2 MDGs Technical Advisors (TAs) to work with

the sector groups– National Workshop to validate the initial report prepared by the

TAs– Support from the MP and MDG Center in Nairobi – Upon Validation workshop recommendation, a retreat was held to

finalize the sector documents– Contracted a Synthesis/Costing Consultant

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 7

THE MDGs NEEDS ASSESSMENT PROCESS IV

• Put in place a National MDG Committee under the overall leadership of the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and the technical coordination of the MDG/GPRS unit of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

– Provides overall platform for the synchronization of strategies and interventions towards the attainment of the MDGs.

– Building on the current work by different actors (Government, civil society, UN Agencies and other development partners), the team helps to enhance coordinated action at both policy and technical levels to bolster Ghana’s efforts to attain the MDGs

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 8

IDEAL WORKING GROUP STRUCTURE

Thematic Working Groups

Line Ministries

MDG Strategy Group

Civil society organization

Private sector

UN Country Team

Donors

Min. of Fin. & Econ Planning/ National Development Planning Commission

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 9

GHANA’s WORKING GROUP STRUCTURE

2 Technical Advisors*

MDAs

MDG Strategy Group

Civil society organization

Private sector

UN Country Team

Donors

Min. of Fin. & Econ Planning/ National Development Planning Commission

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 10

GPRS II PROCESS

• Reconstitution of Cross-Sectoral Planning Groups (CSPG) on five thematic areas of the GPRS II– Macro-economic stability– Production and Gainful Employment– HD and Provision of Basic Services – Special program for the Vulnerable & Excluded– Good Governance

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 11

GPRS II PROCESS – 2

• Formation of core working group within the CSPGs

• Formation of a common approach and methodologies used within and among the five thematic groups

• Undertook Policy Harmonization – point of integration of MDGS/NEPAD brought on board

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 12

• Validations, reviews and prioritization – Steering committee (Commission Members)– Policy Management Teams of MDAs and DPs

• Stakeholders’ consultations on Policy Framework– Focus groups, identifiable bodies, Regional,

Districts and Communities

GPRS II PROCESS – 3

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 13

• Programming and Costing of MDA plans – usual budgeting process of MDAs

• Policy review and hearing for MDAs with MTEF/Budget Division

• Finalization of Budget estimates/costing from MDAs

• Review of Budget in line with GPRS priorities

• National stakeholders’ Forum/Consultation on final draft.

GPRS II PROCESS – 4

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 14

LESSONS LEARNED

• Timeline suggested by MP was seen as imposition– Involvement of MDAs inadequate at the beginning

– Difficult to say that the NA process is fully nationally owned

• Costing was problematic– No model to dwell on immediately and time constraint

did not allow for proper forecasting – dwelled more on incremental adjustment

– No scenario costing was undertaking

Feb 27 - Mar 3, 2006 GOG/UNDP 15

• Harmonization of policies ensured – GPRS II goals draw links with global and regional goals: GPRS II MDG focus

• GPRS II process adopted sector approach

• The approach is top-bottom in character as in the case for MDG NA

LESSONS LEARNED – 2