The IMANI Centre for Policy and Education has announced the appointment of its Founding President and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Cudjoe, to Ghana’s Joint National-United Nations Steering Committee (JSC), the country’s highest strategic oversight body responsible for guiding the design and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
The appointment comes as the Government of Ghana and the United Nations commence work on the country’s next Cooperation Framework for the period 2027–2030, which will serve as the principal roadmap for aligning UN support with Ghana’s national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Co-chaired by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, the Committee brings together senior government officials, heads of UN agencies, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and minority groups to provide strategic oversight for one of Ghana’s most significant development planning processes.
According to IMANI, the Committee will oversee implementation of the Cooperation Framework, review progress, identify emerging development challenges, strengthen accountability between the Government of Ghana and the UN system, support resource mobilisation and promote coordination among national institutions and development partners.
The framework is expected to address key national priorities, including economic recovery, institutional reforms, governance, climate resilience, youth employment, fiscal sustainability and inclusive development.
Commenting on the appointment, IMANI said it reflects “the important role that independent public policy institutions and civil society organisations like IMANI play in strengthening national development planning.”
The think tank added that Mr. Cudjoe’s appointment “represents not only recognition of his extensive contribution to public policy and governance, but also an opportunity for independent, research-driven policy perspectives to contribute to one of Ghana’s most important national development processes.”
IMANI noted that, through the appointment, it would bring its longstanding commitment to rigorous research, evidence-based policymaking and accountable governance to the national platform as Ghana develops its next Cooperation Framework with the United Nations.
For more than two decades, Mr. Cudjoe has been recognised as one of Africa’s leading public policy advocates, spearheading reforms in governance, institutional development and economic policy through IMANI, which has consistently ranked among Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading independent think tanks.
His international recognitions include being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2010 and being listed among The Africa Report’s Top 50 Africans.
He has also participated in high-level policy engagements with governments and international institutions, contributing to discussions on governance, economic reform and sustainable development.
IMANI said the Steering Committee’s work over the coming years will help shape Ghana’s development priorities, strengthen cooperation with the United Nations system and support the country’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: Felix NYAABA/I expressnewsghana.com