Serious planning must inform social interventions, not whims and prayers - Dr Arkutu

A former Chairman of the National Population Council (NPC), Dr Andrew A. Arkutu has suggested that programmes and interventions that are intended, and have the power, to transform the lives of people, communities and society, should not be launched on a whim and a prayer.

Instead, it should be based on good planning.

According to him, “there is too much at stake” and that the country needed to implement programmes based on proper planning where scientific data are considered critical element in the policy formulation and implementation.

“The development and implementation of social intervention programmes require, among other factors, clear vision, the investment of significant financial and material resources, personal and political capital as well as the participation and commitment of stakeholders including beneficiaries,” he explained.

Dr Arkutu who was delivering a lecture organised by the Ghana Association of Former International Civil Servants (GAFICS) in Accra on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, on the theme: “Numbers count: strengthening the culture of planning,” said “Sentiment and good intentions are no substitutes for rigorous data-based planning.”

He said for the country to make any meaningful progress in its development, “it is critical that serious and conscientious efforts are made to ensure that the planning, execution and evaluation of such programmes are firmly based on the realities on the ground, the numbers and evidence before our eyes.”

He was of the view that “We need to develop and strengthen a culture of data-based planning for development. We must count the numbers.”

The former United Nations Population Fund official explained that “Any social development policy, programme or intervention should begin with the critical question: who are the primary beneficiaries or target of this intervention? What are their numbers, ages, sex, spatial distribution, levels of education, special needs, etc of the population to be specifically targeted to achieve desired outcomes?”

He also noted that “It is also pertinent to address the issue of resource requirements from the beginning. In doing so, one must take into consideration the potential contribution of beneficiaries.”

The lecture was chaired by the Paramount Chief of Asante Asokore, Dr Nana Susubribi Krobea Asante.

Background

GAFICS constitutes a pool of highly qualified Ghanaians with extensive experiences and expertise in many scientific, social, economic and related fields who have worked with international organisations across the globe, including the United Nations; its departments, funds and specialised agencies, the world Bank, International Monetary Fund, African Development Bank, Commonwealth Secretariat, African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as well as other reputable international organisations.

GAFICS was incorporated under the Companies Code, 1963 (Act 179) on September 26, 2000, and formally inaugurated in April 2001. It was started with a membership of 28 and now boast of over 100 active members.

The objectives of GAFICS include to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country by placing the skills and expertise of its members at the disposal of the government as well as other Ghanaian organisations and institutions. The organisation also foments national debate and discussion on development issues and other topics of national interest through publications, lectures, seminars, workshops and other activities.

GAFICS organised its first public lecture on January 30, 2002 with Lt. General (Rtd) E.A Esrkine delivering the lecture on the topic: “UN conflict management in Africa-ECOWAS sub regional perspectives.”

The President of GAFICS, Ing. Kwaku D. Osei-Bonsu, said GAFICS “is committed to sharing its technical knowledge and expertise with various government entities and other institutions and would welcome any collaborative ventures.”

He said the association has provided 120 dual desks and six teachers’ tables and chairs to the Oyarifa Presbyterian School near Abokobi.

He added that the association has also donated 50 writing desks to the Oyarifa Presbyterian School near Abokobi and sponsored a pest control spraying of its desks in 2013/2014.

Mr Osei-Bonsu said GAFICS has donated US$1,500 to the National Youth Council Training Programme to sponsor needy school leavers to gain vocational skills whilst it has also contributed US$6,000 to EYEH Foundation for monitoring High School graduates and facilitating their placement for internships.