The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Bank, UNDP and ActionAid, is holding a National Forum on Inclusive Development on the theme: “Promoting Growth and Fair Opportunity for the Poorest.”

The Forum, is one of a series of national events that NDPC is organising to enable Ghanaians to provide their input to the proposed long-term national development plan, which aims at the socio-economic transformation of the country over the next 40 years.

Ghana’s economic growth trajectory over the past two decades has been remarkable compared with sub-Saharan African and global averages.

The statement said: “The country, has also succeeded in halving the incidence of extreme poverty. However, the Sixth Round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 6), published in 2014 by the Ghana Statistical Service, shows a continuing concentration of poverty, with growing income inequalities and a significant proportion of the population living in hardship.”

It said Ghana, would not enjoy the full dividends of socio-economic transformation if the poorest of its people remain marginalised and vulnerable.

The statement said the key issue for consideration in the long-term development plan is, therefore, “how can Ghana ensure its future is one in which there is equal chance for all to participate?”

This national forum would provide an opportunity to share ideas on how the poorest may be empowered to participate in and benefit equally from economic growth and social development.

The key output expected of the event is a set of policy actions to promote inclusive development.