The University for Development Studies (UDS) has officially opened the 19th edition of the Annual Harmattan School, bringing together stakeholders to deliberate on governance and sustainable development.

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This year's conference focuses on the consequences of inconsistent governance on Ghana’s progress, emphasizing the need for policy continuity to drive self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.

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Organized by the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIR) at UDS, the two-day event aims to foster dialogue on the recurrent issue of successive governments abandoning national development plans, policies, and projects. Discussions will explore strategies for sustainable development and long-term policy implementation.

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The event is held in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority, Norsaac, Ghana Developing Communities Association, and other partners under the theme: "Changes in Governments and National Development: Discontinuity in Continuity."

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Participants include representatives from civil society organizations, public institutions, academia, and students.

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Speaking at the opening ceremony in Tamale on Wednesday, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, Vice-Chancellor of UDS, highlighted that the forum was designed to promote constructive engagement and influence government policies.

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Professor Al-Hassan stated that partisanship and lack of accountability had significantly contributed to the discontinuation of key projects and initiatives.

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He advocated for a long-term national development plan supported by all political parties to ensure consistency in implementation.

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Professor Mamudu Akudugu, Director of IIR at UDS, underscored the historical pattern of successive governments launching ambitious national projects, only for them to be halted or abandoned by their successors.

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He noted that such practices not only squander resources but also hinder economic progress and diminish public confidence in leadership.

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“The 19th edition of the Harmattan School aims to create a platform to interrogate issues around continuity in development planning and policy interventions for the socioeconomic transformation of the country beyond another exchange of power between political parties,” Professor Akudugu emphasized.

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Mrs. Sophia Akuffo, former Chief Justice of Ghana, delivering the keynote address, lamented the frequent abandonment of projects by successive administrations, stressing that such inefficiencies hinder sustainable development and deny citizens access to essential services.

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She called for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent the misuse of state resources on projects that are later abandoned by new governments.

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Representing the Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John, an official delivered remarks acknowledging that the issue of project discontinuity had long impeded the provision of essential services in the country.

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He assured that the government remains committed to prioritizing the completion of major projects initiated by previous administrations to bridge the infrastructure gap and enhance national development.

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