The guideline, called "Community Action Planning" (CAP), aims to enhance planning at both regional and local levels, addressing national development goals and empowering communities to build resilience and adapt to climate challenges.

The CAP, launched alongside the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) guidelines, offers a framework to support district assemblies in their four-year planning cycles, ensuring that strategic planning aligns with national priorities.

The initiative, supported by the Resilience Against Climate Change (REACH) project, establishes a standardized process for developing action plans at the community level and integrates local insights to build a stronger foundation for plans that prepare communities for climate impacts.

Mrs. Lilian Baekaa, the Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and representative of the Regional Minister, stated that the launch of the guidelines was a significant step in Ghana's planning efforts to shape the future.

The guidelines were developed in preparation for the 2026-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) for ministries, departments, and agencies, among other stakeholders.

Mrs. Baekaa emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluation throughout implementation in the four-year plan. She urged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

Dr. Winfred E. A. Nelson, Director of Development Coordination at the NDPC, explained that the guidelines consist of six steps: inception, situational analysis, community engagement, plan preparation, finalization, and endorsement of the plan.

He noted that those steps were basic yet critical for the effective implementation of the Community Action Planning (CAP) and ensuring proper allocation of budget and resources across all 16 regions and districts in the country.

Ms. Astrid Kohl, the PAIRED Programme Director, stated that the inclusion of themes such as climate adaptation, gender responsiveness, and children's welfare in the guidelines would promote a holistic approach to regional and national development.

She pledged the commitment of the PAIRED programme, REACH project, European Union (EU), and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to support the NDPC in building a more inclusive, responsive, and impactful planning environment for Ghana.

The launch was attended by key representatives from the Ministry of Finance (MOF), NDPC, Land Use and Spatial Planning (LUSPA), Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), and development partners.