Beyond The Dialogues
Coordinating Institutions
The project is being implemented by a multi-sectoral coalition made up of government institutions, academia, and a civil society organisation. The University of Ghana (UG), serving as the lead institution, is responsible for developing the tracking framework and leading activities related to data analysis, curation, visualisation, and evidence dissemination. The university is also conducting a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the economic efficiency, feasibility, and broader societal impact of Ghana’s food systems commitments. The civil society partner, the Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy (CAPHA), is leading efforts on advocacy, public sensitisation, and accountability. Key state actors – the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), and Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) – are facilitating data access, convening all relevant food systems actors, and exploitation of the findings.
University of Ghana (UG)
is Ghana’s premier university and a leading centre of excellence for training, research and innovation in multiple fields. It was established in 1948 for the purpose of providing and promoting university education, learning and research. As a university poised to distinguish itself in the area of research to make an impact at the national and international level, the university launched a new strategic plan (2014-2024) to consolidate the gains made toward becoming one of the top research-intensive universities in the world. The university’s vision is to become a world-class research-intensive university over the next decade. Its mission is to create an enabling environment that makes the University of Ghana increasingly relevant to national and global development through cutting-edge research as well as high-quality teaching and learning
National Development Planning Commission (NDPC)
is an authoritative planning body providing sound policy choices for sustainable and even development of Ghana. The NDPC was established under Articles 86 and 87 of the 1992 Constitution as part of the Executive. The National Development Planning Commission Act, 1994 (Act 479) and the National Development Planning (System) Act, 1994 (Act 480) provide the core legal framework for the establishment of the commission and the performance of its functions. The mandate of NDPC is to advise the President of the Republic of Ghana (and Parliament on request) on national development planning policy and strategy by providing a national development policy framework, preparing and ensuring effective implementation of approved national development plans and to coordinate economic, and social activities country-wide in a manner that will ensure accelerated and sustainable development of the country to promote continuous improvement in the living standards of all Ghanaians.
Ghana Statistical Service (GSS)
is the central agency in Ghana, mandated to produce and disseminate official statistics. The sector ministries, by virtue of their functions, also produce official statistics, which are relevant to their respective work programmes. Official statistics provide an indispensable element in the information system of a democratic society, serving the government, the economy and the public with data about the economic, demographic, social and environmental situation. To this end, official statistics that meet the test of practical utility are to be compiled and made available on an impartial basis by official statistical agencies to honour citizens’ entitlement to public information.
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA)
is the government agency responsible for the development and growth of agriculture in the country. The ministry is pivotal in developing and implementing policies to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security in Ghana. Tasked with promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development, the ministry oversees initiatives aimed at increasing crop yields, enhancing livestock management, and improving irrigation practices. Its efforts are geared toward supporting farmers, boosting agricultural exports, and reducing poverty. Key programs focus on modernizing the agricultural sector through technology, providing farmer education, and improving market access. As agriculture remains central to Ghana’s economy, the ministry’s work is crucial for national development and the well-being of its population.
Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy (CAPHA)
is a public interest coalition that brings together both state and non-state actors to advocate for public health. As a Coalition, CAPHA has the requisite expertise and experience to advocate for the development, deployment, and evaluation of public health interventions. CAPHA’s academic partners in this and related projects include the University of Ghana, civil society partners include the Ghana NCD Alliance, Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ghana Public Health Association, as well as some Members of Parliament, Ghana.
