NRCC, UNICEF Advocate Data-Driven Planning to Address Women and Children’s Issues in Northern Region
The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) and UNICEF Ghana have emphasised the necessity of using reliable data and development statistics to guide decision-making and resource allocation for women and children in the Northern Region.
The call was highlighted during a comprehensive briefing presented by the NRCC to the UNICEF Ghana Country Representative, Mr Andrew Brooks, during his inaugural official visit to the region on Friday.
Presenting the situation report on behalf of the Council at the Northern Regional Minister’s Office in Tamale, the Chief Development Planning Officer of the NRCC, Alhaji Habib Shahadu, stated that targeted interventions rely heavily on accurate development information.
Alhaji Shahadu explained that a thorough, evidence-based understanding of the localised challenges affecting women and children is essential for prioritising interventions and maximising the impact of development programs across communities.
Receiving the delegation, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John, commended UNICEF for its continuous technical and social development support.
He affirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and institutional coordination with development partners to improve socio-economic outcomes for vulnerable populations.
In his remarks, the Chief Director of the NRCC, Mr Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, noted that sustained institutional partnerships remain vital to translating strategic data into actionable community development projects.
Responding to the briefing, Mr Andrew Brooks expressed gratitude for the detailed situational analysis provided by the NRCC.
He noted that the baseline data and insights shared would directly inform UNICEF’s strategic engagement and support frameworks in the region.
Mr Brooks called on all key stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organisations, and local authorities, to maintain close coordination to ensure that development programmes directly respond to the fundamental rights and protection needs of children and women.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment between the NRCC and UNICEF Ghana to maintain ongoing dialogue, streamline joint planning processes, and align future interventions with local priorities.
Bala Ali & Salifu Yakubu Abdulai, ISD
