World Bank Hails Ghana’s SOCO Projects

The World Bank has praised Ghana for its progress with the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project. Mr. Robin Mearns, the World Bank’s Global Director for Social Development, led a delegation to assess the project. He noted that SOCO is exceeding expectations and achieving more than its initial targets.

“The SOCO Project is bringing economic prosperity to under-invested regions,” Mr. Mearns said. He encouraged additional funding to help vulnerable districts benefit from the project.

During their visit, the delegation inspected community projects in Jinlo along the Salaga corridor. They looked at a CHPS compound and a guinea fowl rearing initiative. Mr. Mearns shared Fatima's story, a local farmer who increased her guinea fowl stock from 30 to over 100 with SOCO support.

The team also met income-generating groups like the Shishegu Soap Makers and visited a new livestock market. These efforts are part of SOCO’s Local Economic Development (LED) component, which aims for sustainable community empowerment.

Northern Regional Minister Mr. Ali Adolf John called the project a game changer for infrastructure and social vulnerability in six Northern regions. He highlighted how SOCO’s integrated approach fosters peaceful communities.

SOCO Project Coordinator Ms. Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei reported that 530 community infrastructure sub-projects have been delivered so far. As of February 2025, 489 of these projects are completed and handed over.

These include roads, educational facilities, health centers, water facilities, and rural markets. Over 6,200 jobs have been created, benefiting women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Ms. Agyei mentioned that a second cycle is underway to deliver an additional 680 subprojects across 48 districts. “The SOCO Project builds community ownership and participation,” she said.

The delegation also inaugurated the Tamale Metropolitan Youth Parliament under SOCO to promote youth involvement in governance and peacebuilding initiatives.

Mr. Nicolas Perrin from the World Bank described this platform as a model worth replicating for civic inclusion and leadership development.

The SOCO Project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by Ghana's Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. It operates in 48 selected districts across Ghana’s six northern regions to build inclusive and economically empowered communities along border zones.