World Bank hails Ghana’s social cohesion efforts as SOCO Project surpasses targets

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, made this statement. He led a delegation to tour SOCO project sites and meet stakeholders. They assessed midterm progress and discussed collaboration opportunities.

Mr. Mearns noted that the SOCO Project is exceeding its targets. It is bringing economic prosperity to previously under-invested regions. He encouraged additional funding to reach more vulnerable districts.

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

He emphasized that Fatima’s experience shows how SOCO boosts local livelihoods and resilience. The team also met income-generating groups like the Shishegu Soap Makers and visited a new livestock market. These initiatives are part of SOCO’s Local Economic Development (LED) component.

The Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John, called the project a game changer. He highlighted its role in addressing infrastructure gaps and social vulnerability in six Northern regions. SOCO’s integrated approach helps create peaceful communities across these areas.

SOCO Project Coordinator, Ms. Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei, reported significant achievements from the first project cycle. As of February 2025, they completed 489 out of 530 community infrastructure subprojects. These include roads, educational facilities, health centers, water facilities, and rural markets.

Ms. Agyei mentioned that over 6,200 jobs were created through this initiative—many for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, 744 livelihood groups received support to enhance local productivity.

A second cycle of the project is underway with plans for 680 more subprojects across 48 districts. Ms. Agyei stressed that SOCO focuses on building community ownership and participation.

The delegation also attended the inauguration of the Tamale Metropolitan Youth Parliament under SOCO's civic engagement initiative. This program promotes youth involvement in governance and peacebuilding efforts.

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 selected districts across Ghana’s six northern regions to build inclusive communities along border zones.