Ghana has described the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project (SOCO) as a transformative initiative that is enhancing economic opportunities, strengthening governance, and fostering social resilience in the country’s implementation regions.
Speaking on the final day of the Regional Forum on Social Cohesion in Cotonou, Benin, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, highlighted the project’s impact on youth and women empowerment, political inclusion, and community development.
He noted that SOCO is delivering real change at the grassroots level by working through Ghana’s existing decentralized governance system, ensuring that development is driven by the very communities it seeks to uplift.
According to him, the community-led approach adopted under the project has fostered a sense of ownership among local populations, a critical factor for ensuring sustainability and long-term success.
“The SOCO Project is a game-changer,” Hon. Ibrahim stated. “It has not only provided infrastructural dividends in its areas of operation but has also strengthened social cohesion and community resilience, creating lasting impact where it is needed most.”
Ghana’s delegation emphasized that the project’s investments in economic empowerment, social inclusion, and participatory governance are yielding positive results, with local communities now more engaged in shaping their own development.
By focusing on localized solutions, SOCO is helping to prevent social unrest, address economic vulnerabilities, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
As the three-day forum concluded, Ghana reiterated its commitment to further strengthening the implementation of SOCO and working with regional partners to scale up its impact across the Gulf of Guinea’s northern regions.
SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)