Mr. Daniel Botwe, the Honorable Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, has highlighted the crucial role of well-resourced Information Services Department officers in fostering sustainable national development.

Speaking at an orientation session for Regional and District Information Officers (RIOs and DIOs) from the Information Services Department (ISD) on the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project (SOCO), Mr. Botwe emphasised the significance of efficient information dissemination in achieving developmental goals.

During the session, the Minister praised the Information Officers for their instrumental role in mobilising rural and urban communities, enabling them to comprehend government policies and initiatives for increased support and compliance.

He acknowledged the pivotal position of Information Officers in rural areas, where they are trusted sources of credible government information, capable of bridging cultural gaps and communicating effectively in local languages.

Hon. Botwe stressed that Information Officers' unique position as cultural liaisons makes them indispensable in implementing policies that require community support for sustainable development. He assured the officers of ongoing capacity-building initiatives and their active involvement in SOCO project activities, including work plans, monitoring, and outreach efforts in their respective regions and districts.

The participants were made up of Public Relations Officers from District Assemblies,  DIOs and RIOs all ISD staff from the implementing six regions and 48 Districts. 

The Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion Project (SOCO), an initiative by the Government of Ghana, aims to address potential spill-over effects of fragility, conflict, and extremism from the Sahel region into border communities. Additionally, the project seeks to promote socio-cultural integration and stimulate local economic development.

The project is being implementing in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, North East and Oti Regions.

In an effort to strengthen community engagement and awareness, Mr. Daniel Botwe, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), recently spearheaded a press soiree in Tamale. The focus of the event was the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and resilience in border-zone communities exposed to conflicts and climate risks.

Minister Botwe addressed a diverse audience, comprising journalists, producers, and program show hosts, urging them to allocate dedicated time on their media outlets for in-depth discussions on the SOCO Project. His message underscored the significance of media involvement in shaping public perceptions and ensuring citizens are well-informed about the project's objectives.

The SOCO Project stands as a beacon for improving regional collaboration and enhancing socio-economic and climate resilience in the targeted northern regions of Gulf of Guinea countries. Minister Botwe expressed his belief that media engagement would play a crucial role in garnering support from citizens in these regions.

During the interaction session, journalists seized the opportunity to pose questions, seeking clarity on various aspects of the project. Minister Botwe welcomed the inquiries, emphasizing the importance of disseminating accurate information to the public, especially within the beneficiary communities.

The press soiree marked a milestone in fostering transparent communication between the state and the media, ensuring a clear understanding of the SOCO Project's objectives and its broader impact. As media houses in Tamale commit to focusing on discussions related to the project, the state anticipates a heightened level of citizen awareness and support.

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Institute of Local Government Studies, recently organized a three-day capacity-building training for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). The primary focus was to enhance their leadership and managerial skills.

The training, held in Tamale, brought together MMDCEs from the Northern, Upper West, North East, Savannah, and Oti Regions. The strategic location facilitated the participation of key leaders from diverse regions, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences.

During the training, Mr. Daniel Botwe, the Minister for Local Government, shared insights on the significance of the program. He highlighted its purpose, aiming to equip MMDCEs with the necessary tools for exhibiting quality leadership within their respective offices.

Minister Botwe expressed optimism that the training would not only enhance leadership capabilities but also bolster the commitment of MMDCEs to deliver as expected. He commended the facilitators for their expertise and urged participants to actively engage with the presentations.

The MMDCEs conveyed gratitude to the Ministry for organizing the training, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance their skills. They assured the Minister that the knowledge gained would go a long way in improving their capacity to discharge their duties effectively.

The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Local Government and the Institute of Local Government Studies has proven to be a commendable step towards empowering local leaders. The engagement of MMDCEs from various regions reflects a commitment to strengthening governance at the grassroots level. The success of this training sets a positive precedent for future capacity-building initiatives.