World Bank Applauds Ghana’s Progress on Social Cohesion Initiative
The World Bank has praised Ghana for its outstanding achievements under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, citing the country’s efforts as surpassing initial expectations and delivering transformative results.
During a recent visit to SOCO project sites, Mr. Robin Mearns, the World Bank’s Global Director for Social Development, led a high-level delegation to assess progress on the ground. The team toured various community-level initiatives in Jinlo along the Salaga corridor, including a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound and a guinea fowl rearing project.
The visit also included engagements with local stakeholders and income-generating groups such as the Shishegu soap makers, as well as a tour of a newly constructed livestock market. These interactions aimed to evaluate midterm progress, enhance collaboration, and identify opportunities to scale up the initiative.
Funded by the World Bank and implemented by Ghana’s Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the SOCO Project spans 48 districts across the six northern regions. Its primary goal is to foster inclusive, peaceful, and economically empowered communities in vulnerable northern border zones.
Mr. Mearns highlighted the project’s exceptional outcomes, noting that it has not only met but exceeded its targets, significantly boosting economic prospects in previously underserved areas.
“The scale and inclusiveness of the project are impressive,” he said. “I strongly encourage additional funding to expand its reach to other vulnerable districts.”
Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John, echoed this sentiment, describing SOCO as a game changer that is bridging infrastructural gaps and addressing social vulnerabilities in the region. He emphasized the project’s integrated approach in nurturing peaceful and thriving communities.
SOCO Project Coordinator, Ms. Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei, provided further insights, revealing that 530 community infrastructure sub projects were initiated in the first cycle, with 489 completed and handed over as of February 2025. These included 33 roads and culverts, 59 educational facilities, 66 health centres, 210 water facilities, and 73 rural markets.
She also reported the creation of over 6,200 jobs, many of them for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and support for 744 livelihood groups involving more than 24,000 members. A second project cycle is now in progress, targeting the delivery of an additional 680 sub projects across the 48 districts.
“The SOCO Project is not just about physical infrastructure,” Ms. Agyei said. “It’s about fostering community ownership, inclusive leadership, and shared responsibility — the true essence of social cohesion.”
The World Bank delegation also took part in the inauguration of the Tamale Metropolitan Youth Parliament, a civic engagement platform supported by SOCO to promote youth participation in governance and peacebuilding efforts.
