The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, has said the implementation of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project will promote Local Economic Development and greatly improve the socioeconomic livelihood of people in the beneficiary districts in the six implementing regions.
“I am very optimistic and that the SOCO project will yield very good results if all stakeholders provide the necessary support to the Project Management Team in executing their mandate” he added.
He maintained that, “With the support of all stakeholders, I have no doubt in my mind that the Project Team will achieve a greater level of success in order to contribute towards the development of Mother Ghana.”
The Minister in his remarks during the sod-cutting ceremony in Yendi last Wednesday, October 25, also called chiefs and traditional leaders to offer their maximum support to the SOCO team in all aspects as they are the main beneficiaries of the project.
“You will all agree with me that, there is a clear indication that SOCO has become a household name and everyone is excited about the project. Of course it is for good reason that we are happy about this World Bank funded project in collaboration with Government of Ghana” Mr. Shaibu said.
He therefore commended the Minister for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Hon Daniel Kweku Botwe for his outstanding leadership in monitoring the progress of work since the project was launched in 2022.
“Indeed, the Hon. Minister since the launch of this project has consistently participated and monitored the progress of the project which is outstanding. Clearly, it demonstrates his leadership by example which is noteworthy” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the government of Ghana secured US$150 million credit facility from the World Bank to implement the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project in 48 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in six regions of Ghana.
Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia last Wednesday cut the sod for the commencement of work on 582 various hardcore projects in various sectors comprising health, education, roads among others.
The project is expected to improve regional collaboration and the socioeconomic and climate resilience of border-zone communities in the target northern regions of the Gulf of Guinea countries exposed to conflict and climate risks.
The projects being implemented will focus on enhancing conditions for productivity and competitiveness with quality job creation, improving equitable access to quality services for human capital development and promoting resilience and sustainable development.
