The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), in partnership with the World Bank, has completed a Mid-Term Review Mission of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project an important milestone to assess implementation, address gaps, and chart the way forward.
Since its inception, the SOCO Project has made measurable progress. Over 6,600 subprojects, including water systems, markets, schools, and health facilities have been delivered across Ghana’s northern border regions, with over 42,000 jobs created. These investments are strengthening both infrastructure and community cohesion in fragile areas.
The review focused on key thematic areas: project performance, financial management, sustainability of completed works, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and safeguards. The World Bank team commended the project’s physical achievements but expressed concern over a few issues. The Ministry assured the Bank of its ongoing engagement with the Ministry of Finance to resolve the funding gap.
Other areas highlighted include the need for better inter-ministerial collaboration to operationalize completed assets, improve M&E structures, and ensure proper documentation on land tenure to secure project sites. The World Bank encouraged continued attention to environmental and social safeguards, though no major red flags were reported.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim reiterated that the SOCO Project remains a national priority, emphasizing that the initiative belongs to the people of Ghana.
In his official closing remarks, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, commended the partnership and called for practical, coordinated efforts to protect the integrity of the project. He stressed the urgency of resolving the financing gap to avoid reputational risk and delay in delivering impact to beneficiary communities. He also urged all parties to move beyond talk and take action:
The Mid-Term Review concludes with both Government and the World Bank aligned in purpose to deliver on the promise of SOCO and secure sustainable development outcomes for the northern regions.
Source: Stephanie Edem Klutsey
(Public Relations Unit-MLGCRA)