By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, March 5, GNA – An independent evaluation of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project has revealed that the initiative is significantly enhancing development outcomes and empowering communities across northern Ghana.
The evaluation, conducted by Kalabash Aid, a civil society organisation, described the World Bank-supported project as a “flagship intervention” with strong potential to lift vulnerable communities out of poverty and strengthen resilience against conflict and extremism.
The SOCO Project is a multi-country US$450 million credit facility to be implemented in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin, aimed at improving community resilience in areas vulnerable to terrorist threats and conflict spillovers.
In Ghana, the project is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and institutions in the Upper East, Upper West, North East, Northern, Savannah and Oti Regions.
Speaking during the public dissemination of the 2023/2024 evaluation findings in Bolgatanga, Mr Justin Adonadaga, the Executive Director of Kalabash Aid, said the project had recorded tremendous success in infrastructure delivery, local economic empowerment, and community participation.
Mr Adonadaga said the evaluation covered the Bolgatanga Zone, comprising the Upper East and North East Regions, with 21 districts, and assessed the performance of the project within the framework of district development plans.
“So far, from the forensic evaluation we have conducted, the project is a success. It is a huge success and holds the potential to transform many communities across northern Ghana,” he said.
He explained that the project adopted a bottom-up approach, ensuring close collaboration between Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the SOCO Secretariat and beneficiary communities.
According to him, one of the key strengths of the project was its emphasis on community participation, which fostered ownership and sustainability.
“When community members are involved in identifying their priority projects, deciding on project locations, and even participating in implementation, they develop a strong sense of ownership. That enhances sustainability,” he said.
Mr Adonadaga said several boreholes, school facilities and health infrastructure had been constructed in rural communities, while local economic interventions had supported agriculture, shea butter processing, weaving, tailoring, and soap-making, especially for women and girls.
“These interventions are creating opportunities, particularly for women and the youth. The project is investing in areas that can help reverse rural-urban migration and reduce the trend of young girls travelling south in search of menial jobs,” he said.
He noted that the project had achieved commendable gender balance, with strong female participation in local economic activities.
Despite the successes, he identified areas requiring attention, including capacity building for Community Project Implementation Committees (CPICs), strengthening feedback mechanisms between assemblies and communities, and increasing regular community durbars to enhance transparency and accountability.
He recommended scaling up funding for the project, particularly in areas targeting young women and youth employment.
The SOCO Project is expected to run until 2027, with stakeholders expressing optimism that sustained investment and strengthened community engagement would further consolidate gains and enhance development outcomes across northern Ghana.
The beneficiary districts commended the Government and the World Bank for the project, adding that it was contributing significantly to meeting the development needs of the communities.
Ms Safia Abdulai, the Binduri District Coordinating Director, lauded the initiative and called for the timely release of funds to ensure that all projects under the SOCO Project were completed to bring relief to the people.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei