Tamale, Ghana – January 11, 2025 – In a plea for enhanced support, Mr.Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu , the Northern Regional Coordinating Director, has called upon Ousman Diagana, the Vice President of the World Bank, to consider increasing funding for the Social Cohesion and Development (SOCO) project. This appeal was made during an interactive session with World Bank representatives and stakeholders involved in the SOCO initiative, held at the Regal Hotel in Tamale.
Mr. Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu highlighted the substantial benefits that the Northern Region has reaped from the SOCO project, which has facilitated the construction and rehabilitation of vital infrastructure, including health centers, schools, markets, and recreational facilities. He noted that the success of the project has sparked interest from Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) that have yet to benefit from its initiatives. As a result, he urged the World Bank to consider extending funding to include these underserved areas.
In his remarks, Mr. Sumaila acknowledged the significant contributions of the former Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, whose dedication and oversight have been instrumental in the successful commissioning of various projects under the SOCO initiative.
Elizabeth Ohenewaa Adyei, the SOCO project coordinator for Ghana, provided an update on the project’s progress. She explained that districts were selected based on criteria such as proximity to border areas, poverty incidence, climate vulnerability, and conflict. Ghana is a beneficiary of $150 million from the World Bank’s total allocation of $450 million designated for four implementing countries. The SOCO project commenced in 2022 and is slated for completion in 2027.
Vice President Ousman Diagana commended the Ghana SOCO project for its successful implementation and impactful outcomes. He expressed admiration for the progress made in Ghana compared to other participating nations and acknowledged existing challenges related to climate change and conflict. Diagana reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to fostering collaboration and enhancing socio-economic resilience in border-zone communities across Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
In a show of solidarity, Diagana pledged continued funding to address existing challenges and support the overarching objectives of the SOCO project.
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Samuel Seth Passah, Chief Director of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, emphasized that the SOCO project has significantly transformed lives and livelihoods, particularly by addressing youth-related issues and promoting local economic development. He reiterated that the initiative aligns seamlessly with the responsibilities outlined in the Local Government Act, section 12, which mandates local authorities to promote economic growth within their communities.
As discussions continue regarding the future of the SOCO project, stakeholders remain hopeful that increased funding will pave the way for broader impacts across more MMDAs in the Northern Region, fostering sustainable development and improved living conditions for all.
Source: newslinkgh.wordpress.com