The World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, has commended the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project’s (SOCO) transformative impact in improving the lives of northern Ghana’s impoverished rural communities’ residents.
Describing SOCO as a “game-changer”, Mr. Diagana assured expedited action for the release of additional funds to sustain the project and extend its benefits to more communities.
Speaking during a site-visit to the Northern Region, he led a delegation comprising World Bank Ghana Country Director, Robert Taliercio O’Brien; Director for Local Governance and Decentralisation, Samuel Seth Passah; and representatives from USAID, UNDP and UNHCR to inspect ongoing initiatives under the SOCO Project.
Funded by the World Bank with a US$450million investment, SOCO is being implemented across four countries – Ghana, Togo, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.
Mr. Diagana expressed satisfaction with results from the project during a visit to the Nangbag-Yapala Livestock Market in the Sagnarigu municipality. The market, equipped with modern facilities including a kraal, holding bay, loading ramp, toilets and offices for veterinary officers and revenue collectors, has revitalised local commerce and created livelihood opportunities for small-scale businesses.
“This market exemplifies the SOCO Project’s essence. It has become an economic hub, building vibrant commerce and fostering community ownership – which is critical for sustainability,” Mr. Diagana remarked.
He also visited the Daboya Smock Weavers Association and Shishagu Soap Makers’ Group, where investments have enhanced local livelihoods and fostered social cohesion. The Shishagu group, comprising 13 women and two men, has become a symbol of hope and resilience for the community.
“I am very impressed to see concrete activities funded by this project. The sense of ownership and community engagement here is remarkable,” Mr. Diagana noted.
The SOCO Project’s success has spurred demands for its extension to non-beneficiary communities. Diagana assured continued World Bank support and encouraged governments in all four participating countries to play their part in ensuring the project’s sustainability.
“This is a national opportunity. The question is whether we will take ownership of our resources or allow external interests to dominate. To secure long-term dividends for future generations, we must act decisively,” he said.
Drawing on global examples, Mr. Diagana pointed to India’s successful use of its resources to build a thriving chemical industry that generates billions in export revenue. “Ghana has the potential to do even more by leveraging its natural advantages and investing in innovation and infrastructure,” he added.
Mr. Diagana said the numerous requests for the project’s extension to non-beneficiary communities is a sign of the SOCO project’s success, assuring that the World Bank will continue supporting the project to achieve desired results.
He also expressed optimism that governments in the four beneficiary countries – Ghana, Togo, Benin and La Cote d’Ivoire – will also do their part to ensure the project’s sustainability.
“The SOCO project is more than a development initiative; it is a demonstration of what can be achieved when communities and governments collaborate effectively. Let us continue to invest in what matters, ensuring that this project becomes a foundation for long-term prosperity,” Mr. Diagana added.
The World Bank Ghana Country Director, Robert Taliercio O’Brien, emphasised the importance of feedback from metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) in shaping project strategies to meet local needs.
The Director for Local Governance and Decentralisation, Samuel Seth Passah, highlighted government’s interest in the project. “Within two years, we have seen its impact across 48 districts, 217 clusters and 1,700 communities, benefiting 1.5 million people. Approximately US$60million, or 40 percent of the total funding, has been disbursed so far,” he said.
SOCO Project Coordinator, Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei, acknowledged challenges in engaging minority groups but noted that ongoing efforts are yielding positive results. “Continuous engagement is helping to solidify the project’s sustainability in beneficiary communities,” she said.
Madam Agyei affirmed that the project’s development goals had been met within two years of implementation, significantly improving the quality of life for local populations.
World Bank Vice-President, West & Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, addressing stakeholders of the SOCO Project at a meeting in Tamale.
