The Upper West Region has achieved significant development through the Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, a transformative initiative funded by the World Bank and implemented across five regions in northern Ghana.
The Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, disclosed this during a regional engagement with editors and journalists on Friday (15 November) at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) conference room.
The programme emphasises the project’s positive impact on socioeconomic resilience.
Among the notable achievements in the Upper West Region, 16 new schools have been constructed to expand access to quality education, ensuring that more children receive better learning opportunities.
In the health sector, 14 facilities have been completed, enhancing healthcare delivery and addressing critical gaps in the region’s healthcare system.
Economic activities have also been boosted with the establishment of 70 rural markets, which provide platforms for local traders to thrive, fostering economic growth within the region.
Infrastructure development under the SOCO Project includes the construction of four rural roads and culverts, significantly improving connectivity and easing transportation challenges.
To address water and sanitation issues, 43 WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities and one toilet facility have been built, promoting hygiene and ensuring access to clean water in underserved communities.
The region’s youth have also benefitted from ten targeted engagement activities, which have provided opportunities for employment and meaningful community involvement.
These projects are further complemented by the construction of three small earth dams, which are expected to improve irrigation and support agricultural activities.
The SOCO Project, a US$150 million initiative in Ghana, is part of a broader US$450 million programme targeting the Gulf of Guinea regions.
It focuses on addressing vulnerabilities such as food insecurity, climate change, and conflict, which threaten social stability.
The project spans 48 districts across the Upper West, Upper East, North East, Savannah, and Oti Regions.
To date, 530 infrastructure sub-projects have been completed nationwide, including 33 roads and culverts, 59 classroom blocks, 66 health facilities, and 210 water systems.
These efforts have created over 6,200 jobs, including skilled and unskilled labour opportunities, and supported over 24,000 individuals with productive assets.
Beyond physical infrastructure, SOCO has prioritised social cohesion and peacebuilding efforts. Activities such as inter-community dialogues, youth parliamentary sittings, and cultural festivals have fostered unity.
Eight new sports facilities and numerous events have engaged over 8,000 youth, strengthening community ties.
Stephen Yakubu revealed that the government is considering additional funding to extend SOCO’s benefits to 16 non-participating districts in six implementing regions.
“The successes recorded have inspired confidence in the project, and plans are underway to expand its scope,” he stated.
David Yankey, the SOCO Zonal Coordinator, encouraged media professionals to provide feedback to improve project implementation.
He reiterated that stakeholder engagement is vital to ensuring the initiative’s sustainability and effectiveness in subsequent phases.
Reporting by Alhassan Tajudeen in the Upper West Region
Asaase Broadcasting Company airs on Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: asaaseradio.com, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
