Stakeholders at the local government level across the Savannah and Upper West Regions have received refresher training on the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project, known as SOCO.
The three-day intensive forum, held on August 22, brought together newly appointed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCES), Regional Ministers, and Coordinating Directors from the two regions.
The goal of the training was to enhance their ability to effectively supervise the execution of projects in their respective areas.
Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei, the National Project Coordinator of SOCO, provided insights into the project’s status and implementation.
She noted that SOCO is a five-year initiative currently midway through its timeline, with approximately 1,240 sub-projects related to infrastructure underway.
According to her, out of the 530 projects started during the first phase, 98 per cent have been completed. In the second phase, 680 sub-projects are in progress, with about 53 per cent completed so far.
In terms of local economic development, Ms Agyei mentioned that they aim to support around 1,700 community groups with small grants to enhance their productive capacities.
She also disclosed that 18 projects in the Upper West Region have been terminated for various reasons, including technical issues, contractor non-performance, and changes in project scope.
During the closing ceremony, Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq. urged the MMDCES to ensure they leave the venue with all their questions answered.
Salisu Bi-Awribe, the Savannah Regional Minister, expressed his concern that only four out of seven districts in his region will benefit from the project.
“It would be better if all seven districts were included, as they are all dealing with the impacts of climate change,” he emphasised.
The Mayor of Wa, Alhaji Nurah Issah Danwana, who participated in the orientation, commended the organisers, calling the event an eye-opener.
