The Savannah Region is witnessing significant socio-economic advancements thanks to the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project. Funded by the World Bank with a $150 million allocation to Ghana, the initiative tackles vulnerabilities across six northern regions: Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Northern, North East, and Oti.
During a press briefing, the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Saeed Muhazu Jibriel highlighted the project’s tangible outcomes, emphasizing its role in addressing food insecurity, climate change, conflict, and violence—longstanding issues that have left communities vulnerable to extremist influences.
Transformative Developments in Savannah
The SOCO Project has executed 39 transformative projects in Savannah Region, targeting education, health, infrastructure, and youth development. Key milestones include:
Education: Construction of four new schools and rehabilitation of two others, enhancing access to quality learning.
Healthcare: Establishment of five health facilities in underserved areas.
Market Infrastructure: Development of three rural markets to boost local trade and empower small-scale traders.
Connectivity: A new rural road, improving transportation and mobility.
Water and Sanitation: Creation of 12 WASH facilities, providing clean water and promoting hygiene.
Youth Engagement: Six youth-targeted initiatives, offering skills training and economic opportunities.
Climate Resilience: Construction of a small earth dam to support agriculture and water conservation.
These interventions are directly addressing critical needs, strengthening community resilience, and fostering socio-economic growth.
Broad Socio-Economic Gains
Nationwide, the SOCO Project has completed over 530 infrastructure subprojects in its first year. These include:
66 health facilities, 59 classroom blocks, and 73 rural markets.
33 rural roads and culverts to improve access.
210 water systems for clean water supply.
Additionally, the project has created over 6,200 jobs in the northern regions, with Savannah alone accounting for 3,748 workers who collectively earned GHC 5,379,914. Empowering women has been a priority, with 24,652 individuals, predominantly women, receiving resources to foster economic independence.
Promoting Unity and Social Cohesion
Beyond infrastructure, the SOCO Project has strengthened community bonds in Savannah through sports facilities, cultural festivals, and initiatives like Youth Parliaments and community dialogues, which promote inclusive governance and leadership development.
Future Prospects
The government, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, aims to expand the initiative to the remaining 16 districts. Acknowledging the role of community involvement, the Savannah Regional Minister commended stakeholders for their contributions, urging continued collaboration to sustain progress.
The SOCO Project serves as a model for regional transformation, illustrating the impact of targeted investments in building a stable, resilient, and thriving northern Ghana.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
