By Juliana Yayra Lawoe
A major Regional Forum on Social Cohesion was held in Cotonou, Benin, bringing together key stakeholders from Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo to discuss ways to strengthen local governance, prevent conflicts, and boost economic resilience in the northern regions of the Gulf of Guinea.
The meeting focused on the importance of regional coordination, policy alignment, and scaling up successful initiatives to promote social cohesion across the four countries. Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to securing more resources and collaborating with regional partners to expand social cohesion initiatives, highlighting its dedication to building a more harmonious and resilient region.
The SOCO Project is a game-changer for the northern regions of the Gulf of Guinea, aiming to boost socio-economic resilience by tackling the root causes of insecurity and economic vulnerability. By improving livelihoods, strengthening local governance, and fostering social cohesion, the project seeks to prevent conflict spillover and promote long-term stability.
Recently, the Regional Forum on Social Cohesion brought together key stakeholders from Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo to discuss crucial topics such as local governance, community-led development, and strategies for strengthening social cohesion.
Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, highlighted the country’s approach to local governance as a tool for social cohesion, stressing the importance of decentralized governance, inclusive development, and community engagement in addressing vulnerabilities that contribute to social unrest and violent extremism.
The SOCO Project is gearing up to make a lasting impact in the region, starting with a crucial meeting of the Committee on Regional Coordination. Before the three-day Regional Forum, the team reviewed project implementation in each country and brainstormed ways to enhance regional coordination. Governance issues were also discussed, including the transition of leadership.
The National Coordinator of the SOCO Project, Madam Elizabeth Ohenewaa Adjei, reaffirmed SOCO’s commitment to prioritizing inclusion and actively promoting youth empowerment.
Local Government Minister, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of aligning policies, empowering youth, and building economic resilience to tackle the region’s fragility, violence, and economic challenges through a unified approach.
