By Joyce Kantam Kolamong
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, has hailed the Gulf of Guinea Northern Region’s Social Cohesion (SOCO) project as a game-changer as 48 out of 58 projects awarded to the region are fully completed.
He said the 48 completed projects are fully furnished, with some already operational.
At a media briefing in Tamale, he praised the project’s progress, citing its potential to fill gaps in various sectors. He said 83 percent completion rate has been achieved in the 8 beneficiary districts. They are Tamale Metro, Sagnarigu, Yendi, Karaga, Gushegu, Saboba, Tatale, and Nanumba North.
He expressed optimism that the remaining 8 districts will be included in the project in the future. The Minister indicated that Phase two of the project will commence in earnest with 73 sub-projects in the region.
“It spans educational infrastructure, health infrastructure, social services like water, electricity provision, parks, playgrounds, and a host of other benefits resulting from the implementation of this project. But the most important part of this project is employment and economic levels with the capacities that it builds for various contractors, the youth, skilled and unskilled labour that impacts on the lives of people”, he noted.
A presentation on the SOCO Project showcased some completed infrastructure development such as a Six unit classroom block at Polarido in Tatale-Sangule district, 12 seater institutional toilet with hand washing facility and fenced wall at Shishegu in Sagnarigu, double box culvert at Walyapala in Yendi, CHPS compound with 3 bedroom nurses accommodation at Nasande in Gushegu, 3-unit classroom block with office, store together with 4 seater KVIP at Zakoli in Yendi and the construction of 3 number 20 unit market sheds and paving at Shieni in the Tatale district.
SOCO Project Coordinator, Samuel Kobina Forson, announced that all projects are expected to finish by December 20 this year. The World Bank-funded SOCO project aims to Prevent conflict spillover from Sahelian countries, Strengthen regional dialogue across Gulf of Guinea countries and Improve regional collaboration among others. Implemented in five northern regions and Oti Region, the project has made significant strides in enhancing social and economic resilience.