The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has underscored the importance of strengthening resilience, improving livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion in vulnerable communities through the implementation of the Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project.
This was highlighted during the 6th SOCO Project Oversight Committee Meeting held on 14th April 2026 at the AH Hotel in Accra.
Addressing members of the Project Oversight Committee, representatives of partner institutions, and members of the Ministry’s implementation team, the Hon. Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, emphasized the strategic importance of the SOCO Project in addressing economic vulnerabilities, climate-related challenges, and cross-border security risks affecting northern border communities.
Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah commended stakeholders for their continued collaboration and support towards the successful implementation of the project, noting that the commitment of partner institutions reflects a shared dedication to national stability, resilience, and inclusive development.
She further acknowledged Ghana’s participation in the SOCO Regional Conference and Committee for Regional Coordination engagements held earlier this year in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, describing the engagements as an opportunity for participating countries to review progress, share innovations, and address implementation challenges across the subregion.
While recognizing the progress made by Ghana under the project, the Deputy Minister stressed the need for renewed urgency in implementation, indicating that delays in the approval of the 2025 Annual Work Plan and Budget affected project execution, disbursement performance, and progress towards achieving the Project Development Objectives (PDOs).
According to her, such delays have significant implications for beneficiary communities, particularly families awaiting livelihood support, youth expecting economic opportunities, and communities relying on critical infrastructure interventions.
She therefore called on members of the Project Oversight Committee to intensify their advocacy and leadership roles to ensure timely implementation and sustained progress under the project.
Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah also highlighted the visible impact of the SOCO Project in beneficiary communities, including improved educational infrastructure, livelihood opportunities for women, skills development initiatives for youth, and strengthened trust and cohesion within communities.She reiterated that the SOCO Project remains one of Government’s flagship interventions aimed at promoting inclusion, resilience, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in underserved communities.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and accelerate implementation efforts to ensure the successful delivery of the project’s objectives.
