Officials from the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project engaged with journalists from the Northern Region at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council.

This interaction aimed to update the media on the progress and current status of completed SOCO projects.

In his welcome address, Mr. Samuel Kobina Forson, Zonal Coordinator of SOCO for the Northern Region, mentioned that the project was officially launched on November 25, 2022, by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in Yendi.

He emphasized that SOCO spans six regions , Northern, North East, Oti, Savanna, Upper East, and Upper West and covers 48 districts out of the 64 in the Northern Regions.

Northern Regional Minister Hon. Alhassan Shani Shaibu praised the SOCO initiative as a critical catalyst for development, offering much-needed relief and positively impacting the region’s socio-economic landscape.

He highlighted that SOCO has generated employment for both skilled and unskilled laborers, aiding local economic growth.

Mr. Alhassan Osman, a Capacity Building Specialist with SOCO, presented the completed projects in Year 1 of the SOCO Project in the Northern Region.

These projects include ; A 6-unit classroom block at Polarido in Tatale-Sangule District.

Three 20-unit market sheds with 563.5 sq. m. paving at Sheini in Tatale District.

A 3-unit classroom block with an office, store, and KVIP at Zakoli in Yendi Municipality.

A CHPS compound with a 3-bedroom nurses’ accommodation in Nasande, Gusheigu Municipality.

A double 2.0m x 3.0m box culvert at Walyapala in Yendi Municipality.

A 12-seater institutional toilet with handwashing facilities and a fenced wall at Shishegu in Sagnarigu Municipality and amongst others.

The engagement provided journalists with insights into SOCO’s goals, achievements, and future plans, strengthening the collaboration between the media and development stakeholders in promoting social cohesion and growth in the Northern Regions.

The SOCO Projects are funded by the World Bank.