Residents of the Upper East Region have raised concerns over the apparent halt of the Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion Project (SOCO), a major development initiative aimed at strengthening social stability and economic opportunities in northern Ghana and other vulnerable border communities.

In an open letter addressed to the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, a concerned citizen of the region, Daniel Kwame Gariba, called on the minister to provide clarity on the status of the project, which appears to have stalled for more than a year.

The Gulf of Guinea Social Cohesion Project, funded by the World Bank, was introduced under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to drive holistic development and strengthen resilience in communities vulnerable to instability, particularly those located near the Sahel region.

According to the letter, the project was designed to promote social cohesion, prevent violent extremism, expand access to essential services, create economic opportunities, and strengthen local governance structures in beneficiary districts.

“The SOCO Project was carefully designed to drive holistic development in northern Ghana and other border communities that are more vulnerable to insecurity due to their proximity to the Sahel region,” the letter stated.

Launched in 2023 with a five-year implementation timeline, the initiative recorded visible progress during its initial phases. Across the 15 districts of the Upper East Region, several infrastructure and development interventions were reportedly undertaken, including improvements in health facilities, schools, roads, water systems, sanitation infrastructure, and livelihood support programmes.

The project also supported job creation and capacity-building initiatives for youth and women, while strengthening the operational capacity of district assemblies and community leadership to enhance citizen participation in development.

According to Mr. Gariba, the Upper East Region received an estimated GH¢150 million annually through the SOCO Project during the first two years of implementation in 2023 and 2024.

However, he noted that concerns have emerged following the transition of government, as the project appears to have been placed on hold without a clear public explanation since the assumption of office by the current administration.

The letter further indicated that several contractors engaged under the 2024 phase of the project have either completed or are nearing completion of their assigned works. Despite submitting their certificates for payment, the contractors are reportedly still unpaid, raising concerns about the project's future and its impact on local businesses.

“This situation has raised serious concerns among residents, especially considering that contractors under the 2024 phase have either completed or are at various stages of completion of their works but have reportedly gone unpaid for over a year,” the letter stated.

Mr. Gariba, therefore, appealed to the Regional Minister, as the chief representative of the government in the region, to provide answers to the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region regarding the current status of the SOCO Project and the reasons behind its apparent suspension.

He stressed that the people of the region deserve transparency and reassurance about the future of the initiative, which many believe is critical to sustaining development gains and safeguarding peace in the area.

“Hon. Minister, the people of the region respectfully await your response,” the letter concluded