The Chief Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Alhaji Alhassan Issahaku on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister at the training of Regional and District Information Officers on Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, on Monday, 23 October, 2023 described the project as a game changer and different from previous projects.
The training which is organized by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development(MLGDRD) seeks to enhance the activities of the SOCO Project, hence the need to bring together all RIOs and DIOs from the 6 regions namely; Northern, Upper East, Upper West, North East, Savannah and Oti regions to deepen their understanding as key stakeholders of the project.
This forms part of efforts to equip the Officers in disseminating and education the people at the respective beneficiary districts as well as reporting on the project to the National Project Implementation Unit (NPIU).
Alhaji Issahaku emphasized the importance of combating misinformation and disinformation, urging the officers to be vigilant and proactive in filling informational gaps to leave no room for falsehoods.
Hon. Daniel Bokwe (MP), the Minister for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, provided insights into the project’s funding. The SOCO Project is supported by a $450 million loan facility from the World Bank, with $150 million allocated to the government of Ghana. These funds will be dedicated to the construction of vital social infrastructure, including schools, CHIPS Compounds, markets, ICT centers, Astro Turfs, Parks, and more.
Hon. Daniel Bokwe appealed to the Information Officers, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring the SOCO Project’s objectives are met. The project will benefit several Municipal and District Assemblies in the Northern Region, including Tamale Metro, Yendi, Nanumba North, Karaga, Saboba, Sagnarigu, Tatale-Sanguli, and Gushegu.
He appealed to the information officers for their commitment in playing their part as expected of them to ensure that the objectives of the SOCO Project is achieved.
Credit: NRCC