Yendi (N/R), March 09, GNA – A study conducted by Grameen Ghana has found that the implementation of social accountability mechanisms under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project has led to measurable improvements in the lives of beneficiaries.
The study also found that women and youth constituted up to 80 per cent of beneficiaries, reflecting a strong focus on inclusion and vulnerable groups.
Other findings included a 26 per cent increase in production levels and a 262 per cent rise in incomes among beneficiaries.
Data for the study was collected between August 2024 and March 2025 in selected beneficiary districts including Tamale Metro, Sagnarigu Municipal, Yendi Municipal, Nanumba North, Gushegu, Karaga, Tatale/Sanguli, Saboba, Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, Krachi East and Krachi West.
The study sought feedback from SOCO beneficiaries on their participation and the benefits derived from the infrastructure and Local Economic Development interventions of the project.
The findings were presented at a stakeholders’ engagement workshop in Yendi attended by public officials, project implementers and beneficiaries.
Professor Sulemana Nashiru, Lead Consultant for the study, said the findings revealed significant improvements in production levels, incomes, formal registration and financial inclusion among beneficiary groups.
He noted that groups with bank accounts increased from 35 per cent to 40 per cent, reflecting improved financial inclusion, while formally registered groups rose from 46.7 per cent to 66.7 per cent at the time of the assessment.
He said 60 groups across six districts reported a combined income of GH¢3.2 million before the project, which increased to GH¢12.7 million during the assessment, representing a 296 per cent rise.
According to him, income gains in agro-processing and crop production were largely among women, while increases in animal production were mostly among men, with savings and loans activities also driven largely by women.
The SOCO project, an initiative of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in collaboration with the World Bank, aims to foster social cohesion, economic resilience and regional collaboration across the Northern Gulf of Guinea countries including Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo.
The project supports northern areas of these countries that are most affected by food insecurity, climate change, conflict and violence.
The five-year project finances sub-projects such as feeder roads, small earth dams, boreholes and social infrastructure including markets, schools with furniture, CHPS compounds, ICT centres and recreational facilities such as astro turfs and parks.
Mr Isaac Ofori MacCarthy, Procurement Specialist for the SOCO project, said the initiative was being implemented in 48 districts in Ghana and that more than 1,200 sub-projects had been executed since its inception in 2022.
Mr Sugri Muniru, Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, praised the project for addressing challenges in infrastructure development, economic empowerment and social harmony among different ethnic groups.
He called for the sustainability of the project, noting that its impact in the municipality had significantly accelerated development.
Mr Mugmin Musah, Project Manager of Grameen Ghana, said the project had delivered measurable results for community members.
“This shows that when you combine economic interventions with service delivery as SOCO has done, you can create real change for vulnerable people,” he said.
He added that beneficiaries were satisfied with the infrastructure and services delivered but recommended strengthening community participation and improving information sharing to enhance impact.
Madam Felicia Borgkur, Development Planning Officer at the Karaga District Assembly, said the project had supported the district through the construction of health facilities, classroom blocks and local economic development initiatives.
She noted that communities actively participated in building the projects and received small compensation, which fostered ownership and pride.
She added that many women involved in rice processing and groundnut paste production were now selling their products and earning income to support their families.…Read more by GNA