Local Government Minister reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation and emphasized the importance of working together to address common challenges.

The Minister said this at a three-day Regional Forum on Social Cohesion, the Committee on Regional Coordination (CRC) of the SOCO Project convened in Cotonou, Benin, bringing together representatives from Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.

The meeting, which took place on the first day of the conference, provided an opportunity for the four countries to assess the progress of the SOCO Project, discuss shared challenges, and align strategies for more effective collaboration.

In an address, Ahmed Ibrahim highlighted the need for greater policy alignment, knowledge sharing, and investment in youth empowerment and economic resilience to ensure that the SOCO Project delivers lasting impact.

The CRC plays a crucial role in coordinating the implementation of the SOCO Project across the participating countries, ensuring that national efforts are aligned with the broader regional objectives of strengthening social cohesion, improving local governance, and addressing economic vulnerabilities.

During the meeting, delegates reviewed the status of project implementation in each country, examined key indicators, and explored ways to enhance regional coordination. Discussions also covered governance issues, including the transition of the CRC leadership, and preparations for the mid-term review of the project.

With the CRC meeting laying the foundation, the three-day conference officially commenced, focusing on key themes such as local governance, community-led development, and strategies for strengthening social cohesion in the northern regions of the Gulf of Guinea.

The discussions and outcomes of the CRC meeting are expected to shape the direction of the forum, ensuring that participating countries move forward with a clear, unified approach to tackling fragility, violence, and economic challenges in the region.