Ghana and Togo strengthen cross-border cooperation through SOCO Project working session in Nalerigu

Ghana and Togo have renewed calls for stronger cross-border cooperation, social cohesion and community resilience as officials from both countries convened for a joint regional working session under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project.

The session was held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the North East Regional Coordinating Council in Nalerigu. It brought together representatives of the governments of Ghana and Togo, regional coordinating authorities, SOCO Project implementation units, members of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the media and other stakeholders to deliberate on project implementation and strategies for addressing emerging security and development challenges in border communities.

Delivering the welcome address, the North East Regional Minister, Hon. Ibrahim Tia, expressed appreciation to participants for their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

He emphasized that Ghana and Togo share longstanding historical, cultural, social and economic ties. He noted that communities along their common border maintain close relationships through family connections, traditional institutions, trade and markets, providing a strong foundation for partnerships that promote peace, security and sustainable development.

Addressing Emerging Security Challenges

Hon. Tia, however, cautioned that border communities are increasingly exposed to security threats linked to instability in the Sahel, including violent extremism, cross-border crime, illicit arms trafficking and population displacement.

He observed that insecurity does not respect national boundaries. Developments in one country can have far-reaching consequences for its neighbours, affecting livelihoods, trade, public safety and overall stability.

He therefore called for deliberate efforts, stronger partnerships and collective action to address the underlying conditions that make communities vulnerable to conflict and insecurity.

The Regional Minister stressed that regional cooperation and community-centred development have become increasingly important in safeguarding peace and promoting stability. He urged participants to use the working session to exchange knowledge, share experiences, identify implementation challenges and develop practical recommendations for improving interventions under the SOCO Project.

SOCO Project Targets Community Development

The Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project seeks to strengthen social cohesion, enhance socio-economic and climate resilience, and reduce risks associated with fragility, conflict and violence in vulnerable communities.

With financial support from the World Bank, the project is being implemented in Ghana, Togo, Benin and Côte d'Ivoire.

In Ghana, it is being implemented in 48 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies across six beneficiary regions, including the North East Region. It supports investments in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, markets, water systems and livelihood activities. The objective is to address pressing community needs while expanding economic opportunities, particularly for women and young people.

Hon. Tia noted that the benefits of these investments can only be fully realised when communities and local institutions actively participate in planning, implementation and monitoring. He called on project teams and regional authorities to ensure that interventions are inclusive, responsive to local needs and beneficial to vulnerable groups.

He further emphasized that the success of the project should be measured not only by the number of facilities built, but also by the quality of services delivered, improvements in livelihoods, public trust and contributions to lasting peace and stability.

Calls for Stronger Ghana-Togo Collaboration

The Regional Minister urged participants to approach the discussions with open minds, mutual respect and a willingness to learn from one another. He encouraged technical teams from Ghana and Togo to engage constructively, acknowledge implementation challenges and identify practical measures to improve project delivery in both countries.

He also highlighted the importance of engaging beneficiary communities, particularly those in border areas, to understand their concerns and ensure interventions respond to their needs. Women, young people and other vulnerable groups must be given opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making to ensure equitable distribution of development benefits.

He called for stronger collaboration among traditional authorities, local institutions, regional authorities and project implementation teams to sustain dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence among border communities.

Focus on Accountability and Sustainable Development

The working session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review progress, identify implementation challenges and agree on measures to improve coordination and service delivery.

Hon. Tia urged participants to translate discussions into tangible results that will improve lives in beneficiary communities and strengthen the bonds of friendship between Ghana and Togo. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would generate practical recommendations to improve SOCO implementation, deepen cooperation and strengthen community resilience against emerging threats.

He concluded by thanking the World Bank, the governments of Ghana and Togo, project implementation units and all stakeholders whose contributions have supported the initiative. He wished participants fruitful deliberations and called for renewed commitment to peace, unity, cooperation and sustainable development across the Ghana-Togo border.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional partnerships and ensure that development interventions contribute not only to improved infrastructure and livelihoods but also to lasting peace, social cohesion and security in vulnerable communities.

By Tanko Mohammed Rabiu