Ahead of a two-day Regional Forum on Social Cohesion in Beni-Cotonou, the Committee on Regional Coordination (CRC) of the SOCO Project convened in Cotonou, Benin on the 4^th January, 2024, bringing together representatives from Ghana, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo. The meeting, which took place before the commencement 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.

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.

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

With the CRC meeting laying the foundation, the two-day conference was to commence, 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.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The second-day inspection tour of the Junction Improvement Projects under the Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP) in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) ended with a visit to the Ashongman Road/Alafia Road intersection in Ga East and the Three Junction in Ga West as part easing traffic congestion in bustling urban areas, known for high commuter volumes during peak hours.

Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP) aims to Improve Transportation in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). Objectives Improve Accessibility and Mobility, Build Sustainable transport capacity, and Enhance Urban Liveability.

The inspection team checked the construction progress at each site and expressed appreciation for the substantial progress made.

The Project lead, Mrs. Pamela Adofo Ansong, highlighted that adhering to the project timeline is crucial and that each initiative must not only meet but exceed the expectations set for improving transportation efficiency in the Region.

"The progress at both the Ashongman and Three Junctions is certainly promising, but we have identified several critical aspects that require intensified focus to ease traffic in these intersections," she noted.

She recommended a proactive approach to ensure the timely completion of these projects.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah &Stephanie Edem Klustey
              MLGCRA, Public Relations Unit

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has begun a three-day inspection of junction improvement projects under the Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP) in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).

The tour will assess the progress and quality of ongoing projects in the area, identify any issues that need attention, gather valuable insights, and make informed decisions to ensure the projects meet their objectives.

The tour commenced on Tuesday, February 4, at the Otublohum Road/Obibini Street intersection in the Accra Metropolis Assembly (AMA) and the Mambo Junction in Ga Central. This initiative aims to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve urban mobility.

Over the three days, the inspection will also cover several other project sites, including the Baba Yara Road/Padmore Street intersection in Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), the Ashongman Road/Alafia Road intersection in Ga East, the Three Junction in Ga West, and the Ogbojo New Market intersection in Adentan and La Nkwantanang Madina.

The inspection team, led by Mrs. Pamela Adofo Ansong, the GUMAP Project Coordinator, expressed her satisfaction with the progress made so far and provided recommendations to keep the projects on track.

Source: Sandra Owusu Asamoah & Stephanie Edem Klutsey
               MLGCRA, Public Relations Unit