Accra: The World Bank has praised Ghana for its significant achievements under the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, highlighting the country's success in surpassing initial objectives and expectations. According to Ghana News Agency, the commendation came from Mr. Robin Mearns, the World Bank's Global Director for Social Development, during a visit by a high-level World Bank delegation to the SOCO project sites. The visit included inspections of community-level interventions in Jinlo along the Salaga corridor, such as a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound and a guinea fowl rearing project. The delegation engaged with stakeholders to evaluate midterm progress, enhance collaboration, and explore opportunities for potential expansion of the initiative. The team also interacted with income-generating groups, including Shishegu soap makers, and toured a newly established livestock market. The SOCO Project, funded by the World Bank and executed by Ghana's Mi nistry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, operates in 48 selected districts across Ghana's six northern regions. The project aims to foster inclusive, peaceful, and economically empowered communities along the northern border areas. Mr. Mearns noted that the SOCO Project not only met its targets but exceeded them, bringing significant economic prosperity to previously under-invested regions. He emphasized the project's scale and inclusiveness and encouraged additional funding to extend its impact to other vulnerable districts. Mr. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, described the project as transformative in addressing infrastructural and social vulnerabilities in the six northern regions. He highlighted SOCO's integrated approach in creating peaceful and flourishing communities. Ms. Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei, the SOCO Project Coordinator, reported that the first cycle of the project had delivered 530 community infrastructure subprojects, with 489 completed and handed over b y February 2025. These include roads, educational facilities, health centers, water facilities, and rural markets. Over 6,200 jobs have been created, benefiting women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and 744 livelihood groups with over 24,000 members have received support to enhance local productivity. Ms. Agyei added that a second cycle is underway, aiming to deliver 680 additional subprojects across the 48 districts. She emphasized that the SOCO Project focuses on building community ownership and participation, aiming to strengthen the social fabric through inclusive leadership and shared responsibility. The delegation also took part in the inauguration of the Tamale Metropolitan Youth Parliament, a civic engagement initiative under SOCO that encourages youth involvement in governance and peacebuilding.