The World Bank has called on the Ghanaian government and development partners to enhance economic opportunities and infrastructure in the northern regions of the country. The Bretton Woods Institution noted that promoting inclusive growth and reducing poverty would help to combat terrorist-linked security threats in these areas and strengthen social cohesion, which is essential for prosperity and stability.
Ghana’s northern borders have been vulnerable to jihadist threats due to the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso and Mali. This has made coastal countries the new frontline against armed groups operating in the Sahel. Although Ghana has not yet experienced jihadist attacks, the government, in collaboration with development partners, is implementing a development program and strategic projects to address potential risks.
The development program is being overseen by the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, and is being implemented in 48 Metropolitan, Municipal District Assemblies across six regions in the northern part of Ghana. The Upper West, Upper East, Northern, Savannah, North-East, and Oti regions are among the beneficiaries.
The initiative is part of a broader Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project aimed at improving regional collaboration, and socioeconomic and climate resilience of border-zone communities in the targeted northern regions of the Gulf of Guinea countries, including Ghana, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, and Togo.
The World Bank, through its International Development Association, is financing the project with approximately US$450 million, with Ghana receiving US$150 million. Areas of focus within northern Ghana include local economic development, digital innovations, local governance, social cohesion, climate resilience, addressing conflict and violence, and building local capacity.
At a workshop to facilitate dialogue between the Local Government Ministry and development partners, Madam Agata Pawlowska, Operations Manager at the World Bank, urged development partners and governments to explore joint solutions to address the numerous threats in the Gulf of Guinea region. She noted that the northern rural areas of the country lacked access to critical infrastructure, and the possibility of spillover conflict could raise insecurity.
“For the most part, only cooperation amongst all of us partners and stakeholders would bring results. Let us explore ways to promote coordinated and integrated development and jobs in northern Ghana,” said Madam Pawlowska. Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, Chief Director for the Local Government Ministry, said the SOCO Project Implementation had identified and engaged development partners to execute the interventions, with plans to consolidate efforts to make a more significant impact.