As part of ongoing efforts to improve the quality, consistency, and pace of infrastructure implementation under the SOCO Project, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), through the National Project Implementation Unit (NPIU), convened a targeted orientation and technical review for contractors’ supervisors operating across the six beneficiary regions of northern Ghana.
Held from 5th to 6th August 2025, the sessions brought together supervisors and key technical personnel from construction firms currently executing sub-projects under the project’s Component 1.1 – Climate-Resilient Infrastructure and Basic Services. The aim was to align implementing actors on the project’s core objectives, resolve emerging field-level issues, and reinforce compliance with environmental, social, and procurement protocols
The training opened on 5th August across all three Project Implementation Zones: Tamale, Bolgatanga, and Wa. In Tamale, the session was hosted at the Tamale Zonal Coordinating Office and led by the zonal engineer, with the support of PIU experts. It featured a series of technical presentations, Q&A sessions, and peer discussions focused on delivery bottlenecks, site-level documentation, and quality assurance.
Parallel engagements were held at the West Mamprusi Assembly Hall in the North East Region, led by Engineer Francis Ocansey, and at Fanco Hotel in Wa, led by Engineer Edem Samuel. These meetings provided contractors the opportunity to share practical challenges, including access to materials, scheduling delays, and the need for improved supervision tools.
On 6th August, a second round of engagements took place in the remaining three regions. In Dambai, Oti Region, Ing. Alhaji Yussif led the orientation at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council. Ing. Francis Ocansey facilitated the Upper East Region session at the GHS In-Service Training Centre in Bolgatanga, while Ing. Edem Samuel concluded the series at the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council Conference Room in the Savannah Region.
The NPIU team was fully represented across the sessions. Ing. Francis Ocansey (Infrastructure Specialist), Reuben Ashong (Environmental Safeguards Specialist), Osman Alhassan (Capacity Building Specialist), and Isaac Ofori MacCarthy (Procurement Specialist) participated in the engagement to reiterate the SOCO Project’s infrastructure standards, compliance requirements, and timelines for completion. The orientation also addressed cross-cutting issues, including safeguards integration, gender considerations at construction sites, and grievance redress procedures.
Contractor supervisors were reminded of their critical role in ensuring quality delivery at the community level and upholding the principles of transparency, efficiency, and value for money that define the SOCO project’s approach to infrastructure development.
The PIU is confident that the engagements will improve site supervision, encourage timely completion of works, and foster shared accountability among all implementing stakeholders. This orientation is part of a broader strategy under the SOCO Project to consolidate gains from early implementation and scale up delivery across all beneficiary communities.
