The Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project continues to drive local economic empowerment through the implementation of the Local Economic Development (LED) Grant initiative. To enhance efficiency and accountability in grant utilization, the project team from 26th to 28th February 2025 undertook a field exercise in the Tatale Sanguli and Karaga Districts in the Northern Region. This exercise aimed to test newly developed monitoring tools designed to track the progress of Common Interest Groups (CIGs) benefiting from the LED Grant and to strengthen the overall impact of the intervention.
The SOCO Project’s approach to community development is rooted in sustainability, accountability, and inclusion. The LED Grant is a critical component of the SOCO project’s strategy to foster resilience, economic inclusion, and self-reliance among beneficiary communities. By providing financial and technical support to CIGs engaged in various livelihood ventures, the grant seeks to promote economic activities that improve household incomes and enhance social cohesion. However, to ensure that resources are optimally utilized, there is a need for structured mechanisms to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, and provide targeted capacity support. The introduction of the monitoring forms is a strategic intervention that will allow Community Facilitators, District Focal Persons, and Zonal Officers to document and analyze the performance of CIGs effectively.
During the field assessment, the monitoring team, composed of specialists in Local Economic Development, Social Safeguards, and Monitoring and Evaluation, engaged directly with CIGs to evaluate their use of grant funds. The enthusiasm and commitment of the groups were evident, with several demonstrating tangible progress in scaling up their operations. For instance, the Talakujawu VSLA Gari Processing Group in Nakpalebori has successfully reinvested in production, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. Similarly, the Wumpini Groundnut Processing Group in Tuyini/Zankali is working to improve the packaging and marketing of its products, positioning itself for expanded market reach.
Additionally, the field exercise highlighted issues of inclusivity and social cohesion. While the LED Grant has provided an opportunity for many to improve their livelihoods, participation by minority groups and persons with disabilities remains low. The monitoring team emphasized the need for more targeted efforts to encourage broad participation, ensuring that no one is left behind in the economic empowerment process. Sensitization on social safeguards was also integrated into the exercise, with discussions on equal opportunity, gender-based violence (GBV), and grievance redress. Beneficiaries were introduced to the SOCO project’s toll-free grievance reporting system and encouraged to create an inclusive and supportive business environment.
To strengthen the monitoring framework and improve overall grant implementation, the team admonished CIGs to adopt standardized record-keeping practices, ensuring transparency and traceability of financial transactions. The need for designated processing centres was emphasised for groups such as the Fulibon Soap Makers Association, whose operations require structured workspaces to enhance safety and efficiency. Additionally, continuous community engagement is essential to broaden participation and reinforce the link between local economic development and social cohesion.
A key takeaway from the exercise was the growing confidence of group members in managing their enterprises. Beneficiaries highlighted how training sessions provided through the SOCO Project have equipped them with essential business development, marketing, and cooperative management skills. The use of local resources for production has also been widely embraced, fostering economic resilience and reducing reliance on external inputs.
Moreover, the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the groups has enhanced social cohesion in communities. Many groups now engage in peer-to-peer learning, where experienced members mentor new entrants, strengthening the overall business environment. The adoption of innovative business strategies, such as bulk purchasing of raw materials and collective branding, has further reinforced the sustainability of their enterprises.
While financial support is essential, it is equally important to track progress, address challenges, and provide the necessary capacity-building support to ensure that these activities thrive. Through these interventions, the project is improving livelihoods and reinforcing the foundation for long-term economic resilience in Ghana’s northern regions.
