By – Sadat Dabo

Ghana and Togo are strengthening cross-border cooperation through the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, with renewed emphasis on tackling the threat of violent extremism, empowering vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable livelihoods in border areas

The two countries have intensified efforts to address shared development and security challenges through a four-day joint working session held from Tuesday, October 27, to Friday, October 30, 2026

The engagement brought together SOCO Project implementation teams from Ghana and Togo to review progress, exchange practical experiences, examine implementation challenges and identify strategies to strengthen the project’s impact on communities along their shared border

At the heart of the engagement was the recognition that poverty, limited access to basic services, unemployment and weak livelihood opportunities can increase the vulnerability of border communities to insecurity, conflict and violent extremism

The exchange therefore sought to reinforce the role of community-driven development, economic empowerment and regional cooperation as important tools for preventing violence and strengthening social cohesion.

Regional Minister calls for development that protects border communities

The four-day engagement opened on Tuesday, October 27, at the North East Regional Coordinating Council in Nalerigu, Ghana, with the North East Regional Minister, Ibrahim Tia, highlighting the importance of protecting the longstanding relationships between communities along the Ghana–Togo border

He noted that the communities share deep family, cultural and trading ties, but also face common challenges, including insecurity, limited access to basic services and the threat of conflict spreading from the Sahel region

The Minister urged Ghana and Togo to ensure that investments under the SOCO Project directly benefit border communities, improve livelihoods and help sustain the peace they have enjoyed over the years

His remarks reinforced the need for both countries to approach development and security as interconnected priorities, particularly in vulnerable border areas where communities share economic activities and social relationships across national boundaries

The opening ceremony was attended by Togo’s Regional Minister for Tandjouare, Agbante Oukoura; Ghana’s National SOCO Project Coordinator, Elizabeth Ohenewah Agyei; and Togo’s National SOCO Project Coordinator, Dametougle Totetiebe

Also present were Alhassan Osman, Community-Driven Development and Capacity Building Specialist at the SOCO Project in Ghana, and Samuel Larbi Agyarko, Upper East and North East Zonal Coordinator of the Project

The Municipal Chief Executive for West Mamprusi Municipality, Mohammed Rabiu Jabaah, delivered the closing remarks at the opening ceremony. Security officials and SOCO staff from both countries also participated

Empowering communities through economic opportunities

On Wednesday, October 28, the engagement moved from the conference room in Nalerigu to the communities of Nakpanduri and Bimbago in Ghana’s North East Region

The Ghanaian and Togolese delegations interacted with traditional authorities, community leaders, traders and beneficiaries to understand the realities of life along the border and assess how SOCO-supported interventions are contributing to local development

Discussions centred on cross-border trade, livelihood opportunities, access to basic services and the importance of maintaining peaceful relationships among communities whose economic and social activities extend across the two countries

The teams also visited SOCO-supported market investments, examining how improved market infrastructure can strengthen local businesses, create economic opportunities and empower traders, particularly women and other vulnerable groups

The community interactions highlighted an important dimension of the fight against violent extremism: empowering people economically and improving access to essential services can help address some of the vulnerabilities that undermine peace and stability

By supporting community infrastructure and livelihood activities, the SOCO Project seeks to give border residents stronger economic opportunities and a greater stake in maintaining peaceful communities

Ghana learns from Togo’s experience in fighting vulnerability

On Thursday, October 29, the Ghanaian delegation visited Tambimongue and Tolong communities in the Mamproug/Canton cluster of the Tandjoare 2 Municipality in Togo’s Savanes Region

The delegation engaged community members and beneficiaries to learn about the implementation and impact of SOCO-supported interventions in the Togolese communities

The visits provided an opportunity for Ghana to examine Togo’s approaches to project implementation, community participation and the delivery of development interventions

The exchange also allowed both countries to identify practical lessons, share experiences and discuss how successful approaches could be adapted to improve project outcomes on either side of the border

The interactions demonstrated that tackling violent extremism requires more than security interventions. It also demands sustained investment in communities, stronger local institutions, economic inclusion and cooperation among neighbouring countries

Four-day exchange ends with renewed commitment to action

On Friday, October 30, the Ghanaian and Togolese teams concluded the exchange programme in Togo with discussions on their observations, lessons learnt and proposed next steps

The closing session provided an opportunity for the teams to reflect on the community engagements and identify areas where improved coordination and implementation strategies could strengthen the impact of the SOCO Project

The discussions also reinforced the importance of translating lessons from the exchange into practical interventions that respond to the needs of border communities

SOCO’s bigger mission: Preventing violent extremism through development

The Ghana–Togo exchange forms part of Component 3 of the SOCO Project, which brings together Ghana, Togo, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire to promote cross-border cooperation and address shared development, social cohesion and security concerns

The component recognises that violent extremism, insecurity and conflict can have consequences that extend beyond national boundaries, making cooperation among neighbouring countries essential

Through community-driven development, improved infrastructure, livelihood support and stronger relationships between border communities, the project seeks to address conditions that can make vulnerable populations susceptible to violence and instability

The four-day engagement has therefore provided more than an opportunity for officials to exchange technical knowledge. It has reinforced the need to put communities at the centre of development and peacebuilding efforts

Ultimately, the fight against violent extremism cannot be left to security agencies alone. Communities must have economic opportunities, access to basic services, meaningful participation in development decisions and confidence in their future

For Ghana and Togo, the message is clear: empowering border communities, strengthening livelihoods and building trust across national boundaries are essential investments in preventing violent extremism and securing lasting peace

Source – gbcuraonline.com