As part of efforts to bring it services to the doorstep of its members and clients, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has opened a new branch on the Spintex Road in Accra.

The Spintex Branch located in the Takyi Plaza, brings to 52, the number of SSNIT branches across the country.

Speaking at the official opening of the branch, the Director-Gen­eral of SSNIT, Mr Kwesi Afreh Biney, said the inauguration of the Spintex Road branch formed part of the objectives of SSNIT to increase accessibility and bring convenience to the people that the Trust served.

He said SSNIT would contin­ue to establish branches to bring convenience in service delivery to members and clients.

Mr Biney said the establish­ment of the Spintex Branch was part of a strategic step in ensuring that pensioners and self-employed on the Spintex Road enclave were better served.

The Director-General of SSNIT indicated that Spintex Road is a vibrant and rapidly growing urban industrial zone.

“Spintex Road is a space that no one can decide not to recog­nise, because over the years, this space has now turned into a hub of activities with many businesses showcasing their presence and the products and services that they offer here,” he said.

“So we felt that it was good to situate a branch in this space and to serve this community and serve it well,” Mr Biney added.

The Director-General of SSNIT said SSNIT would soon launch another branch at Adenta to bring the services of Trust clos­er to members and clients.

He said as part efforts to go digital, SSNIT would launch a virtual branch by the third quarter of this year to provide 24-hour service to the public.

Mr Biney also said discussions were ongoing to leverage on partnerships to bring the services of SSNIT closer to members and clients.

“And in that regard as well, we have started conversations, and we look forward to having partner­ships that position our staff at some selected banks, banking halls, which then enables you to get the full bouquet of our ser­vices when you visit those banks. And we will be providing details as we roll out those plans into the future,” the Director-General, stated.

The General Manager of SSNIT in charge of Operations, Mr Phillip Kofi Senyah, said the establishment of the new branch on the Spintex Road was to better serve the public and the self-em­ployed.

He said the new branch on the Spintex Road would help to better serve members of SSNIT and the public, including the self-employed within this particular community.

“The Spintex branch, our newest baby, represents another significant step in our effort to bring our services closer to you by ensuring greater convenience, im­proved accessibility, and enhanced customer experience,” Mr Senyah said.

 BY KINGSLEY ASARE

Christopher Boadi-Mensah, CEO of National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA)

Chief Executive Officer of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Christopher Boadi Mensah, has been sworn-in as Chairman of the Board of the National Insurance Commission (NIC).

He brings over two decades of experience in finance, insurance and risk management, stock markets, and economic policy analysis.

Boadi Mensah is a Chartered Insurer and member of the Chartered Insurance Institutes of both United Kingdom and Ghana.

He holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Netherlands Business School and a Master of Science Degree (MSc.) in Economic Policy Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

He is widely respected for his deep understanding of insurance operations and institutional leadership. He previously worked as Managing Director of Serene Insurance Company Limited among other senior roles in the Ghana Insurance Industry.

His appointment is seen as a strategic move to reinforce governance at the NIC and accelerate reforms across the insurance industry.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance, Accra, Ghana, on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem described the appointment of the new Board as timely and critical.

He challenged the Commission to think boldly and innovate deliberately in order to expand insurance access to underserved populations, particularly informal workers and climate-vulnerable communities.

“Insurance penetration in Ghana remains below two percent, which is far below our economic potential,” the Minister noted.

“The Board must champion reforms that will protect livelihoods and mobilise long-term capital. Government stands ready to support the NIC in this transformative journey, especially in the areas of digitalisation, risk-based supervision, and capital adequacy reforms.”

The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s support for the enforcement of compulsory insurances of motor vehicle liabilities, fire and public liability for commercial buildings, and professional liability for all professionals in Ghana.

In his inaugural address, Boadi Mensah emphasised the Board’s commitment to upholding public trust and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Commission.

He stressed the need for collaboration with insurers, policymakers, and consumers to drive reforms and build a sustainable market.

He pledged to work with his colleagues to ensure sound governance, strengthen supervision, and promote innovation in Ghana’s insurance landscape.

“The Commission stands at a crossroads,” he noted.

“As a Board, we are committed to providing the strategic direction and support needed to grow a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready insurance industry.” “Our task is not just to regulate but to catalyse. We must balance discipline with development, and oversight with opportunity”, he added.

Other members of the newly inaugurated Board include Dr Abiba Zakariah, the Commissioner of Insurance; Mathew Kweku Atta Aidoo, former Managing Director of Priority Insurance; David Klottey Collison, representative of the Minister for Finance; Richard Amofa, representative of the Ghana Bar Association; Jean-Marie Formadi, Member of Parliament for Biakoye; and Simon Akibange Aworigo, Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central.

The new Board assumes its mandate at a time of renewed focus on regulatory reform, market sanitisation, and African competitiveness.

The Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah Nyarko, has commended the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer for the 2024 elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for openly acknowledging the shortcomings of the Akufo-Addo administration and offering a public apology to Ghanaians.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, May 20, the MP described Dr. Bawumia’s remarks as a bold and commendable step toward rebuilding trust between the party and the electorate.

According to him, leadership is not only about celebrating achievements but also about accepting responsibility when things go wrong. He said Dr. Bawumia’s apology reflects maturity and a strong sense of accountability—qualities essential for anyone seeking high office.

“After you have gone to thank the people, you also need to let them know that you appreciate their concerns and the fact that we erred. Where we have erred, we say we are sorry. That is the hallmark of a great leader.

“A great leader is the one who sees that ‘I have a responsibility.’ Though as Vice President, he didn’t carry the overall mandate of the people, the fact of the matter is that the government was not sensitive to some of the concerns of the Ghanaian people. Ghanaians have punished us, so we are sorry.”

The MP emphasised that such humility should not be mistaken for weakness but seen as a crucial first step in reconnecting with citizens. He urged the NPP to use this moment as a turning point ahead of the 2028 general elections.

“It is good to show that kind of maturity and then assure them that, given the next opportunity, we are guided by your wishes and will work hand in hand with the Ghanaian people,” he added.

Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has condemned the gruesome murder of an official of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in the Upper East Region.

In a release on Tuesday, May 20, the MP for Bawku Central criticised the perpetrators of the act and called for justice.

“I hereby condemn, in no uncertain terms, the shooting, killing and burning of the body of Mohammed Seidu Akugri, who was the Bongo district director of the National Health Insurance Authority. The attack on him took place in Nangodi near Bolgatanga,” he stated.

He shared condolences with the family of the deceased and entreated ” law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and apprehend the perpetrators of this dastardly act”.

“I urge all to remain calm and let’s focus on the on-going efforts of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to bring a lasting solution to the Bawku situation. I commend the youth for the restraint displayed so far and their recent efforts to maintain peace in Bawku. Significant progress is being made and no one should be allowed to derail the process,” he added.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

Foster Awintiti-Akubi, Head of Partnerships and Government Relations

Ghana is poised to significantly boost its economy by hosting the 14th Africa Fintech Summit (AFTS), scheduled for October 8th to 10th, 2025, in Accra.

With over 1,500 delegates expected from across the continent, the summit is projected to generate approximately $1.3 million for the Ghanaian economy through hotel bookings and various other economic activities.

Foster Awintiti-Akubi, Head of Partnerships and Government Relations for the Africa Fintech Summit, highlighted the substantial economic benefits during an event hosted by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in Accra.

He emphasized that bringing this prestigious fintech event to Ghana underscores the nation’s growing prominence as a financial technology hub in Africa.

Awintiti-Akubi stated that beyond the immediate financial gains, the summit is also expected to catalyze further investment in Ghana’s thriving fintech sector.

He noted that the summit would provide a crucial platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and potential collaborations—further solidifying Ghana’s position in the African fintech landscape and attracting future economic opportunities.

Ghana’s tech industry has demonstrated remarkable growth, standing out as the only top-five African destination for venture capital growth in 2024, with an impressive 26 percent increase—even as overall tech funding across Africa declined.

This growth is largely attributed to its robust fintech sector, particularly in payment solutions.

The announcement also marks the official launch of a strategic partnership between AFTS and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

The Bank of Ghana has called for increased collaboration in promoting fintech and digital initiatives to enhance Africa’s economic integration.

It stated that fintech is bridging access gaps, particularly for underserved and remote communities, and that cross-border digital payments are gaining traction, promising to ease trade frictions and accelerate regional commerce.

GUTA President, Joseph Obeng

The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), alongside allied trade organisations, has strongly condemned the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) for cautioning GUTA President Dr Joseph Obeng against using his honorary doctorate title, describing the action as a malicious attempt to discredit his reputation.

In a statement issued on Monday, 19 May 2025, GUTA called GTEC’s caution an overreach of authority and an “unwarranted, malicious attempt calculated to cast aspersions on the person and the dignity of a leader whose dedication, vision, and advocacy have been pivotal in transforming the economic narrative of our country.”

The association demanded that GTEC retract its press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the reputational harm caused.

“We request that GTEC retract its misplaced press release and issue a public apology to Dr Joseph Obeng for the unwarranted reputational harm caused,” the statement said.

The controversy stems from GTEC’s recent directive urging Dr Joseph Obeng to refrain from using the “Dr” title, which he earned through an Honorary Doctorate of Humanity conferred by Alpha International Theological Seminary (AITS) on April 24, 2016 for his contributions to human development and private enterprise.

GUTA emphasised that Dr Joseph Obeng’s honorary title is a “well-earned recognition of his decades of service to national development, private enterprise advocacy, and economic empowerment.”

The statement further asserted, “We assert that the trading community will not countenance any further attempt to denigrate the dignity of our leader or any of our leadership. The informal sector demands and deserves respect.”

The association urged GTEC to exercise discretion, engage stakeholders before issuing such statements, and recognise diverse pathways to leadership beyond academic credentials.

“Dr Joseph Obeng is not merely a representative of traders; he is a symbol of resilience, service, and visionary leadership in Ghana’s economic landscape,” the statement read.

GUTA and its allies, including the Ashanti Business Owners Association, Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, and the Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), expressed solidarity with Dr Joseph Obeng, vowing to protect his right to be honoured and defend all leaders who serve Ghana with integrity.

GA/KA

After the heavy rains over the weekend, a lot of debris have been left across many parts of Accra. Watch some of the destructions below:

Ghana has long been a preferred corridor for landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, with their commercial operators using the country’s roads to transport seaborne cargo. 

This transit trade contributes significantly to the country’s economy, generating over $34 million annually from services associated with the handling and movement of transit cargo, payments to haulage truck operators, freight forwarders, electronic tracking operators and fuel stations.

These benefits notwithstanding, Ghana’s transit trade is beset with myriads of challenges that threaten to erode the gains made overtime as the preferred corridor in the subregion. 

Transit operators have reported issues such as high charges by service providers, incessant port delays, high haulage costs, numerous check points, deplorable road conditions, lack of rest stops and other non-tariff barriers. 

Solutions 

A Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Shipper’ Authority (GSA), Prince Henry Ankrah, who made this known at a sensitisation workshop organised by the authority at Tema, explained that the solutions to the challenges required nothing less than the collective effort of all stakeholders in the transit trade ecosystem.

“The government for its part has enacted the facilitation of transit trade in the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1122) to strengthen the authority’s arm in streamlining processes of service providers and stakeholders for the benefit of all players in the industry.

“Additionally, Act 1122 empowers the authority to approve charges and shipment conditions of shipping service providers and to ensure compliance. We are confident that this legal framework will further contribute to improving service standards and reducing the cost of doing business at Ghana’s ports,” he said in a speech read on behalf of the CEO of the GSA, Prof Ransford Gyampo.

He said the authority was mandated to regulate commercial activities of shippers and shipping service providers in the shipment, storage, and delivery of international trade cargo. 

He said over the years, the authority had collaborated with stakeholders in the trade and transport industry to find solutions to challenges impeding commercial shipping in Ghana.

Overloading trucks 

The Representative of the Ghana Highways Authority, Elizabeth Arjarquah explained that overloading trucks begins at the loading stage and was mostly caused by decisions taken by truck owners and their agents. 

She said the practice leads to faster road deterioration and rising maintenance costs.

She stated that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) have harmonised axle load control regulations and signed a supplementary legal framework in Accra in July 2022. 

She said all 15 ECOWAS member states endorsed the changes, with full implementation expected in 2026.

Technical inspection 

Mrs Arjarquah said that every vehicle would now be subject to technical inspection before registration and entry into service. 

The inspection will cover vehicle dimensions, unladen weight with a full tank, and total laden weight.

She stressed that trucks that fail to meet these standards will not be permitted to operate.

Openness 

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in-charge of Technical Services, Sylvia Asana Owu, welcomed the openness of the discussions and assured drivers that GSA would continue to protect their welfare. 

She said the conversations reflected mutual respect and urged JAPTU and other unions to deepen cooperation with GSA as reforms continued.

She said the Tema sensitisation formed part of GSA’s wider strategy to engage directly with those who drove regional trade. 

“As Ghana looks to maintain its edge as the gateway for Sahelian economies, GSA believes that transparent policies, responsive leadership, and stronger stakeholder dialogue will be key to achieving that goal.”

The workshop 

The sensitisation workshop focused on the country’s new shipping legislation and ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of Ghana’s transit corridors. 

Chaired by the Principal Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Kennedy Monnah, the workshop brought together key stakeholders in the transport and logistics such as truck drivers and haulage operators.

Also present were representatives of Ghana Private Road Transport Union, the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU), the Chemicals Control and Management Centre of the Environmental Protection Authority, and senior management of GSA, including the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical), Sylvia Asana Owu, Head of Operations, Monica Josiah, and the Eastern Zonal Manager, Charles Darling Sey.

Concerns 

The participants took turns to express  their opinion and raised several concerns on issues impacting their operations. 

Some asked if the new number plate delivery system would come with extra costs. 

Others questioned why drivers were not consulted in the development of the new axle load amendments. 

Participants also expressed uncertainty about the timelines for enforcement and called for clearer information from regulators.

In a country where the monthly minimum wage hovers around GHS450, imagine facing medical bills of GHS8,400 every month just to stay alive.

This is the crushing reality for thousands of Ghanaians suffering from kidney failure—a silent epidemic claiming lives not just through disease, but through financial impossibility.

Last week, under the warm Accra sun, businessman Seidu Agongo stood before officials at the Ministry of Health, his eyes reflecting both determination and compassion as he presented a cheque for GHS500,000 to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund.

The donation, made on behalf of Alive Industries, was a pledge Alhaji Agongo—its founder and head—made during the launch of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund by President John Dramani Mahama.

“I see their faces every day,” Alhaji Agongo told the media, his voice steady but emotional. “Mothers who sell everything they own for one more treatment. Fathers who must choose between feeding their children or staying alive to raise them.”

“These are the impossible choices no Ghanaian should have to make,” he added, underscoring his closeness to the critical survival situations that inspired the donation.

As the owner of a dialysis centre and founder of the collapsed Heritage Bank, Alhaji Agongo has witnessed firsthand the devastating arithmetic of kidney disease in Ghana.

Each dialysis session costs about GHS800, with most patients requiring three sessions per week—amounting to roughly GHS8,400 monthly or $800. According to the Global Payroll Association, Ghana’s average monthly income is about $750, with over half the working population earning less than that.

“In a developing country where people hardly get food to eat, this is a significant strain,” Agongo noted, addressing a room of health officials and journalists.

“That’s nearly 20 times the minimum wage. How can we expect our people to bear this?” he asked, drawing silence from the room.

Bolstering Hope, Securing Lives

Alhaji Agongo’s donation will bolster the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, a programme launched under President Mahama and nicknamed Mahama Cares. It aims to assist the most vulnerable: the poor, the unemployed, the elderly, and those without support systems.

Health Minister Mintah Kwabena Akandoh, visibly moved during the ceremony, said the donation transcended corporate social responsibility.

“This is about Ghanaians standing for Ghanaians,” he said. “Alhaji Agongo demonstrates what we must all aspire to—seeing the suffering of our neighbours and responding not because we have much, but because we care deeply.”

Agongo, who also owns Agricult, an agriculture-focused company, stressed that his motivation stems from understanding the link between public health and national prosperity.

“As a businessman, my success means nothing in a society where people die from treatable conditions,” he said.

“My business only flourishes in a healthy environment. We all need access to proper healthcare—not as a luxury, but as a fundamental right.”

A Challenge To Ghanaians

Alhaji Agongo used the opportunity to call on others to support one another to make life better.

“This is not about wealth—it’s about compassion. It is not because I have, but because I care. Together, let’s continue to lift others and be the reason someone gets another chance at life.”

Agongo has donated to thousands across the country, including building a block for the Child Emergency Unit at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

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The project targets 300 women in total

A total of 76 women, including persons with disabilities, in the Asante-Akim South Municipality have received training in soap making through a three-day programme organised by the Network of Women in Growth (NEWIG).

The initiative forms part of a two-year project titled “Economic Inclusion of Marginalised Women Living in Urban Centres,” funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation.

The project aims to economically empower women across the Greater Accra, Western, Ashanti, and Northern regions through skills training and business management support.

Targeting 300 women in total, the project offers training in mushroom farming, snail rearing, and soap making.

In the Ashanti Region, participants from several communities were brought together at Kurofa, near Juaso, for the soap-making training.

Representatives from Afram Rural Bank, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), and the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) were present to engage the women on financial literacy, savings, and investment opportunities.

Local mobilisation was led by the Erudite Women Foundation, a community-based partner of NEWIG.

Upon completion of the training, each participant received a certificate and a set of start-up tools to support their business ventures.

Ms Mawulawoe Awity, Executive Director of NEWIG, said some participants would be selected for an advanced entrepreneurship programme.

Those chosen will benefit from further capacity-building workshops and receive grants to establish sustainable businesses.

She praised the women for their commitment and resilience, describing them as a testament to the strength and potential of Ghanaian women.

Ms Awity assured us that NEWIG, in collaboration with its local partners, would continue to monitor the progress of the beneficiaries to ensure the long-term success of the initiative.

She expressed gratitude to the Coca-Cola Foundation for its support, highlighting the positive impact the funding is making in the lives of women across the country.