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The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has introduced a new service dubbed ‘SSNIT Inside Banking,’ to see its operations co-located within banking halls across the country.

The initiative aims to make SSNIT services more accessible and convenient to contributors and pensioners nationwide.

The Director-General of SSNIT, Kwesi Afreh Biney, who announced this during the organisation’s annual ‘SSNITposium’ held in Accra yesterday as part of its 60th anniversary celebration, explained that the initiative forms part of SSNIT’s broader strategy to expand coverage, leverage technology, and improve customer experience through strategic partnerships with banks.

He said, ‘Last Monday, the very first ‘SSNIT Inside Banking Hall’ service point started operations with Ecobank in Tema. Our strategy is to expand coverage in a very rapid manner by bringing our services closer to the people we serve.’

He also stated that the programme will serve as alternative service points for clients who may not have easy access to existing SSNIT offices, noting that nearly every district in Ghana has at least one bank branch, making banks partners for the expansion.

According to Mr. Biney, SSNIT plans to establish 27 such service touchpoints within banks by the end of the year, adding that the banks identified for the initial rollout include Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, and CalBank, all of which have wide branch networks and existing investment relationships with SSNIT.

‘We considered banks where we have both a strong presence and strategic investments. For example, we hold the single largest investment in GCB, significant stakes in Ecobank and Fidelity Bank, and a 56.9% majority stake in CalBank,’ he stated.

Touching on the financial strength of the scheme, Mr. Biney emphasised that SSNIT’s investment portfolio remains robust, with its stock market investments growing by over GHS1.8 billion this year.

He cited ongoing projects in the energy and hospitality sectors, including increased investments in Senet Energy, plans to redevelop La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, and the expansion of Labadi Beach Hotel by up to 100 additional rooms.

The Director General further mentioned that SSNIT intends to reduce its investments in real estate, describing it as an area that ‘hasn’t yielded great returns and that proceeds from property divestitures, will be redirected toward higher-performing sectors.’

‘We plan to take money out of real estate and put it into sectors that are giving us the best results,’ he said.

The ‘SSNITposium’, attended by key stakeholders in the pension’s regulatory sector, reflected on SSNIT’s 60-year institutional journey and explored the future of social security in Ghana, with discussions on policy reform and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance service delivery as well as build a more inclusive social protection system.

THE GHANA Football Association (GFA) has launched a landmark partnership with the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and lottery company Rambell to offer 220 Ghanaian supporters the chance to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

The initiative, dubbed ‘World Cup Bonanza,’ was officially unveiled at the GFA Headquarters on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The colourful launch was attended by GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, NLA Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam, and Rockson Konde, representing Rambell’s Board Chairman.

Supervised by the NLA, the World Cup Bonanza offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win an all-expenses-paid trip to support the Black Stars at the global showpiece across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking at the launch, GFA President Kurt Okraku emphasised the campaign’s focus on rewarding loyal Ghanaian fans:

‘Having ensured that Ghana will be at the Mundial, it’s important for us at the FA not to think about ourselves but about the country – especially the 12th man,’ he said.

‘We didn’t qualify alone, and we cannot go to the World Cup alone. The supporters must come with us. With the support of the NLA and Rambell, we now have an amazing opportunity to bring our fans along on this incredible journey.’

The campaign’s slogan – ‘Play More, Win More, and Experience Football’s Biggest Stage’ – captures its dual mission: to offer unforgettable experiences and contribute to Ghana’s sporting development through the Good Causes Fund.

To participate, fans can enter the raffle by dialling USSD code *899899#. Winners will receive subsidised flights, free accommodation, match tickets for Ghana’s three group games, and full visa assistance.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in fan engagement and national pride, giving Ghanaians the opportunity to cheer the Black Stars from the stands and share in the global excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Fast-rising Afrobeat sensation, Kwejo Alpha, has dropped his much-anticipated song ‘Tonight’, urging fans to stream the song on various streaming platforms across the globe.

The brand-new single, which was released on November 5, 2025, promises to be a game-changer, showcasing Kwejo Alpha’s growth as an artiste and his ability to craft hits that resonate with fans worldwide.

With ‘Tonight’, Kwejo Alpha is set to ignite the music scene and leave a lasting impression on the industry.

Kwejo Alpha’s music is a reflection of his heritage and upbringing, infused with modern styles and flavours. His dedication to his craft is evident in every note he sings, every lyric he writes, and every performance he gives.

As he continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, Kwejo Alpha is fast becoming a name to watch in the music world.

Born and raised in a vibrant city, this talented artiste has been making waves with his unique sound, blending Afrobeat with elements of hip-hop and drill. With a passion for music that knows no bounds, Kwejo Alpha’s journey began years ago, honing his craft and perfecting his style.

Kwejo Alpha cut his teeth in the hip-hop and drill scenes, releasing a string of hits that showcased his lyrical prowess and versatility. His early work may have been underground, but it laid the foundation for his future success. Now, with a fresh new direction, Kwejo Alpha is poised to take the world by storm with his infectious Afrobeat rhythms and captivating stage presence.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has condemned the recent attack on officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) in the Ahafo Region, stressing that Parliament will not shield any Member of Parliament (MP) accused of wrongdoing.

The incident, which allegedly involved the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, and purportedly implicated senior MP Collins Dauda, is currently under investigation by the police.

The officers were reportedly assaulted while carrying out a security operation against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Addressing the House in a formal communication, Speaker Bagbin stressed the seriousness of the matter and called for collective condemnation of the attack.

‘Nobody has denied the attack, and we must all condemn that attack. The people of Ghana look to this House as a beacon of hope. It is our collective duty to set a standard that reflects the values of our great nation,’ he declared.

He described illegal mining as a national menace that requires firm and cooperative action, warning that any assault on security officers assigned to that task was unacceptable.

‘I condemn in no uncertain terms the attack on a team of security officers who are being assigned to help deal with the menace of galamsey, which has to be dealt with robustly,’ he said.

The Speaker confirmed that MP Addo had voluntarily submitted himself to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to assist in the inquiry, adding that several MPs have faced similar investigations in the past without interference from his office.

‘My office has never shielded any Member of Parliament. please let it not be said anywhere that Members of Parliament are being shielded from the rule of law; not at all,’ he asserted.

However, Mr. Bagbin urged the police to respect parliamentary privileges during the investigation, particularly when the House is in session, while clarifying that such privileges are not a barrier to prosecution.

‘These privileges are not absolute. They must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the land,’ he said.

He directed the Office of the Clerk and Parliament’s Legal Services Department to provide full support to law enforcement agencies ‘within the framework of the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House.’

Assuring national security agencies and the public of Parliament’s cooperation, the Speaker reaffirmed his commitment to accountability.

‘I assure all Ghanaians, in particular the security agencies, of the full cooperation of Parliament in this investigation and all other pending investigations involving Members of Parliament,’ he stressed.

Leaders Call

The leadership also rallied behind Speaker Bagbin’s declaration that no MP will be shielded from accountability.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, used the moment to launch a stern call for unity against illegal mining, warning that partisan politics has crippled Ghana’s fight against the menace.

‘We as political leaders have failed,’ he admitted, recalling how successive governments and actors, across political divides, allowed political convenience to override national interest.

He revealed that as far back as 2015, Finance Ministry warnings about galamsey’s impact on cocoa went unheeded, and despite bold anti-galamsey pledges, the nation continued to prioritise electoral calculations over environmental survival.

‘Can we as political leaders, for once, agree to stay the partisan approach and deal with galamsey as a Ghana matter?’ he appealed.

‘Civil society is talking, organised labour is talking, religious leaders are talking, but they know that in us lies the vested authority,’ he stated.

He argued that galamsey is contributing to rising deaths and environmental degradation, and called for a non-partisan parliamentary dialogue to send a ‘strong message’ that ‘enough is enough’.

Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, echoed the Speaker’s message, emphasising that lawmakers will not resist due process.

‘We do not consider ourselves above the law. We pass the laws, we fund law-enforcement agencies, and we hold them accountable,’ he stated.

Mr. Ayariga confirmed that he personally facilitated the MP’s appearance before investigators, and expressed confidence in the legal process.

He also explained that both Addo and Dauda maintain their innocence, insisting neither directed residents to resist security officers.

The Majority Leader stressed that parliamentary privileges do not equate to immunity, but exist, like those of law-enforcement officers and judges, to protect democratic institutions, not obstruct justice.

Fidelity Bank’s Deputy Managing Director for Wholesale Banking, Kwabena Boateng, has urged the financial sector, government, and private sector players to ‘move from gatekeeping to gardening’ a shift from cautious lending to active partnership in building the nation’s productive capacity.

Speaking at the 14th Ghana Economic Forum held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, on the theme ‘Currency Value Addition – A Reset for Sustainable Economic Growth,’ Mr. Boateng emphasised that the real anchor of Ghana’s currency lay not only in its reserves, but in the productivity of its industries and people.

‘What gives a currency its real value is not the paper it’s printed on, or the reserves behind it but the productivity that sustains it,’ Mr. Boateng said. ‘The more we invest in the sectors that create value; agriculture, manufacturing, and exports the more stable and resilient our currency becomes.’

He noted that while Ghana’s economy has made impressive strides in stabilisation, growing by 6.3% in the second quarter and recording single-digit inflation of 9.4%, financing patterns still reveal an imbalance.

‘The services sector continues to expand rapidly, accounting for over 42% of GDP and receiving 36.8% of all bank credit, while manufacturing attracts just 12.4% and agriculture despite its vast potential receives a fraction of that,’ he observed. ‘We have a powerful economic vehicle, but the power isn’t distributed evenly to all its wheels.’

Mr. Boateng cautioned that this uneven distribution creates vulnerabilities, urging financial institutions and policymakers to address the ‘financing conundrum’ that perpetuates high risk and underinvestment in productive sectors.

The key obstacle, he diagnosed, is the perception of risk, noting the Agriculture sector’s high Non-Performing Loan ratio of 54.2%. ‘This creates a cycle of caution: high risk leads to less lending, which leads to under-investment, which in turn perpetuates the very risks we fear. To achieve a true economic reset, we must break this cycle.’

To address this, he called for a systemic reset, one that combines finance, policy support, innovation, and partnerships. Citing Fidelity Bank’s ongoing initiatives, Mr. Boateng said the bank is actively demonstrating how patient, purposeful capital can unlock growth in high-impact sectors.

He highlighted two flagship Fidelity Bank initiatives as proof of concept for this systemic change: The BRIDGE-in-Agriculture Programme, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has disbursed over GHS94 million to SMEs and smallholder farmers, focusing on youth and women entrepreneurs.

Combined with direct lending of GHS220 million this year, Fidelity’s total agricultural support now exceeds GHS314 million. Beyond finance, the programme provides technical assistance, market access, and training in climate-smart agriculture.

The Greentech Innovation Challenge initiative bets on young innovators to solve major agricultural challenges in areas like precision agriculture. The bank’s GHS2 million total investment in these green pioneers has already seen the first cohort generate over GHS13 million in revenue, with some expanding to Nigeria and Sierra Leone, validating the strategy of coupling innovation with patient capital.

‘These programmes show that when you combine patient capital with innovation and technical support, you can turn high-risk sectors into high-impact ones,’ Mr. Boateng remarked.

Looking ahead, he urged for stronger public-private partnerships to de-risk the real economy, promote export-linked financing, and expand access to green and inclusive finance for women and youth entrepreneurs. He further called for accountability mechanisms that measure not only credit volumes, but their tangible impact on value creation, exports, and jobs.

Mr. Boateng reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s resolve to be an active catalyst in Ghana’s transformation journey. ‘At Fidelity, we do not simply lend; we partner to build. We want to see a Ghana where our currency is strong, our industries vibrant, and our people, especially our youth and women empowered to create lasting value,’ he said.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has warned the government, especially the judiciary, to refrain from imposing excessive bail conditions on some perceived members of the party accused of committing offences against the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra yesterday, General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, said such practice contravenes Section 96 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), and Supreme Court precedents, which affirm that bail should not be punitive or withheld merely as a punishment.

According to the General Secretary, state security agencies continue to flout such constitutional provisions with impunity, particularly Article 14 on the grant of bail to persons arrested or detained.

He said the constitution requires that such persons be brought before court within 48 hours or be released either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions as may be necessary, to ensure they appear at a later date for trial.

He stated, ‘Thus, an accused person who is not tried within reasonable time is entitled to bail irrespective of the nature of the offense. However, recent developments clearly suggest a worrying trend where NPP members are detained beyond the lawful limit, subjected to unreasonable bail conditions, and effectively denied justice.’

‘This is anchored on the constitutional principle enshrined in Article 19(2)(c) that a person accused of committing an offense shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, under this John Mahama administration, such persons are rather presumed guilty until they prove their innocence,’ he added.

Mr. Frimpong also cited some perceived members of the NPP, including Chairman Wontumi, Kwabena Adu Boahene, Abdul-Wahab Hanan, Gifty Oware Mensah, Osei Assibey Antwi and many others who were arrested, with one accused person’s bail condition set to the tune of GHS800 million.

He stated, ‘How ridiculous! Doesn’t this effectively amount to denial of bail, which the law speaks against? Judges, generally, fear to dispense justice according to the law because they fear that they may also suffer the same fate as Justice Torkornoo. Judges are now telling us that we are all not equal before the law and are quoting dictators like Idi Amin of Uganda to justify the unlawful detention of citizens in a democracy.’

The party also criticised the conduct of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akurintinga Ayine, accusing him of repeatedly acting as a ‘court of law’ by declaring accused persons guilty even before their cases are filed or while they are still pending in court.

He stated that the Attorney General and Minister for Justice seems not only good at filing nolle prosequi to free his political allies and National Democratic Congress (NDC) members accused of embezzling large sums of money, but also guilty of blatantly abusing prosecutorial discretion.

According to him, the Attorney General appears more interested in striking deals with certain accused persons to use them as prosecution witnesses, in order to secure convictions against former officials of the previous NPP administration.

‘The police are more interested in arresting and persecuting social media activists such as ‘Facebookers’ and ‘Tiktokers’ for allegedly insulting public officials and making or posting disparaging remarks about government officials than fighting insecurity in the country,’ he pointed out.

Such selective justice and intolerance, the party explained, erodes public confidence in Ghana’s democracy and justice system, leading to resurgence of a ‘culture of silence’, where citizens are targeted for expressing dissenting opinions on social media.

Touching on the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), the General Secretary accused the NDC of being enablers of the practice. He cited instances involving some NDC Members of Parliament and party executives who, he claimed, were engaged in irresponsible mining activities even going as far as attacking uniformed military personnel who attempted to stop them.

‘We in the NPP duly acknowledge the existential threats posed by the worsening galamsey situation and are willing and ready to cooperate with the government to fight the menace.

‘We are not going to behave like them when they were in opposition, where they made it look like galamsey was an Akufo-Addo creation and made a lot of political capital therefrom. The NPP is a responsible opposition, and we are ready to assist in tackling this generational crisis for the love of country,’ Mr. Frimpong pointed out.

Rapper Medikal has revealed the inspiration behind the unique name of his newborn son with singer, Eazzy – Space.

The couple recently welcomed their first child together, marking Medikal’s second after his daughter, Island with actress, Fella Makafui.

Speaking in an interview on 3Music TV, the Omo Ada hitmaker dismissed rumours suggesting that Space was not his first child with Eazzy before going on to explain the meaning behind the name.

‘I named my son Space because I want him to grow into an infinite world – limitless,’ Medikal shared proudly. ‘I don’t think it would have made sense giving him any other name,’ he added.

According to a new Ride-Hailing Safety Index Report by Bolt and Ipsos, 81% of Ghanaians view ride-hailing as a safer transport option compared to others, reflecting growing confidence in app-based mobility and its role in improving everyday safety and convenience across cities.

The report, based on surveys in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi, examines how safety perceptions shape transport choices, technology’s role in building trust, and ride-hailing’s impact on safer urban travel.

Results show that Ghanaians choose ride-hailing primarily for convenience (80%) and safety (45%), underscoring the growing role of app-based mobility in daily life. Nearly all respondents (92%) said they use ride-hailing when seeking safer or more reliable travel, particularly for late-night trips (70%), when walking feels unsafe (50%), or when they are tired or unwell (46%).

The survey also found that women make up 70% of ride-hailing users in Ghana, with the largest demographic between 25 and 34 years, highlighting how digital mobility supports safe, flexible, and independent travel for young urban commuters.

Safety-enhancing features such as real-time GPS tracking (61%), driver verification (57%), and trip sharing (55%) were identified as the most important tools for building passenger confidence.

In total, 94% of passengers agreed that these in-app safety features make them feel more secure when using ride-hailing services.

Importantly, 52% of respondents believe ride-hailing apps help reduce drunk driving by offering a safe and accessible alternative after social events, contributing positively to public safety outcomes.

‘This report gives us valuable insight into how Ghanaians experience and perceive safety when using ride-hailing,’ said Sandra Suzanne Buyole, Regional PR Manager, Ghana. ‘It reinforces that safety is not only a key reason people choose digital mobility, but also an area where continuous investment in technology, driver education, and collaboration with stakeholders can make a lasting difference.’

Adding to this, Ipsos Head of Strategy Africa, Witness Soyinka, said, ‘The findings show that Ghanaians increasingly associate ride-hailing with reliability, traceability, and accountability, qualities that are essential for building long-term trust in mobility services. Safety features that enhance visibility and control are the main drivers of passenger confidence, especially among women and younger users.’

Member of Parliament for Ketu South and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has strongly refuted allegations that she misappropriated a GHS90,000 support package from the National Lottery Authority (NLA).

Addressing journalists at the refurbished Anoenu Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, Madam Gomashie clarified that the money was part of the NLA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Fund and was used exclusively to upgrade the facility.

‘That was exactly what I used the money for; not a dime was spent by me,’ Myjoyonline quoted her to have said. ‘It is ridiculous for anyone to suggest that I would take state money and spend it on myself,’ she added.

According to her, the funds were channelled into expanding the once one-room health post into a modern and fully functional centre equipped to meet the reproductive and general health needs of the community.

She detailed that the GHS90,000 investment went into constructing additional rooms, providing essential medical equipment, installing a water closet, and supplying sanitary pads to residents.

A borehole was also drilled to ensure a sustainable water supply for the clinic, following advice from the municipal assembly engineer.

Religion, ethnicity and democracy have no place in determining and choosing good and productive leaders in every dispensation.

What is needed is a good leader; attributes being honesty, innovation, resilience and focus among others. It is not about monetary wealth but wealth of ideas, which can change the fortunes of a country positively.

History was made in the Big Apple after Zohran Mamdani won New York’s mayoral election, defying the efforts of billionaires and the American President Donald Trump to deny him the opportunity to serve his New Yorkers.

His religious and demography were no factors in this part of the world where political civility rules.

There are lessons to be learnt from the epoch-making development from the mayoral polls in New York had monetary wealth been a factor, the winner would have come nowhere near the victory he clinched.

When he set out on the record-making journey, many did not believe he could make it; but he has made it, which shows what resilience can do even in the tightest of races.

We would have expected that all things being equal, the Jewish factor would have played against a Mamdani victory, but it rather added to his fortunes. The reason is not far-fetched; ethnocentric and faith bigotry have no place where credible, result-oriented and focused leaders are required.

New York has showed the way for others who might still be clothed in their unwanted and antiquated bigotries to follow.

Shouldn’t such bigots abandon their dozy ideas as they throw tantrums in their bid to win the hearts of delegates in the internal elections of one of Ghana’s dominant political parties? Sure they should, because we have grown past the dark ages of politics.

We need leaders who can think about how to deliver medical products to underserved or not served locations and to leverage upon digital technology in a fast moving world.

Intemperate language and bigotries are functions of backwardness and present those who spot these as unfit to seek leadership regardless of how much they have stashed in their kitties.

As we pointed out in an earlier commentary on the subject, Kwame Nkrumah having observed the trend in our early independence politics passed the Avoidance of Discrimination Act of 1957. That so many years in our independence status such traits continue to rear their ugly heads, shows how some of us still live in the dark years.

Kwame, the alias of Zohran Mamdani, the New Yorker, was born in Uganda having relocated to the US courtesy of his parents. He could not have stood the dollar might of his closest competitor, Andrew Cuomo, whose supporters poured in billions of dollars down the toilet to ensure his loss, as a writer for The American Prospect, Ryan Cooper, wrote in the November 4, 2025 edition, ‘New York City didn’t submit to a campaign of flagrant bigotry from disgraced two-time loser Cuomo; Americans, particularly young ones, can still be politically inspired by a good candidate with a good message; and, not least of all, a bunch of MAGA billionaires flushed millions and millions of dollars down the toilet losing to a brown, Muslim democratic socialist’. According to Forbes, no fewer than 28 billionaires donated at least $100,000 to stop Mamdani, including Daniel Loeb, Barry Diller, Steve Wynn, Reed Hastings, and Alice Walton.

Of course these are great lessons for us in Ghana.