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SNNIT witness sharp increment in enrolment of persons in the informal sector
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has witnessed a sharp increase in the enrolment of persons in the informal sector onto the SSNIT scheme.
From May 2022 to May 2023, persons registered onto the scheme increased from 14, 000 to 54,000, representing a 2.9 % jump from the previous 0.5 %.
Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang, Director General of SSNIT who disclosed this attributed the feat to various activities being carried out by SSNIT to ensure that more people enroll in the scheme.
He said the Self Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED) campaign launched by the scheme last year was catching up with the people hence the enthusiasm and interest shown by the people to join the scheme.
SSNIT in the next couple of years Dr Tenkorang noted is aiming to register at least two million people in the informal sector through leveraging technology and aggressive public sensitization to achieve the needed results.
He said the 3.2 million informal sector workers representing 6.1 per cent of the population were the ones driving the Ghanaian economy and cannot be left out to their fate in their old age.
The focus of the campaign he said is geared towards eliminating old age poverty associated with older persons who failed to insure their future in their productive years in the country.
Dr Tenkorang was speaking in an interview with Journalists on the sidelines of public engagement with the various associations of informal sector workers in Sunyani yesterday in the Bono Region.
The forum organised by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in partnership with SSNIT was aimed at equipping the participants with relevant information about the SSNIT scheme in order for them to partner with the Trust in its drive to educate the public in the informal sector, especially the self-employed.
The Director General of SSNIT earlier in a presentation indicated that while those in public sector employment are enjoined by law to join the scheme, that cannot be said of those in the informal sector hence the need to encourage them to join to secure their future.
The Scheme he noted offers unique benefits and provides value that no other pension product offers especially in times of invalidity, and death adding that about 1000 invalid persons were currently enjoying pension from SSNIT.
He further explained that the Scheme is not for any special group of people but for all saying no matter where one works “we all have the same needs SSNIT was determined to change the narrative through several fora to drum home the message. “
The Chairman for the occasion Nana Ansu Gyeabour who represented the GPRTU commended SSNIT for the initiative but was quick to add that SSNIT must do more especially in the area of publicity so as to get everybody on board.
Some of the participants during the open forum called on SSNIT to initiate steps to “open up ” the age limit to allow more people to enrol, especially those above 45 years and above.
By Daniel Dzirasah, Sunyani
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
