The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) paid GHC6.77 billion in pensions in 2025, Mr Frank Molbila, the General Manager in-charge of Benefits of the Trust has disclosed.
He said the trust anticipated to pay GHC8.21 billion by the close of 2026, saying that the SSNIT numerous benefits, urging every worker to register and join the scheme.
Mr Molbila disclosed this when speaking at a regional forum organised by the SSNIT, in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Sunyani.
It was on the theme: “Empowering Unions, Secure Futures: Deepening Pension Literacy across Ghana”, formed part of a nationwide engagement designed to deepen pension literacy among workers and strengthen collaboration between SSNIT and organised labour.
Mr Molbila highlighted the benefits of SSNIT, saying that registering and joining the scheme secured one’s long-term financial security.
He advised all workers to plan their future well by registering and joining SSNIT, urging contributors to endeavour to update their records as well.
Mr Molbila noted that the value of SSNIT was superior to any other investment, explaining that after the 60 years mandatory retirement from active service, SSNIT was mandated to pay the monthly pension of contributors until death.
Mr Adam Sulley, the Deputy Director-General in-charge of in-charge of Operations and Benefits of the SSNIT later told the media that: “The law requires that once you are working and regardless of where you are working, you have to contribute to a trustee”.
He said it was against that background that the SSNIT was embarking on the nationwide engagement exercise to sensitize workers for them to understand and appreciate the operations of the Trust.
Mr Joseph Ansah, the Secretary General of the TUC advised the SSNIT contributors to monitor and ensure that their employers paid their monthly contributions. They must also have ample time to check and correct any abnormalities that might reflect on their contributions, he advised.
SSNIT anticipates paying GHC8.21 billion pensions by close of 2026-General Manager
Ghana coach Otto Addo names 26-man squad for Austria, Germany friendlies
Ghana coach Otto Addo on Monday named a 26-man squad for this month’s international friendlies against Austria and Germany.
Defenders Derrick Luckassen, Patrick Pfeiffer and Marvin Senaya, along with forward Daniel Agyei, were included in the squad for the first time.
Luckassen plays for Cypriot champions Pafos FC and previously featured for PSV Eindhoven, Hertha Berlin, Anderlecht and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Senaya is on the books of French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre, while Pfeiffer represents German second-tier club Darmstadt 98.
Agyei, who was born in England, plays for Turkish side Kocaelispor after spells with Leyton Orient, Burnley, Oxford United and Crewe Alexandra.
Iñaki Williams, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku and Ibrahim Sulemana return to the squad after absences through injury and form.
First-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Asare keeps his place, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Joseph Anang also selected.
Ghana would face Austria in Vienna on March 27 before travelling to Stuttgart to meet Germany on March 30, 2026.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St. Gallen), Benjamin Asare (Accra Hearts of Oak), Joseph Anang (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
Defenders: Patrick Pfeiffer (SV Darmstadt), Derrick Luckassen (Pafos FC), Derrick Kohn (Union Berlin), Jerome Opoku (Istanbul Basaksehir), Caleb Yirenkyi (FC Nordsjaelland), Kojo Oppoong Pepprah (OGC Nice), Jonas Adjetey (VFL Wolfsburg), Marvin Senaya (Auxerre), Alexander Djiku (Spartak Moscow), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre)
Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Villareal), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre), Ibrahim Sulemana (Cagliari), Kwasi Sibo (Real Oviedo),
Forwards/Wingers: Brandon Thomas Asante (Coventry City), Jordan Ayew (Leicester City), Prince Adu (Viktoria Plzen), Christopher Bonsu Baah (Al Qadsiah), Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Leicester City), Inaki Williams (Atletic Bilbao), Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City), Kamal Deen Sulemana (Atalanta), Daniel Agyei (Kocalispor).
Pope Leo XIV’s Africa trip focuses on war, justice, and inequality.
Pope Leo XIV will go on his first big tour of Africa in April, combining prayer, diplomacy, and strong pleas for peace, justice, and equality across the continent.
During the multi-day tour, the head of the Catholic Church will visit four countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, giving seven masses and 11 addresses. The tour begins on April 13 in Algiers, where he will meet President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and hold mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, becoming the first pope to visit the North African country.
In Cameroon, Leo XIV will meet longtime leader Paul Biya and travel to the conflict-hit city of Bamenda, where he is expected to issue a strong appeal for peace amid a decade-long separatist crisis.
The Angola leg will focus on social justice, including corruption, inequality and resource conflicts. In Luanda, the pope will meet diplomats before visiting religious and social institutions across the country.
The tour concludes in Equatorial Guinea, where Leo XIV will visit Malabo, Mongomo and Bata, meeting clergy, visiting a technology school and praying at a memorial for victims of a 2021 explosion.
The trip — his third abroad since his election in 2025 — underscores the Vatican’s focus on Africa, where issues of interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding and social inequality remain central to the pope’s message.
HURDS calls for strict timelines in adjudicating sexual abuse cases
Madam Eva Ankrah, Executive Director of Human Rights and Development Service (HURDS) has stressed the need for strict timelines in adjudicating gender and sexual abuse cases at the court.
She said, in some jurisdiction, sexual abuse cases involving children were handled within six weeks or up to a year.
The HURDS Director was worried that in Ghana, children assaulted or abused sexually had to endure not only the trauma, pain, and stigma, but delayed justice.
She noted that real justice to perpetrators would not only deter others but also serve as a relief to victims and their families.
Madam Ankrah at a stakeholder meeting to report back on the KASA! Project, funded by the African Women Development Fund for the past seven months, said the project engaged students from various Senior High Schools and communities to educate on sexual abuse, channels of reporting and access to the Domestic Violence fund by the Ministry Children, Gender, and Social Protection.
She said, students of most of the schools visited had had an encounter with sexual abuse but were afraid to report and requested a specialised school reporting mechanism to encourage reportage on the issue.
The KASA! Project, she announced that 30 volunteers, religious and faith-based organisations and other opinions leaders in communities have been trained to help in reporting these offences to the judiciary for the appropriate punishment.
She prayed that stakeholders would carry on with the work of the project even though it had officially ended to ensure that both girls and boys were duly protected from sexual abuse.
Mahama hosts 2026 Presidential Iftar dinner for Muslim leaders
President John Dramani Mahama has hosted the 2026 Presidential Iftar dinner for Muslim leaders at the Presidency in Accra.
Iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
Present at the event were Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the National Chief Imam.
Also in attendance were senior Muslim clerics, Christian leaders, ministers of state, Members of Parliament (MPs), government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps in Ghana.
President Mahama in his remarks acknowledged the role of religious leaders in maintaining the peace and unity of the nation.
“I wish, particularly to acknowledge the leadership of the National Chief Imam and the Islamic clergy whose wisdom and guidance continue to strengthen peace and unity in our nation.”
He said the holy month of Ramadan was the period during which Muslims fast and purify their souls to Allah to grant them mercy and continue to guide them in the way that he wants them to do.
“And so, Ramadan calls us to spiritual renewal, discipline, humility and to get closer to Allah. Time of reflection, patience, and sacrifice. It’s a time of bringing out the best in all of us,” he said.
“It teaches us empathy for those who are struggling and reminds us of our duty to care for the vulnerable in society,” he added.
President Mahama said Ghana’s Muslim community had made enormous contributions to the development of their country; stating that from scholarships and trade to public service and community leadership, Ghanaian Muslims had been central to Ghana’s story of progress.
President Mahama said Allah made mankind of different tribes, male and female, different orientations, not that they should fight against each other but that they should know one another.
“Ghana remains a shining example of this principle. A nation where Christians, Muslims and people of all faiths live together in mutual respect and harmony,” he said.
President Mahama noted that Christians and Muslims were the most closely related in terms of religion because if one takes the Holy Bible, the Old Testament was the teaching of God and the New Testament was the life of Jesus Christ.
President Mahama said as they observe Ramadan, they were also reminded of the importance of renewal and moral responsibility in their national life.
He said the discipline of fasting teaches them restraint, honesty and accountability, values that must guide leadership and public service.
He said, “the Quran 16:90 teaches them that indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and generosity to relatives and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression”.
He reiterated that these were values that strongly resonated with their national aspirations to reset their country’s path, restore integrity and governance, and build a more just and prosperous society.
“Ramadan is a time of generosity and compassion. Across Ghana, many Islamic organizations and individuals are providing food, charity, and support for people in need during this holy month,” he said.
He emphasised that these acts of kindness strengthened their communities and reflected the true spirits of Ramadan.
He said at a time when many parts of the world were faced with conflict and uncertainty, Ghanaians must continue to protect the peace and stability Ghana enjoys.
“I humbly ask for your prayers during this Ramadan for our country, for our leaders and for other parts of the world that are afflicted by conflict, especially the Middle East,” President Mahama said.
“We’re all concerned about what is happening in the Middle East. The conflict between the US and Israel and Iran is affecting not only the Middle East, it’s affecting the whole world.
“We pray that Allah will touch the hearts of everybody involved in this conflict and bring peace to the people in the area,” he added.
President Mahama said unity, solidarity and faith would continue to guide them as they work together for the progress of our beloved nation.
McDan Aviation payment came after contract termination – GACL
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) says McDan Aviation made a part- payment in February 2026, only after the contract had been lawfully terminated and the terminal had been closed up.
The Company said that payment was only half of what was owed to GACL.
A Statement issued in Accra by Management of GACL said at the time the contract was terminated on January 16, 2026, it followed several months of persistent demand notices over unpaid rent, McDan Aviation still owed rent covering the entire year of 2025, in addition to $16,000 in rejected bank notes from a 2024 payment.
It said McDan Aviation still owes unpaid rent, royalties and license fee till date explaining that license fee to operate a private Jet business remained unpaid for 4 years, from 2022 – 2026, by McDan Aviation Handling Services.
It said they had taken notice of various false allegations being made by McDan Aviation Handling Services regarding the termination of the contract with GACL and the eviction of McDan for non-payment of rent, royalties, and license fees to operate.
The statement said GACL was poised to make all evidence of post-dated cheques, which McDan Aviation restrained GACL from presenting to the bank due to lack of funds, and all letters of demand notices served on McDan Aviation Handling Services available to the courts as this case is now in court.
“GACL respects the judicial processes and therefore will not litigate the issues in the media space,” it added.
It said all records and evidence of non payment in addition to the contract which provided termination clauses, would be submitted to the courts.
The statement said it was worthy to note that GACL employed thousands of Ghanaians who depend on proceeds such as what McDan Aviation had withheld from the company for years.
It said while GACL supported and was engaged in business transactions with many upstanding, forthright and compliant Ghanaians and international business people, the company would not hesitate to pursue all debtors who abuse the system and GACL would take every legal action necessary to recover monies and assets owed to it.
Meanwhile McDan Aviation has raised issues in its dispute with GACL over the terminal at Kotoka International Airport.
The company argued that the termination of its concession agreement was unjustified or not handled properly.
McDan Aviation has challenged claims that it failed to meet its payment obligations.
The company has questioned the decision to lock or shut down the facility, saying it disrupted its operations.
Peace prevails in Nkonya-Alavanyo through collective efforts – Biakoye MP
Madam Jean-Marie Formadi, the Member of Parliament (MP) of Biakoye Constituency, has attributed the prevailing peace between the communities of Nkonya and Alavanyo to the collaborative efforts of government, traditional authorities, and community members.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Madam Formadi expressed optimism that the peace currently prevailing between the two communities would be sustained to allow them to focus on development.
She noted that the long-standing tensions between the communities had in the past overshadowed their identities and development prospects.
“When you Google Nkonya, Alavanyo, what comes next is conflict. Similarly, when you Google Alavanyo, Nkonya, what comes next is conflict,” she added.
Madam Formadi stressed the need for sustained stakeholder engagement to ensure that such conflicts did not reoccur.
She emphasised that any future disturbances would be attributed to criminal elements attempting to take advantage of the situation.
The MP said both communities had committed themselves to peaceful coexistence and had advised the youth not to allow themselves to be used by mischievous individuals to create tension.
She warned that the communities would not tolerate any attempt to disturb the peace and that perpetrators would face the full rigours of the law.
Madam Formadi highlighted the strong social ties between the two communities, noting that intermarriages and shared cultural practices had over the years fostered family relations between them.
“Chiefs and elders from Alavanyo have married in Nkonya and vice versa, making the two communities one family,” she stressed.
The MP said such ties must be strengthened and leveraged to promote unity, cooperation, and sustainable peace.
The lawmaker pledged to continue engaging traditional leaders, the youth, and other stakeholders to consolidate the peace in the area.
According to her, the collaboration between herself and Mr Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, the Member of Parliament (MP) of Hohoe constituency, was aimed at preventing future conflicts and promoting development within the communities.
Madam Formadi urged stakeholders to support ongoing peace-building initiatives, stressing that meaningful development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.
The Nkonya-Alavanyo conflict has for decades been a major concern in the area, but recent stakeholder interventions have led to a significant reduction in tensions.
Residents of both communities are now focusing on strengthening unity, promoting peace, and pursuing development initiatives.
Madam Formadi expressed confidence that with continued dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, the communities could overcome their differences and build a more prosperous future.
World Bank praises Ghana’s fiscal reforms
Mr. Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank, has commended Ghana for progress made in improving its national finances.
He gave the commendation during a meeting with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance, as part of his first official visit to Africa.
The meeting focused on Ghana’s economic transformation and the next phase of the country’s development agenda.
Mr. Donohoe said the World Bank remained ready to continue supporting Ghana, including through a Jobs and Growth Analysis aimed at identifying new opportunities for job creation and promoting long‑term economic growth.
He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic agenda.
Dr Forson said the government had spent the past year focused on resetting the economy and placing it firmly on a path towards sustainability.
He noted that although progress had been made in stabilising the economy, unemployment, particularly among the youth, remained one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges.
Dr Forson said Africa’s rapidly growing youthful population meant that public sector employment alone could not provide sufficient opportunities, stressing the need for deliberate policies to support job creation.
He said the government was implementing major policies and programmes aimed at sustainably creating jobs and expanding opportunities for the youth.
Dr Forson welcomed the continued partnership with the World Bank, noting that the collaboration would be important as Ghana worked to create jobs, expand opportunities and secure a more prosperous future for its people.
Ghana, Togo strengthen cooperation at Akanu–Noepe Border
Ghana and Togo have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cross-border trade and improving operations at the Akanu–Noepe Joint Border Post.
The commitment was made at a high-level ministerial meeting attended by government officials, members of the National Trade Facilitation Committees, and representatives of border management agencies of both countries.
The meeting discussed measures to improve trade efficiency and reduce delays at the strategic border crossing between Ghana and Togo.
The Ghanaian delegation was led by Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, while the Togolese delegation was headed by Mr Badanam Patoki, Minister for Economy and Strategic Monitoring in charge of Commerce.
The engagement ended with a symbolic handing-over ceremony aimed at strengthening operational cooperation and deepening collaboration in the management of the joint border facility.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare underscored the importance of strong collaboration between the two neighbouring countries to ensure the smooth functioning of the border post.
She said efficient border management was crucial to reducing trade bottlenecks, lowering the cost of doing business and strengthening regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The Minister said Ghana remained committed to working closely with its Togolese counterparts to streamline customs procedures, strengthen inter-agency coordination and deploy modern digital systems to accelerate the clearance of goods and travellers at the border.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare expressed appreciation to TradeMark Africa and its partners for supporting improvements to facilities at the border to benefit traders, particularly women.
Mr Patoki said the Akanu–Noepe Joint Border Post represented an important step towards deepening economic cooperation between Ghana and Togo.
He said coordinated border management and stronger institutional collaboration were essential to improving the trading environment for businesses operating along the corridor.
Mr Patoki noted that improved infrastructure and harmonised border procedures would reduce delays and create greater economic opportunities for traders, especially small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in cross-border commerce.
The Akanu–Noepe Joint Border Post is expected to play a key role in facilitating trade along the West African transport corridor and strengthening economic ties between Ghana and Togo.
A joint border team is expected to submit recommendations to the two sector ministers within two weeks for consideration and approval towards ensuring effective management and maintenance of the border facility.
Speaker Bagbin Swears in Baba Jamal as Ayawaso East MP
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on Tuesday has sworn into office Alhaji Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayawaso East Constituency.
This follows the March 3, 2026, by-election in which Baba Jamal secured victory with 10,884 valid votes, defeating four other contestants.
The Electoral Commission formally communicated the writ of election to the Clerk of Parliament on March 4, 2026, in pursuance of Regulation 43(2b) of Public Elections Regulation C.I. 127.
In accordance with Standing Order 13(1), Speaker Bagbin administered the Oaths of Allegiance and Office to the new MP.
He also symbolically handed him hard copies of the 1992 Constitution and the revised Standing Orders of Parliament to guide his legislative work.
In his admonition, Mr Bagbin said: “I’m going to hold you accountable to the good people of Ayawaso East. You did not want to serve Ghana as High Commissioner but as a Member of Parliament… My eyes will be on you… If you don’t perform, I will personally campaign against you in the next election.”
His remarks sparked spontaneous laughter among Members of Parliament.
By his official inauguration into the House, the ruling NDC has maintained its 185 seats; with four independent MPs aligning with the Majority Side, while the Minority Caucus of the Nes Patriotic Party has 87 seats.
Baba Jamal was a member of the 6th Parliament for the Akwatia Constituency, from January 7, 2013, following the December 2012 elections, and concluded in January 2017.
