Thirteen clubs in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) have been cleared by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and issued with SSNIT Clearance Certificates ahead of the 2026/27 league season.
As of June 2026, five Premier League clubs, notably Berekum Chelsea FC, Swedru All Blacks FC, Young Apostles FC, Basake Holy Stars and Debibi United FC were yet to receive their SSNIT Clearance Certificates.
The five clubs have, however, taken steps to regularise their status and secure their certificates ahead of the new season. Reports indicate that they have submitted the necessary documentation and are working to meet the remaining requirements for clearance.
In the lower-tier leagues, more than 40 clubs in Division One and Division Two have also received SSNIT Clearance Certificates, while efforts are underway to extend the exercise to clubs in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Currently, Samartex 07 1996 Ladies Football Club is the only club in the WPL to have received clearance.
The development is part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to ensure compliance with the payment of social security contributions for professional footballers in the Premier League, Division One, Division Two and the Women’s Leagues.
The directive, approved at a meeting of the GFA Executive Council on July 28, 2025, was aimed at strengthening club licensing, improving the welfare of footballers and enhancing their long-term social security protection.
The progress represents a significant step in implementing the GFA’s decision to incorporate social security contributions into the Standard Player Contract, which took effect from the 2025/26 league season.
While social security contributions are mandatory for all workers in the formal sector, the GFA and SSNIT have reinforced compliance within the professional football space. Under the arrangement, the employment of professional footballers is subject to contributions to SSNIT in accordance with the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766).
Speaking with an Executive Committee member of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA), Mr Nkoo Joseph, noted that the development demonstrates growing compliance with social security obligations within Ghana’s professional football industry.
By contributing to the SSNIT Scheme, eligible footballers qualify for the SSNIT Membership Value Programme (MVP), an initiative that provides members with access to a range of benefits and discounts at selected shops. They also qualify for monthly pension in retirement, an invalidity pension where applicable, and survivors’ benefits for their nominated dependents.
BY ROBERT DUNDAS WHIGHAM & BINTA MAHAMA,
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