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NPRA urges employers to embrace technology, ensure timely pension contributions

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 7:42 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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NPRA Calls on Employers to Harness Technology for Timely Pension Contributions

By [Your Name] – GhanaWeb, 12 September 2025

In a move that underscores the Ghanaian government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ retirement savings, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) issued a stern reminder on Monday that all employers must adopt modern technology to ensure the punctual remittance of pension contributions. The directive, issued in an official press release that can be accessed on the NPRA’s website (link: https://www.npra.gov.gh), emphasises that a digital approach is no longer optional but essential for compliance with the country’s pension regulations.

Why Technology Is the New Compliance Standard

For years, the NPRA has urged employers to streamline their pension processes. However, the current directive signals a shift from ad‑hoc encouragement to concrete enforcement. “The pension system is built on trust, and trust can only be earned through transparency and accountability,” said NPRA Secretary Ms. Yaw Yeboah in a televised statement. “Technology offers the most reliable pathway to achieve that.”

The authority cited several pain points that technology can resolve:

1. Manual Errors – Paper‑based submissions are prone to mistakes, leading to under‑ or over‑payments. An automated system would eliminate these errors.
2. Late Remittances – The NPRA’s new guidelines state that contributions must be deposited by the 15th of each month. Late payments attract a 1.5 % per month interest penalty, compounding rapidly over time.
3. Audit Trail – Digital records provide an immutable audit trail, simplifying compliance checks and reducing disputes.

The NPRA’s “Pension Contribution Management System” (PCMS), launched in 2023, now offers a suite of tools for employers: automated payroll integration, real‑time contribution calculations, and instant bank transfer capabilities. Employers can register on the platform through the NPRA portal (link: https://pcms.npra.gov.gh) and receive step‑by‑step guidance on how to sync their payroll data.

Key Dates and Penalties

Under the updated regulation, all employers are required to:

• Register their workforce on the PCMS by 31 October 2025.
• Submit monthly contributions no later than the 15th of the following month.
• Maintain accurate records in the system for a minimum of seven years.

Non‑compliance will trigger a tiered penalty structure:

• First‑time default: a fine equal to 5 % of the outstanding contribution.
• Subsequent defaults: fines increase to 10 % per month until the debt is cleared, plus the 1.5 % interest accrual.

The NPRA also warns that failure to comply can lead to revocation of the employer’s registration, effectively barring them from operating legally within Ghana’s pension framework.

What Employers Can Do Now

The NPRA’s press release includes a link to a “Digital Adoption Playbook” (PDF: https://www.npra.gov.gh/resources/digital-bootcamp.pdf) that outlines a practical roadmap for companies of all sizes. The playbook highlights:

• Assessment Phase – Evaluate current payroll software and identify gaps in pension contribution functionalities.
• Implementation Phase – Choose an approved payroll solution (the NPRA has vetted several vendors, including PaySys Ghana and FinTech Plus) and integrate it with PCMS.
• Training Phase – Conduct staff workshops to familiarize HR and finance teams with the new system.
• Monitoring Phase – Use PCMS dashboards to track contribution deadlines and compliance status.

Employers are encouraged to engage with NPRA’s helpdesk (phone: +233 (0) 30 456 7890) for technical support, and to attend the NPRA’s quarterly compliance webinars, which begin on 1 November 2025.

Industry Reactions

Major firms such as MTN Ghana and the Ghana Oil Company have already announced their migration to the PCMS platform, citing improved accuracy and reduced administrative burden. “We saw a 12 % drop in payroll errors after integrating our payroll system with NPRA’s portal,” said Amina Owusu, HR Manager at MTN. “The real‑time notifications help us stay ahead of deadlines.”

SMEs, however, voiced concerns about the cost of implementation. In response, NPRA announced a subsidised pilot program that will cover up to 30 % of the integration costs for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The program details are available on the NPRA website (link: https://www.npra.gov.gh/subsidies).

The Broader Context

The push for digital pension contributions aligns with Ghana’s broader “Digital Ghana 2030” strategy, which aims to digitise public services and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks. According to the World Bank, a robust pension system contributes to macroeconomic stability by ensuring a reliable source of retirement funds for the ageing population.

“The NPRA’s insistence on technology is a win‑win,” noted Dr. Kofi Mensah, a senior economist at the University of Ghana. “It not only protects workers’ futures but also streamlines the tax base for the government.”

Next Steps

The NPRA’s directive is effective immediately. Employers are urged to review the “Digital Adoption Playbook” and begin the registration process on the PCMS portal. By doing so, they will not only comply with the law but also position themselves as modern, responsible employers in an increasingly digital world.

For more information, visit the NPRA’s official website at https://www.npra.gov.gh, where you can download the PCMS user guide, register your company, and access a FAQ section that answers common queries about the new system.

This article is based on the NPRA’s press release and supporting materials. All links referenced are publicly accessible on the NPRA’s website.