Members of the Union of Industry, Commerce and Finance Workers (UNICOF) in the Upper East Region have organised a fun games event in Bolgatanga to promote unity, improve physical fitness, and strengthen bonds among workers in the financial sector.
The games, held on Friday, March 6, 2026, brought together staff from several financial institutions who competed in activities such as football, cards, Ludo, and Oware, creating a lively atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie.
In an exclusive interview with Bolga FM, the Upper East Regional Branch Manager for SIC Life and Regional Chairperson of UNICOF, Patience Wanoma, said the games form part of the union’s regular activities aimed at encouraging members to interact beyond their busy work schedules.
“We organise these games to keep our members fit and to bring everyone together to fraternise and know each other better. In the financial sector, most of our work involves sitting in offices, so activities like these help us stay active,” she said.
According to her, the union organises several activities throughout the year, combining recreation with community service initiatives.
“We divide the year into quarters and plan activities for each period. Sometimes we organise fun games like this, but we also undertake cleanup exercises in hospitals and other public places, and we make donations to orphanages and children’s wards,” she explained.
Madam Wanoma noted that UNICOF members have previously supported health facilities in the region. She cited a 2022 initiative where the union donated a computer and its accessories to the gynaecology department at the maternity ward of the Upper East Regional Hospital.
“We do not only come together as a union to fraternise. We also take up activities that are beneficial to society. Our aim is to support the communities where we live and work,” she added.
She explained that UNICOF brings together workers from several financial institutions, including ADB, GCB Bank, ABSA, Consolidated Bank Ghana, SIC Insurance, SIC Life, Apex Bank, and the National Health Insurance Scheme, making it one of the largest unions under the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
“When you mention TUC without UNICOF, you have not mentioned all the unions yet. We are one of the largest unions and we bring together workers from almost all the financial institutions you can think of,” she stated.
Madam Wanoma further emphasised that the fun games also provide an opportunity for professionals within the industry to build stronger relationships.
“Sometimes we work in the same industry but we do not even know each other because of the nature of our jobs. So when we come together like this, it creates the opportunity to build relationships and understand each other better,” she said.
She added that the union’s charity initiatives also help increase public awareness about the role of UNICOF in society.
“When we support hospitals or donate items, people see the UNICOF brand and ask who we are. They are told that we are workers from banks and insurance companies who have come together to support society,” she noted.
Madam Wanoma expressed optimism that the union would expand future activities to include other stakeholders, such as the media.
“In the future, we want to make these games bigger by inviting the media and other institutions to join us. UNICOF is one of the boldest and most vibrant organisations, and when you are part of it, you feel at home and recognised,” she said.
She added that the union’s collective efforts also help strengthen the financial sector while giving back to the communities they serve.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Seidu Mutawakil | Bolgatanga
