By Dorothy Frances Ward
Kumasi, Nov. 25. GNA – The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) says it is committed to building a more robust and inclusive social system that will benefit all pensioners.
It is working to discharge it duties and obligations in a manner that will help in the judicious utilisation of pension funds to secure the future of workers and their dependants.
Mr Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, Director General of SNNIT, who stated this, said the Trust was poised to ensure a more sustainable pension scheme to boost public trust and confidence.
He was speaking at a meeting with members of the academia, professional associations and other key stakeholders in Kumasi.
The meeting, dubbed “SSNIT POSIUM,” aimed at fostering collaborations among stakeholders, create a platform for national dialogue on SSNIT issues, and strengthen commitment and transparency.
It was also to discuss the future of the pension scheme and enhance capacity building.
It was held under the theme “Building Knowledge Based SSNIT Scheme.”
Mr Osafo-Maafo pointed out that, the SSNIT had not relented on its efforts since its inception and was working hard to change the discourse on social security in Ghana.
He said the Trust was driving innovations and making strategic decisions to maximise returns to ensure sustainability of the scheme.
Mr Osafo-Maafo said SNNIT had expanded its coverage to a vast number of persons in the informal sector, adding that, this had helped increased enrolment.
He said the benefits of SSNIT remained unchanged, adding that the pensions industry was a long-term business and must be trusted.
Mr Richard Manu, Self Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED) Manager, at SSNIT, said the Trust would ensure that self-employed workers had guaranteed source of income during old age or disability.
He added that SSNIT would strengthen financial resilience among self-employed family members, reduce personal dependence and increase access to SSNIT benefits.
He said the SEED focused on enrolling self-employed persons and workers in the informal sector.
He said the Trust had the largest commercial properties in Ghana and had provided accommodation to ease the burden of workers and students.
Professor Charles Ofosu Marfo, Provost, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, at the KNUST, said SSNIT was leveraging digitisation to enrol more members into the scheme and enhance service delivery.
It was also working to clear public discourse and perceptions and ensure a sustainable pensions scheme that would last for generations.
GNA