By Solomon Gumah, GNA
Tamale, Feb. 24, GNA – The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has intensified engagement with employers in the Northern Region as part of efforts to strengthen compliance and enhance pension security for Ghanaian workers.
The initiative forms part of the Trust’s broader strategy to transform into a more robust, member-centred institution that guaranteed reliable income security for contributors when they retired or became eligible for pension benefits.
Mr Kwesi Afreh Biney, Director-General of SSNIT, reaffirmed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of this year’s Employers’ Workshop organised by the Trust in Tamale.
The workshop, held under the theme: “60 years of social security: Employers driving compliance to secure Ghana’s workforce,” provided a platform to educate employers on policies and reforms aimed at safeguarding the welfare of contributors and pensioners.
Mr Biney disclosed that SSNIT currently had about 2.1 million active members contributing monthly to the scheme, with the private sector accounting for nearly two-thirds of membership and contributing about 52 per cent of monthly inflows.
He emphasised that beyond the payment of monthly pensions, SSNIT was introducing additional benefits to improve the welfare of pensioners, including loyalty programmes offering discounts and other value-added services to enhance their quality of life in retirement.
“We are committed to providing pensions to members who reach retirement age and transition into the pension category. We also support those who become incapacitated and qualify for benefits through the incapacity route to ensure partial income replacement,” he said.
He noted that SSNIT had consistently paid pensions over the past 60 years without default and would continue to ensure the growth of its investments to sustain the scheme.
Mr Biney said that to improve accessibility and service delivery, the Trust was collaborating with banks to establish 100 co-location service points nationwide, with four already operating in partnership with Ecobank Ghana.
He added that the introduction of a tele-health system would enable members to access medical advice from specially trained doctors, to further expand support services to contributors and pensioners.
Mr Biney commended the Minister of Finance to ensure the timely payment of contributions for government employees and noted that compliance levels among employers were improving as awareness of their obligations increased.
Mr Seth Kpakpa Quartey, Tamale Area Manager of SSNIT, said the Trust remained committed to strengthening compliance, improving service delivery, and securing the future of Ghana’s workforce.
He said the workshop provided an avenue for dialogue, renewed partnership, and collaboration with employers to make compliance simpler, more efficient, and rewarding.
Mr Quartey expressed appreciation to employers for their continued support and their vital role in ensuring that workers retired with dignity and peace of mind.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Kenneth Odeng Adade