The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has engaged the Trades Union Congress (Ghana) (TUC) in a regional stakeholders’ forum aimed at reviewing the performance of the national pension scheme and strengthening collaboration with organised labour in the Eastern Region.
Held in Koforidua, the forum was themed “Empowered Unions, Secure Futures: Deepening Pension Literacy Across Ghana.” It sought to educate workers on pension benefits while improving understanding of SSNIT’s operations.
Addressing participants, SSNIT Director-General, Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney stressed the need for continuous education among union members. He noted that well-informed TUC members are better positioned to educate others on pension matters.
He described the forum as significant, as it brought together union executives from across districts in the Eastern Region to deepen their knowledge of SSNIT contributions and retirement benefits.
Mr. Biney also highlighted SSNIT’s broader strategy to expand both physical and digital access points nationwide. He explained that the Trust aims to ensure every district has the opportunity to directly engage SSNIT staff in convenient locations.
As part of this strategy, SSNIT is partnering with major financial institutions, including Consolidated Bank Ghana, Ghana Commercial Bank, and Fidelity Bank Ghana, to bring pension services closer to workers. The initiative is expected to improve access, particularly for informal sector workers such as traders, artisans, and drivers, who often find it difficult to visit SSNIT offices.
He noted that the partnerships will complement SSNIT’s digital platforms, allowing contributors and pensioners to access services seamlessly. A key focus is to reach millions of self-employed Ghanaians who are currently outside the formal pension system.
In addition, SSNIT has introduced a virtual branch offering 24-hour support to contributors and pensioners. The platform enables users to access essential services, including pension verification, from the comfort of their homes using facial recognition technology.
Mr. Biney reaffirmed SSNIT’s commitment to improving customer service and ensuring clients remain well-informed about their pension plans.
On his part, TUC Secretary-General Mr. Joshua Ansah said the forum forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication between SSNIT and workers. He explained that the initiative will help deepen understanding of the pension scheme and its benefits.
He added that both SSNIT and the TUC intend to roll out similar programmes across all regions of Ghana. Union leaders are expected to take the knowledge gained back to their members, educating them at the grassroots level on how to join and benefit from the scheme.
Sources: Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
