Takoradi: The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has engaged employers in the Western Region as part of strategies to deepen their relations, enhance compliance, and strengthen pensions security for Ghana's workforce.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement, dubbed 'Employers Breakfast Meeting,' held in Takoradi, was on the theme 'Employers as partners in delivering compliance to secure Ghana's workforce.' It provided a platform for SSNIT to sensitise participants on some of its policies and reforms aimed at improving compliance and protecting the welfare of contributors after retirement from active service.
Mr Adams Sulley, Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations and Benefits at SSNIT, said the engagement formed part of broader strategies adopted by the Trust to strengthen compliance among employers, particularly those in the private sector. He emphasized the transition of compliance from enforcement to service, noting that engaging employers simplifies compliance processes.
He noted that the current compliance rate was around 80 per cent, with government entities performing better than the private sector. To address this disparity, Mr Sulley highlighted the need for consistent engagement with employers to achieve a 90 per cent compliance rate, acknowledging the challenge of reaching this target but stressing the importance of ongoing dialogue.
Mr Sulley urged employers to avoid compliance breaches by adhering to key requirements such as timely payment of employees' contributions, submission of contribution reports, and collaboration with SSNIT compliance officers during inspections for data accuracy.
As part of efforts to expand coverage and provide additional benefits to members, the Trust introduced a Membership Value Programme (MVP) in partnership with Ecobank Ghana. This initiative includes issuing SSNIT-branded visa cards to contributors and pensioners, offering access to services like digital healthcare and discounts from partner businesses.
Mr Ken Herbert Hans, the Western Regional Manager of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), praised SSNIT for the engagement, underscoring the importance of employer compliance for an effective pensions scheme. He urged employers to maintain up-to-date pensions contributions for their employees to ensure they receive full benefits upon retirement.