Accra: The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has introduced a Membership Value Programme (MVP) aimed at offering additional benefits to its contributors and pensioners. This initiative, in collaboration with Ecobank Ghana, features a free SSNIT-branded prepaid Visa card, providing access to digital healthcare services, discounts from partner businesses, reduced airfares, and secure cashless payments both locally and internationally.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney, Director-General of SSNIT, emphasized during the launch in Accra that the programme underscores the Trust's responsibility to enhance the quality of life for its members while safeguarding their retirement income. He highlighted that the programme is designed to meet the evolving expectations of workers by providing tangible benefits throughout their working lives, not just upon retirement.
The initiative seeks to address the fact that a significant portion of Ghana's workforce, particularly those in the informal sector, remains excluded from the formal employment system and social security scheme. Mr. Biney expressed confidence that the programme would attract more individuals to join the scheme by offering inclusive and accessible benefits.
Mr. Biney also acknowledged the contributions of Ecobank Ghana in creating the SSNIT-branded prepaid Visa card and recognized the support of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority and the Bank of Ghana in establishing the programme's framework. He noted that SSNIT's membership of over two million individuals provides businesses with access to one of the largest organized membership communities in the country.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, praised the programme as a strategic partnership that adds value to contributors and pensioners. He remarked that the initiative aligns with the vision of making social security relevant for both the present and the future, thereby strengthening SSNIT's engagement with its members and fostering greater financial inclusion.
Mr. Ampem highlighted the need for a sustainable pension system supported by a robust economy and trusted institutions like SSNIT. He mentioned a directive from President John Dramani Mahama for a comprehensive review of Ghana's pension system to improve its scope and value, especially for informal sector workers.
He urged SSNIT to maintain public trust by ensuring the protection of workers' contributions and the timely payment of benefits, while the Government manages public funds responsibly. Mr. Ampem likened a pension to a tree that is nurtured over time to provide long-term security and stressed the importance of combining innovative programmes with prudent management of contributors' savings.
He concluded by congratulating SSNIT's Board, Management, and Staff for the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards a more inclusive and responsive pension system for Ghanaian workers.