The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is exploring welfare support systems for pensioners to enhance their living standards and well-being.
The support system includes telemedicine services to enable beneficiaries to access health care remotely.
The General Manager in charge of Benefits at SSNIT, Frank Molbila, who disclosed this, explained that “as a pensioner, you do not necessarily have to visit the hospital physically. With telemedicine, once you connect to a hospital of your choice, a doctor can attend to you”.
He added that the scheme was also engaging service providers to secure possible discounts for pensioners at selected retail outlets and service centres, enhancing their welfare beyond the monthly pension.
Mr Molbila was speaking at an engagement with pensioners in Tamale on the theme, “60 Years Strong: Enhancing Business Experience through Improved Service Delivery.”
The event, which brought together pensioners and relevant stakeholders, formed part of SSNIT’s annual nationwide meetings with pensioners to discuss issues concerning the scheme and provide updates on fund management and service improvements.
Mr Molbila indicated that the scheme had also introduced a new pension certificate renewal policy aimed at strengthening pension administration and safeguarding the pension fund.
Under the policy, all pensioners on the SSNIT payroll will be required to renew their pension certificates annually in their month of birth, beginning April 2026, to confirm their eligibility for continued payments.
According to him, the renewal system is intended to ensure that pensions are paid only to living beneficiaries.
“We pay pensions to living pensioners. Over the years, pensioners pass away and because they are not at the age of 72, payments continue into their accounts,” he explained, adding that the new requirement would help protect the scheme and strengthen accountability.
Service delivery
In his remarks, the Tamale Branch Manager of SSNIT, Albert Owusu Boateng, described pensioners as the foundation of the scheme and reaffirmed the Trust’s commitment to improving service delivery.
“While we celebrate our legacy, our true focus is on making retirement simpler, more convenient and more secure for our pensioners,” he said.
He explained that the engagement was intended to listen to pensioners’ concerns, provide clarity on pension payments and renewal processes, and demonstrate digital service options aimed at making retirement more convenient and secure.
“Your voice matters to us, and the feedback you give will directly help shape the improvements we aim to achieve,” he stated.
Advice to workers
For his part, the Northern Regional Chairman of the National Pensioners Association (NPA), Chief Issah B. Yahaya, advised workers, particularly the youth, to take pension contributions seriously to secure their future.
“I would especially appeal to the youth in the informal sector to take advantage of the scheme, register and contribute depending on how much they make monthly, so that in future they can also benefit from the pension scheme,” he added.
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