The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has organised a regional forum in Cape Coast to deepen public understanding of pension schemes and improve pension literacy among workers.
As part of efforts to strengthen pension administration, SSNIT announced that pensioners will be required to renew their pension certificates annually, beginning April 2026.
The event, held at the Centre for National Culture, brought together key stakeholders including SSNIT officials, labour representatives, and members from both the formal and informal sectors.
Speaking at the forum, SSNIT’s General Manager for Operations, Philip Kofi Senya, stressed the importance of accurate documentation and record verification when applying for pension benefits.
He urged contributors to regularly monitor their SSNIT statements to ensure employers are making the required contributions.
“We encourage all members to check their statements frequently because some employers deduct contributions but fail to remit them, which ultimately reduces your pension benefits,” he said.
Mr. Senya also outlined the documentation requirements for accessing benefits, including invalidity and death claims, noting that proper records help speed up the claims process.
“We don’t demand everything, but when you have key documents such as medical reports, death certificates, or employer confirmation letters, it makes the process smoother and faster,” he explained.
He disclosed that although compliance levels have improved, full adherence remains a challenge. “In 2025, we improved compliance to about 85 percent, but we are still not at 100 percent. This is something we must all work together to achieve,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, SSNIT’s General Manager in charge of Benefits, Frank Molbila, highlighted the need for contributors to keep their personal information up to date.
“When you change your mobile number or email address, please inform us. If your contact details are not correct, you will not receive your statements,” he noted.
He further encouraged members to take advantage of digital tools to manage their pensions. “You can use the SSNIT mobile app to check your statement, estimate your pension, and plan your future without necessarily visiting our offices,” he said.
Mr. Molbila also advised members to regularly update their list of beneficiaries to avoid complications during claims.
Meanwhile, an official from SSNIT’s Management Information Systems unit, Joseph Appiah Mensah, indicated that both new and existing members can access SSNIT services through digital platforms, including the mobile app, online portal, and USSD code *711*9#
The forum forms part of ongoing efforts by SSNIT and TUC to build trust in the pension system and ensure workers are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities.
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