The African Centre for Retirement Research has urged the newly appointed leadership of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to adopt cost-cutting measures and enhance pension management to ensure greater benefits for retirees.

The call follows the appointment of Kwesi Afreh Biney as the new Director-General of SSNIT, alongside Adam Sulley as the Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations and Benefits.

Executive Director of the African Centre for Retirement Research, Mashud Abdallah, emphasized the urgent need for reforms to safeguard the long-term sustainability of the pension scheme. He underscored the significance of prudent financial management in optimizing available resources and maximizing the impact of the scheme on retirees.

“If we consider the NDC manifesto promise on social security for the 2024 election, there is a pledge to undertake major legislative and administrative reforms to enhance pension efficiency. An efficient system must provide broad coverage, ensure adequate benefits for retirees, and maintain strong financial stability in the medium to long term.”
Mashud Abdallah

Need for Prudent Financial Management

Ghana’s pension system has faced persistent challenges, with concerns over SSNIT’s actuarial standing raising alarms about the long-term viability of the scheme. Abdallah called for transparency and cost-effectiveness in managing SSNIT’s financial resources. He also stressed the importance of engaging key stakeholders and social partners to strengthen governance structures that will help sustain the scheme.

“The new administration must prioritize efficiency by eliminating unnecessary administrative expenses and focusing on enhancing returns on pension investments. This will ensure retirees receive the best possible benefits from their contributions.”
Mashud Abdallah

Pension sustainability has become a growing concern for stakeholders, particularly as Ghana’s population ages and more workers rely on SSNIT for financial security in retirement. Calls for reform have intensified, with analysts pointing out that without necessary changes, the scheme could face increased pressure in the coming years.

The NDC’s manifesto for the 2024 election outlines plans for extensive social security reforms aimed at improving pension efficiency. According to Abdallah, any meaningful reform should focus on expanding coverage, ensuring financial security for retirees, and implementing sound investment strategies that protect the fund’s integrity. He believes that SSNIT’s leadership must take decisive action to align with these goals.

The appointment of Kwesi Afreh Biney as Director-General and Adam Sulley as Deputy Director-General follows the revocation of Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo’s tenure, along with that of his three deputies. This leadership transition is expected to bring a fresh perspective on pension management, with hopes that the new administration will take swift action to implement necessary changes.

One of the major concerns raised by retirement analysts is the need for stronger governance mechanisms to enhance the transparency and accountability of SSNIT. Stakeholders argue that inefficient administrative practices have contributed to high costs, reducing the fund’s ability to provide higher benefits to retirees.

“A cost-effective and transparent approach will not only restore confidence in the scheme but also ensure that pensioners receive better financial support. SSNIT must also work closely with stakeholders, including labor unions and employer associations, to create a system that benefits all contributors fairly.”
Mashud Abdallah

The African Centre for Retirement Research believes that with the right policies and reforms, SSNIT can transform into a more efficient and sustainable pension scheme that adequately supports Ghanaian retirees. As the new leadership takes charge, stakeholders will be closely monitoring their approach to addressing the pressing challenges within the pension sector.

Ultimately, the success of SSNIT’s new administration will be measured by its ability to implement cost-effective reforms that enhance the welfare of retirees and improve the overall sustainability of the pension system in Ghana.