The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced plans to collaborate with the “Mahama Cares” initiative to improve healthcare access for Ghanaian pensioners, particularly those battling chronic conditions.
The move is expected to supplement existing health insurance packages already enjoyed by pensioners under SSNIT. During the 2025 SSNIT Pensioners’ Engagement held in Kumasi, several elderly citizens expressed concern over the rising cost of chronic illness treatments.
Officials present assured the pensioners that action would be taken to address their medical challenges and long-term care needs.
Director-General of SSNIT, Kwasi Afreh Biney, told the gathering that his outfit would collaborate with the Mahama-led medical support initiative to improve the welfare of retirees across the country.
“They have raised concerns on their medical situations and we have assured them that we will work together with the ‘Mahama Cares’ Programme and ensure that whatever support we can also provide goes into ensuring that those living with chronic diseases get through requisite support”
Kwasi Afreh Biney, Director-General of SSNIT
According to Mr Biney, SSNIT recognises the financial pressure chronic illnesses like stroke, kidney failure, cancer, and diabetes impose on pensioners. While the Trust currently provides access to specialised health insurance, the partnership is aimed at creating a more resilient system of support.
As part of the new direction, SSNIT is also exploring technological solutions to ease the burden of health access, particularly for retirees. The essence of the ‘telemedicine initiative’ is to ensure that members who may be in communities without clinics close by get access to medical advice.
Mr. Biney also reiterated SSNIT’s commitment to keeping members updated with relevant information. He acknowledged that some concerns raised by pensioners at the forum were valid and needed improved feedback mechanisms to ensure that the Trust remains responsive and accessible.
‘Mahama Cares’ Gains More Institutional Support
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund, better known as the “Mahama Cares” programme, was designed to build a dedicated financial base to support medical care for vulnerable individuals with long-term illnesses.
The SSNIT leadership’s endorsement adds to growing institutional backing for the initiative.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Pensioners Association, Nana Adarkwah Tuffour, welcomed the collaboration and noted that it could significantly ease the financial burden on older citizens.
“Every government has its policy. If we all agree to this proposal, it is a good thing and it will really help. He spoke about the Mahama Cares, and how prostate cancer and other chronic diseases that are expensive to treat will be taken care of. We will be very happy if SSNIT is able to do this for us”
Nana Adarkwah Tuffour, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the National Pensioners Association
Nana Tuffour also commended SSNIT for continually engaging pensioners and responding to their welfare needs. He stressed the importance of such forums in bridging the gap between policy and the lived experiences of older citizens.
The Kumasi event brought together hundreds of pensioners from across the Ashanti Region. It served not only as a platform for feedback but also an opportunity for SSNIT to update retirees on its evolving policies.
Many of the participants used the occasion to seek clarification on concerns ranging from delayed payments to healthcare access. SSNIT officials reassured attendees of their commitment to addressing every issue raised.
The Trust’s increased focus on health and welfare, especially through external partnerships like the Mahama Cares initiative, appears to mark a shift in strategy toward more integrated care for pensioners.
The Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations has previously emphasised the importance of coordinated institutional support for the elderly. The proposed collaboration between SSNIT and Mahama Cares could be a model for this broader national vision if successfully implemented.
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