The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in Ghana has taken a significant step in securing pension payments by withholding GH¢480 million in funds intended for 19,100 pensioners who have yet to undergo biometric authentication. Dr. John Ofori-Tenkorang, the Director-General of SSNIT, emphasized that this measure is essential to ensure the legitimacy of pension payments. Under the current pension scheme, SSNIT is obligated to pay pensions until the death of the beneficiary. If a pensioner passes away before the specified age limit, SSNIT must disburse funds to their survivors.
The authentication process involves pensioners reporting to SSNIT officers to undergo biometric verification. While SSNIT acknowledges the potential challenges faced by individuals with mobility issues, alternative arrangements are in place, allowing officials to conduct on-site biometric authentication for those unable to visit SSNIT offices. Despite these efforts, there are still 19,100 pensioners whose biometric authentication is pending, resulting in the withholding of GH¢480 million.
Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang clarified that the funds are being held as a precautionary measure until the pensioners come forward for authentication. This action is aimed at preventing the disbursement of funds to ineligible or deceased individuals, a phenomenon referred to as “ghost pensions.” He assured that once the pensioners subject themselves to the authentication process, the withheld funds would be released.
The biometric registration initiative was introduced in 2014, requiring members of the SSNIT pension scheme, including pensioners, to register biometrically. The primary goal was to collect biometric information from contributors and generate unique social security numbers. This information aids in the quick and easy verification of SSNIT contributors’ identities. The project also included additional data collection for policyholders of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and those registered with the National Identification Authority (NIA).
SSNIT, established in 1972, is tasked with administering Ghana’s Basic National Social Security Scheme. The Trust, the largest non-bank financial institution in Ghana, manages the First Tier of the Three-Tier Pension Scheme. The withholding of funds underscores SSNIT’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of pension payments and preventing any fraudulent disbursements.
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