The Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Mr. Kwasi Afrel Biney has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to building a stronger, more transparent, and inclusive pension system that guarantees income security for every Ghanaian worker.
Speaking at the symposium to mark the 60th anniversary celebration of SSNIT in Accra, Mr. Biney expressed gratitude to contributors, pensioners, employers, and organized labour for their continuous support and confidence in the trust over the past six decades.
“For many years, SSNIT has been a dependable pillar. Not once have we defaulted in our obligation to provide income security for the Ghanaian worker,” he said. “We have invested not only in the systems that enable us to serve you, but also in national infrastructure that supports businesses and strengthens confidence in the economy. This is truly a legacy of service.”
He commended past leadership for their contribution to the institution’s growth and pledged to build on their achievements through reforms, innovation, and technology-driven service delivery.
Highlighting SSNIT’s key priorities, Mr. Biney noted that expanding coverage to include more workers in the informal sector remains central to the Trust’s agenda.
“A significant portion of Ghana’s workforce traders, artisans, drivers, farmers, and self-employed professionals still remain outside the scheme. This must change. Every worker in Ghana deserves income security in old age,” he stated.
To improve accessibility, he announced the introduction of the “SSNIT Inside Your Banking Hall” initiative, which allows customers to access SSNIT services directly from partner banks. The first of such centres was launched at Ecobank, Tema, earlier in the week.
As part of efforts to modernize operations, SSNIT has launched a virtual branch that enables clients, including elderly pensioners, to access services from the comfort of their homes.
“Our 72-year-olds can now renew their pension certificates using facial recognition without visiting a branch,” Mr. Biney said. “We are building a future-ready institution driven by technology, data, and customer service.”
The Director-General also highlighted SSNIT’s ongoing investments in sectors such as energy and hospitality, which continue to yield positive returns. He mentioned plans to redevelop and remodel some of its major assets, including the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, to maximize value and sustain the scheme’s financial strength.
“Our investment thinking is guided by sustainability and value creation,” he explained. “We are confident that our investment returns will remain strong.”
He further called for continuous reforms to the National Pensions Act (Act 766) to address emerging work trends such as the gig economy, digital entrepreneurship, and remote employment.
Delivering the welcome address, Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations and Benefits, Mr. Adam Sulley also called for deeper collaboration and innovation among stakeholders to shape the future of Ghana’s social security system.
Mr. Sulley described the anniversary as a moment for reflection, engagement, and renewed commitment to service delivery and sustainability.
“Social security is like a tree. Its strength lies not only in the trunk but also in the many branches that support it,” he said. “Looking around this room, I can see those branches — stakeholders, partners, experts, and staff — united by a shared commitment to strengthening our social security system.”
The symposium, themed “A Legacy of Service and the Future of Social Security and Service Delivery,” brought together representatives of labour, employers, civil society, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), and other partner institutions to discuss the evolution and future direction of social security in Ghana.
The symposium’s first session focused on SSNIT’s 60-year journey, examining key milestones and challenges, while the second session explored innovation, policy reforms, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in service delivery.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
