Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has hailed the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) as a pillar of national progress, describing the institution’s six-decade journey as one of resilience, transformation and unwavering service to Ghanaian workers.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the launch of SSNIT’s 60th anniversary celebration, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang praised the evolution of Ghana’s social security architecture from its modest beginnings as a provident fund to its current status as a three-tier pension scheme serving millions of Ghanaians.
“Social security is not just a policy, it is a lifeline for the present and a promise for the future,” the Vice President remarked. “SSNIT has grown into a formidable national institution, anchoring the livelihoods of workers, providing security for pensioners and investing meaningfully in Ghana’s economic development.”
She noted that the scheme’s sustained growth is evidence of national commitment and foresight, adding that the government remains dedicated to strengthening social protection and expanding access for all workers especially in the informal sector.
Director-General of SSNIT, Kwesi Afreh Biney highlighted the Trust’s growing influence in Ghana’s financial and economic landscape. SSNIT, he said, has invested over GHC 2.4 billion in the financial sector and holds equity in 22 of the 36 companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The Trust also stands as the largest institutional investor in Ghana’s telecommunications industry, with over GHC 500 million in assets.
“From telecoms to sports infrastructure, our investment decisions reflect a vision of national development and inclusive growth,” Mr Afreh-Biney stated. “The Bukom Boxing Arena, for example, represents not just a business venture but a bold investment in youth empowerment and sports development.”
He firmly dispelled recent rumors about the sale of SSNIT’s flagship hospitality investment, stating categorically that the Labadi Beach Hotel, Ghana’s only Premier Five-Star Hotel, 100% owned by SSNIT is not for sale.
The SSNIT boss admitted that while SSNIT has not always been perfect, it continues to learn from its shortcomings, leading to improvements in transparency, accountability and service delivery. He announced that a fully-fledged virtual branch of SSNIT will be launched by September 2025, expanding digital access and enhancing customer convenience.
He was emphatic in his assurance to contributors “SSNIT has never defaulted on pension payments and it never will. This is a system built on trust, resilience and a vision of lifetime income security for the Ghanaian worker.”
Chairman of the SSNIT Board, Nana Ansah Sasraku III, outlined the Board’s strategic direction, pledging to provide prudent leadership and safeguard the trust resources of contributors.
“Our vision is to evolve SSNIT into a modern, customer-centric institution that delivers value to every Ghanaian worker. With current assets valued at over GHC 20 billion, we are committed to maximizing returns and protecting the long-term sustainability of the scheme,” he said.
He added that the Board’s focus will remain on social protection, inclusive growth and sound investments that reflect both fiscal responsibility and national interest.
SSNIT at 60 stands not only as a milestone in years but as a marker of national commitment to protecting workers and building a secure future. The celebration continues with a series of activities that reflect on the past, reimagine the future and reaffirm SSNIT’s role as a backbone of Ghana’s social and economic development.
Story: Nancy Obimpeh
