The Director General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Dr. Afreh Biney, has acknowledged that despite the organization’s achievements, it has encountered challenges.
He noted that while they take pride in the accolades for the progress made over the years, they are also cognizant that impact is not solely measured by investments. Instead, it’s measured by how effectively SSNIT serves, reflects honestly, and courageously encourages.
Dr. Biney stated that SSNIT has not always gotten everything right, citing instances where they moved too slowly, systems failed to serve effectively, decisions did not meet public expectations, and times when they fell short.
However, he emphasised that the institution has not shied away from these truths. Rather, they have learned from them, confronted them, and become better and stronger as a result.
He made these remarks at the launch of the 60th-anniversary celebration of social security in Ghana.
Dr. Afreh Biney highlighted that the time it takes to process a pension has significantly dropped from several weeks to under ten working days.
He also touted the accessibility of SSNIT’s digital services, looking forward to rolling out its fully-fledged digital branch by September 2025.
He asserted that institutions survive not because they are flawless, but because they reflect, reform, renew, and take feedback constructively.
“The road ahead,” he said, “is challenging but also full of promise.” He added, “We must expand coverage, especially for the informal sector, because every worker deserves to retire in dignity. We must innovate with technology, deepen transparency, and strengthen public confidence, and we must do it with government, employers, labour, and civil society.”
“SSNIT must not just be a system people contribute to; it must be a partner they believe in,” he continued. “So yes, if you are over 60 and still dancing at parties, remember social security is 60 and still standing, still serving, and still strong. If the walls of SSNIT could speak, they would whisper stories of service, of quiet sacrifice, of hard lessons, and of a deep, unwavering belief in simple promises.”
Dr. Kwesi Afreh Biney, outlined SSNIT’s extensive impact beyond pensions, including significant investments in student housing, education, real estate, energy, and the telecommunications and financial sectors.
SSNIT’s Diverse Contributions to Ghana’s Development
Dr. Kwesi Afreh Biney stated that SSNIT was the first to address the student housing crisis, providing 4,250 beds in six universities nationwide.
As Ghana’s largest institutional real estate developer, SSNIT has built over 9,685 housing units, aiding home ownership.
In energy, its subsidiary, SENET Energy, contributes 126 megawatts to the national grid, aiming to double this by year-end.
SSNIT is also the largest institutional investor in Ghana’s Telco sector, with over GHC 500 million in investments.
SSNIT has invested GHC 2.4 billion in the financial sector, holding shares in 22 of 36 listed companies.
He affirmed SSNIT’s commitment to never defaulting on pension payments, stating,
“The scheme is a vision built on resilience, shaped by service, and sustained by trust.” He also confirmed the Labadi Beach Hotel, a 100% SSNIT-owned company, will not be sold.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
