The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has introduced a new scheme designed to offer immediate financial and lifestyle perks to active workers and retirees.
Known as the Membership Value Programme (MVP), the initiative moves beyond traditional retirement payouts by introducing a dual-purpose identification and Visa prepaid card for domestic and global transactions.
Speaking at the launch event, Deputy Minister of Finance Dr Ampem Darko praised the rollout as a major advancement for the welfare of the domestic workforce.
“Today we are not merely unveiling a new initiative but are reflecting a solemn promise that after a lifetime of hard work, every Ghanaian worker deserves security, dignity and peace of mind,” he said.
Dr Darko noted that the scheme modernises social security by allowing people to reap the benefits of their contributions long before they finish their working lives.
“The Membership Value Programme recognises that the value of pension membership should not begin only at retirement but should be experienced throughout a contributor’s working life,” he added, praising SSNIT Director-General Kwesi Alfred Biney and partner Ecobank Ghana for driving the project forward.
Mr Biney stated that the strategy underscores a broader transition toward a more empathetic and consumer-focused state pension body.
“We are building a more people-centred, more responsive and more forward-looking social security institution—one that protects the future, yes, but also improves the lived experience of members in the present. That is the thinking behind the MVP,” he said.
The Director-General maintained that citizens who trust the organisation with their long-term finances deserve tangible rewards during their employment years.
Regina Ofori, Head of Marketing and Brand at Ecobank Ghana PLC, expressed pride in collaborating on a project that offers real-world utility to members.
“Today we are here partnering with SSNIT for the launch of the Membership Value Programme. It is a card that we are giving to pensioners and active contributors to the SSNIT scheme, and we are very excited to be able to do this with SSNIT,” she said.
Ms Ofori stated that the alliance aligns with the bank’s vision of generating societal value outside of conventional financial products.
“For us at Ecobank, we believe banking should go beyond loans, deposits and account opening. We should actually show the real impact of our work on society and the communities we serve,” she noted.
Corporate backing for the scheme has already emerged, with Frank Adjei Mensah, board chairman of Peeva Beverages manufacturer Fenaam Industries Limited, pledging 1.2 pesewas from every bottle sold to back the project.
The corporate donations will be processed routinely to bolster medical care for elderly citizens, particularly those surviving on smaller pensions.
The MVP launch follows the recent implementation of a telehealth platform by the Trust.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana