Pensioners express concern about meagre salaries

Dormaa-Ahenkro(B/A), Aug. 28, GNA - Members of the Dormaa District Pensioners Association have expressed misgivings about their meagre salaries and the apparent lack of recognition by the Government and Management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). At a press conference at Dormaa-Ahenkro, all the 100 members of the association endorsed an eight-point resolution to remind Government and SSNIT of their existence and the need to recognise them not only as senior citizens but as an integral part of the population.

Led by Mr. Peter Ernest Yeboah Chairman, and Mr. Benjamin Kwadwo Amoako, Secretary, they stressed that Government should make pensioners part of the general salary structure of workers, instead of placing them on an annual 15 per cent increase at the beginning of each year. The resolution further indicated that pensioners' salaries kept dwindling in the wake of the frequent fuel price hikes, "a development that sets the obvious tone for agitation for upward salary review for retired workers".

The pensioners also bemoaned the conspicuous absence of representation of pensioners on the national board set up to decide on issues pertaining to salaries in Ghana.

The resolution said results of a survey conducted four years ago by the Economic and Research Unit of SSNIT on ways to evolve meaningful salaries for pensioners "have been swept under the carpet, while promises by SSNIT to provide housing for pensioners has equally ended on rocks".

They called on Parliament as a matter of necessity, to consider opening debates on the plight of pensioners "who have contributed in no small way towards the growth of the nation's economy."

"Members of our association are so desperate with our poor conditions that we shall be ready to go to any length at advising ourselves should Government and SSNIT fail to assuage our plight," the resolution added.