Pensioners urged to create new image for themselves

Kumasi, Aug 1, GNA - Mr Edward Ameyibor, General-Secretary of the National Pensioners Association of the Social Security and National Trust Association (SSNIT), has called on pensioners of the scheme to put their vast experiences at the disposal of society. He said there was the need to make themselves useful and relevant to society by taking up responsibilities that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development rather than ruining their lives through reckless habits.

Mr Ameyibor was addressing a Delegates Conference of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Association in Kumasi on Friday. He said pensioners could live longer if they involved themselves in family and community development programmes.

Mr Solomon L. Tawiah-Yemoson, National President of the Association, urged members over 72 years to thumbprint life cards at SSNIT Offices to prove that they were still alive to continue collecting their pension. They should also ensure that all grievances were channelled through the regional and district offices of the Association for redress. "You should pay your dues and support the development of the Association at all levels", he added. Mr Tawiah-Yemoson said the national executive was working hard to bridge the gap in pension disparities so that members would receive substantial pensions.

He announced that SSNIT had accepted to build a recreational centre in Accra for the Association and hoped that the project would be replicated in the regions. Mr Enoch Acheampong, Kumasi Area Manager of SSNIT speaking on the "new pension scheme and the way forward" said there was going to be one scheme for all workers in the country under the new law which would be based on a three- tier, comprising SSNIT, Occupational and Voluntary personal pension schemes.

He said the scheme, which would exclude the military, would be operating under a National Pensions Regulatory Authority. He said workers aged 54 and below would benefit from the new scheme and that those above 54 would continue on the old pension The new scheme takes effect from January next year and that it would be based on the minimum wage scheme.

Mr Christopher Teye, Assistant Regional Secretary said the association has a total membership of 10,375. 1 Aug, 09