Reports on sacked hijabbed national service personnel false – SSNIT

Management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has described reports that its outfit has sacked a national service personnel over her refusal to take off a hijab at work as false, ABC News can report.

A statement authored by the Corporate Affairs office of SSNIT sighted by ABC News says there is no truth in the said reportage. Adding that SSNIT offers all people equal opportunities.

“SSNIT therefore wishes to inform its cherished members and the general public

that there is no truth whatsoever in the said publications. It is worthy of note that SSNIT is a law abiding corporate institution and a place of equal opportunity for all,” the statement noted.

The statement adds, “The Trust would like to state further that in all instances, allegations of illegality against its staff shall be duly investigated and appropriate actions taken.”

An Islamic Non-Governmental Organisation, MUYAD Social Service, earlier this week petitioned the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) over complaints it received about an alleged incident in which a national service personnel was turned away because of her hijab.

The victim, Rabiatu Mohammed, explained that she reported on September 1, 2019 to the Tarkwa branch of SSNIT where she had been posted to do her national service but was asked by the HR Manager to remove her hijab upon arrival or pursue her national service elsewhere.

The petition, dated September 16, 2019 and signed by the Executive Director, Adnan Adams Mohammed, said the act is an affront to the constitution that gives room for people to belong to religious groups of their choice.

“We see this act as an affront to Article 21(1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which allows every citizen to observe and manifest their religion in the country. We do not want to believe that SSNIT bans all forms of religious expressions, including prayer at management and board meetings at its offices,” the statement said.