Labour Analyst, Seth Abloso, has raised concerns over the controversy surrounding sustainability of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
He said political interference is prevalent in the management of the pension scheme.
Speaking in an interview with Johnnie Hughes on 3FM Sunrise Morning Show, Abloso remarked, “It means SSNIT has not been managed to the expectation of its membership, and it’s clear. There is too much political interference in the management of SSNIT.”
The analyst pointed to recent events within SSNIT, particularly the sudden removal of the Director-General. “Only recently a Director-General was given the marching orders. The tone of the letter that asked him to go home clearly indicates that something was terribly wrong, and that thing will forever haunt him and his credibility.”
Replacement of Director-General
Abloso highlighted inconsistencies in the handling of the Director-General’s replacement, citing discrepancies between the initial dismissal letter and subsequent actions.
“We were then told quickly that he has done nothing wrong. But the letter that sent him home, the first paragraph made reference to the appointment letter by the Public Services Commission. But in announcing the replacement, we didn’t see the Public Services Commission involved,” he said.
SSNIT has been bedeviled with corruption and government interference – Austin Gamey
Furthermore, Abloso criticized the appointment of a Deputy Director-General with alleged ties to past controversial projects. “You pushed him, a deputy Director-General who not too long ago was signing papers for a certain AGYAPA project even whilst he was Deputy Director-General and hasn’t resigned from SSNIT,” he stated.
The analyst underscored the detrimental impact of political interference on SSNIT’s operations and urged the labor force to take notice. “Political interference has been the pain of SSNIT. The labor force should be more than disturbed,” he stated.
Abloso also drew attention to historical concerns over SSNIT’s regulations, referencing previous audits and recommendations for prosecution.
“These worrying regulations have also been sighted before in 2021. There was a forensic audit of SSNIT commissioned by Yaw Osafo-Maafo, then Finance Minister, and it was conducted by Deloitte Worldwide Investment and other consultants,” he revealed.
In light of these revelations, Abloso stressed the importance of accountability and transparency in SSNIT’s management, urging stakeholders to address the systemic issues plaguing the institution.
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi