The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) says it impossible to explore the token payout to contributors in the wake of Covid-19 as suggested by former President John Mahama as it will be outside its mandate.
The NDC flagbearer has appealed to SSNIT to offer cheques to contributors who are needy as the country battles coronavirus.
“Social security contributions are essentially an insurance scheme made not just for pensions in old age before we die. They are also made to help contributors in times of adversities such as this.
“Not all will come out and queue for food, but as has been done in other countries like St. Lucia, I think a token payment to all contributors of a certain token sum over three months would have afforded many the assurance of feeding their families during this abnormal times,” Mahama noted at his ‘Digital Conversation’ Thursday.
Responding to the suggestion Friday, SSNIT said it can only operate according to the Act that established it and anything outside will be illegal.
” That SSNIT understands and appreciates the challenges some workers and employers are encountering as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic
“That the benefits provided by social security schemes are country-specific based on the laws governing them.
“That the benefits provided by SSNIT as stated in the National Pensions Act, 2008, Act 766, conforms to the recommendations of the International Labour Organisation (ILO Convention 102)”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
