SSNIT Holds 2026 Pensioners’ Engagement in Tamale, Announces New Pension Certificate Renewal Policy

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has held its 2026 Pensioners’ Engagement in Tamale under the theme, “60 Years Strong: Enhancing Pensioners’ Experience Through Improved Service Delivery.”

The annual event brings together pensioners and key stakeholders to discuss developments within the national pension scheme.

Addressing participants, the General Manager in charge of Benefits at SSNIT, Frank Molbila, said the engagement remains an important platform for the Trust to interact with its stakeholders, especially the National Pensioners Association (NPA), to address concerns and explain changes in pension administration.

According to him, the 2026 engagement focused on introducing a new pension certificate renewal policy and updating pensioners on the prudent management of the scheme’s funds.

“Every year, we make time to engage our pensioners and discuss issues that concern the scheme. This year in particular, we are introducing a new pension certificate renewal policy. We wanted to update them on where we are, how prudently the fund is being managed, and the need for this new renewal process,” he stated.

The new pension certificate renewal policy, effective April 2026, will require all pensioners to renew their certificates to confirm they are alive.

SSNIT says the measure is necessary to prevent continued payments after a pensioner’s death, which has in the past led to wrongful withdrawals by unauthorized persons. The policy forms part of broader efforts to enhance accountability and protect the sustainability of the fund.

Mr. Molbila also announced an upcoming telemedicine initiative that will allow pensioners to consult doctors remotely.

“Over the years, pensioners benefit from the monthly pensions we pay into their accounts. But the Director-General believes there is more we can do. Telemedicine means a pensioner does not have to travel to a hospital. From the comfort of their homes, they can access health services,” he added.

The Tamale Branch Manager of SSNIT, Albert Owusu Boateng, described the engagement as a special event dedicated to honoring pensioners for their years of sacrifice and contributions to the growth of the scheme.

Welcoming participants to Tamale, he highlighted the city’s hospitality and importance in the Northern Region. Referring to the theme, he stressed SSNIT’s commitment to making retirement simpler, convenient, and more secure.

“We are here to listen to your experiences, clarify pension payments and renewal processes, demonstrate our digital services, and learn how we can serve you better. Your feedback will shape the improvements we make tomorrow,” he said.

The Northern Regional Chairman of the National Pensioners Association, Chief Issah B. Yahaya, explained that although SSNIT provides support to their national office in Accra for onward distribution to regional and district branches, the funds are often insufficient.

He said members are therefore required to pay small welfare dues to support.

Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku