The Technical University Teachers’ Association of Ghana (TUTAG) is advocating for the complete dissolution of SSNIT’s board to ensure that competent individuals are in place to manage pension funds.
According to the group, it is not enough that the board members halted attempt to sell off some of the agency’s hotels.
“It is the view of members of TUTAG that it is insufficient for SSNIT to merely discontinue the process of selling its 60% shares in the four hotels. We believe that in order to move forward in the right direction on this matter, it would be appropriate for the board to be totally dissolved to allow for more competent individuals who are committed to managing the affairs of our pensions to take over, with labour unions constituting the majority,” TUTAG pointed out.
On July 12, 2024, SSNIT announced it had ended the sale process, which aimed to transfer 60% of the agency’s stake in four hotels to a private investor.
Despite the termination of the deal, public backlash continues, leading to demands for the dissolution of the SSNIT board and management, headed by Madam Elizabeth Ohene and Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, respectively.
Specifically, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) issued a statement on June 13, 2024, calling for the immediate dissolution of SSNIT’s board and the resignation of its top management.
TUTAG is also seeking an explanation from the board and management of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) for their abrupt decision to reverse the halt of the process.
“We also demand an explanation from the Board and Management of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) on how they initially disapproved and then miraculously approved such an unfortunate sale within a two-week period after halting the process.”
Numerous influential figures, such as lawyer and human rights advocate Martin Kpebu, have also voiced this demand.
“The Board has to go, Osafo-Maafo has to go,” the private legal practitioner said on the Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, July 13.
Similar views are being expressed by the public across different social media platforms.
Before SSNIT’s statement on Friday, the umbrella group for labor unions, Organised Labour, declared a strike set for Monday, July 15, 2024, to protest the sale.