The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) organized a training program for all workers, on 19th April at the Dunkwa Municipal Assembly Conference Hall, in Upper Denkyira East.
The program was represented by personalities from various sectors including government agencies, Cooperate Trustees of the NPRA and also formal and informal sectors including Traders and Skilled Workers.
The Assistant Coperate Affairs manager, Mr. Seth Sackey explained that the number of months a person must contributed to be considered for a pension benefit is 180 months and must 60 years, under Act 766 of the constitution which qualifies a person for the pension right.
However, there are circumstances where invalidity Pension Benefits sets in.
When a situation demands that some people are required to be paid their pension benefits at younger ages, in cases of Accidents where disability is involved to prevent a person from working again.
Mr. Seth added that individuals who contribute to the various Cooperate Trustees, which includes SSNIT, should visit the office frequently to change their policy agreement and beneficiaries if the need arises to avoid future conflicts.
He also noted that individuals, especially formal workers have the right to check on their contributions as to whether it’s been paid as expected by employers, and if possible get their statements printed out.
Municipal Chief Executive for Upper Denkyira East constituency,Hon. Ebenezer Appiah Forson was present at the program.
The honorable member advised all attendees to use the opportunity of being healthy, young and strong now to contribute towards their future and that of their families by not being reluctant in paying their SSNIT contributions and other beneficial contributions, which is Tier 2 and 3.
Hon. Appiah Forson also told traders and Skilled Workers to stop restricting themselves from contributing to their futures through SSNIT and stop using statements like;
“I’m my own boss, and I have my own money. Therefore don’t need any money coming from the government”.
The program was concluded with an education from the SSNIT department’s representative Madam Abigail Agyekum Boateng, Branch Manager for the Dunkwa On-Offin Municipality. She Educated all attendees to make their pension contributions a top priority in their lives and see to it that monthly 13% added to an employee’s 5.5 percent salary is paid accurately.
