Organised Labour Push for SSNIT Board Overhaul
Organised Labour has intensified its campaign against the current management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), pressing for a complete takeover of the Board Chairmanship.
This demand reflects growing dissatisfaction with the state agency’s performance, which labour leaders argue has failed to deliver satisfactory returns for pensioners and the working class.
The unrest follows a high-profile controversy involving the proposed sale of SSNIT-owned hotels to Rock City, a company associated with Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
The transaction, which would have seen Rock City acquire a 60% stake in four prominent hotels, including Labadi Beach Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Resort, was met with strong opposition.
The move was ultimately aborted after a concerted campaign led by Organised Labour and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest and a lack of due process.
Despite President Akufo-Addo’s recent remarks downplaying the necessity of the nationwide strike that ensued, labour leaders remain adamant that a restructuring of SSNIT’s governance is essential.
Isaac Bampoe-Addo, a leading figure within Organised Labour, argued that the current composition of the SSNIT board inadequately represents workers’ interests, with only a minority of members being drawn from the workforce.
The labour movement’s push for greater control over SSNIT’s board underscores a broader demand for increased transparency and accountability in the management of pension funds.
As the debate continues, it highlights the tensions between state-led initiatives and the expectations of workers, who are calling for their financial interests to be more robustly safeguarded.
The withdrawal of Rock City from the proposed hotel acquisition may have temporarily eased tensions, but the underlying issues regarding SSNIT’s governance and asset management remain unresolved.
As Organised Labour continues its campaign, the future structure and direction of SSNIT are likely to come under increasing scrutiny.
