SSNIT urges pensioners to use digital channels to access services

Adam Sulley, the Deputy Director-General of Operations and Benefits at the SSNIT, has encouraged pensioners to utilize the Trust's digital channels and co-location branches to access services more conveniently. These digital channels are part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing the Trust's operations and offering innovative services to pensioners, thereby strengthening the sustainability of the scheme.

This was highlighted during a recent engagement in Takoradi, where SSNIT educated pensioners about the new reforms and policies as part of enhancing pension literacy among retirees. The event, themed "60 years strong: Enhancing pensioners’ experience through improved service delivery", saw SSNIT engage pensioners in the Western Region.

Sulley emphasized that pensioners are the Trust's most valuable stakeholders, making it crucial for SSNIT to maintain regular communication with them. He noted that the traditional aversion of pensioners to technology is a hurdle that must be overcome to leverage the full potential of technology in service delivery. To address this, SSNIT has partnered with Ecobank, GCB Bank, and Fidelity Bank to establish co-location service points across the country.

This initiative allows pensioners to access SSNIT services by visiting these banks near them, eliminating the need to travel long distances to SSNIT branches. Sulley urged pensioners to take advantage of these digital services and co-location points to renew their pensioner certificates and access other services from the comfort of their homes.

Additionally, SSNIT, in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and The Trust Hospital, has introduced Telehealth Services to provide healthcare services to pensioners through digital platforms. Pensioners can access healthcare facilities by dialing a dedicated toll-free number, where they can consult with a doctor and receive prescriptions.

The Western Regional Chairman of the National Pensioners Association, Anthony Essien, expressed gratitude to SSNIT for engaging pensioners on matters concerning their welfare. Essien acknowledged that the information shared during the engagement provided them with a new perspective on SSNIT's operations and expressed confidence that they would adjust to the new developments to better support SSNIT in taking care of pensioners' welfare.