The Social Security and National Insurance Trust, SSNIT, has introduced an electronic payment system for pension contributions to allow employers and self-employed workers, to pay their SSNIT contributions with ease which would allow for mobile transfers from bank accounts.
The move for the introduction of the electronic payment system, was to bring relief and convenience to employers and members who hitherto, had to travel long distances to SSNIT branches or SSNIT partner banks to pay their contributions.
The innovation, also forms part of new measures to enhance service delivery to members and clients of the Trust.
The payment platform, ssnitpay, went live on October 10, 2022. Members can now pay SSNIT contributions using their Mobile Money Wallet via USSD short code, Mobile Money Point Of Sale walk-in, and Debit Card through the Trust’s Web Portal known as portal.ssnit.org.gh.
This was revealed by the Director-General of SSNIT, Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang, at the 3rd edition of the Employers’ Breakfast Meeting series held in Accra under the theme: “Sustainability of the SSNIT Scheme: the role of Employers” was attended by selected employers across the country.
The event, forms part of efforts to continuously strengthen the relationship between the Trust and employers to improve compliance and also to discuss challenges facing employers concerning the SSNIT Scheme and how those challenges can be resolved.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of SSNIT, Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang, said the Employers’ Breakfast Meeting creates the platform for SSNIT to account for its stewardship of worker’s contributions, provide clarity on social security issues and enhance the excellent working relationship between the Trust and its valued partners.
“As an institution, we proudly acknowledge you, our Compliant Employers for their exemplary response to their legal obligations imposed on them by the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766)”, he added.
Dr.Ofori-Tenkorang said these Employers have dutifully, voluntarily, and consistently paid SSNIT contributions to the Trust on behalf of their employees stressing it is important for employers to know and appreciate the value of social security contributions.
He emphasized that the Trust has now shifted focus from enforcing compliance to building a close relationship with employers, leading to voluntary compliance adding that the Trust has recognised that the effective way to build a relationship with its partners is to introduce SSNIT compliance officers to function as relationship officers.
Touching on the electronic payment system, Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang noted that the service enhancements were being made possible through the Government’s efforts at digital
Transformation and payment of contributions via ssnitpay is E-Levy exempt which is part of commitments to ensuring it is patronized by all SSNIT contributors saying that it will ensure more convenient services, and the Trust will place the services under constant improvement to serve clients better.
The SSNIT Director General encouraged employers and self-employed workers to use the Mobile Money channels to pay their contributions to ensure more convenient services.
“The Trust has also enhanced its self-service portal. The portal now allows members and Clients to perform several activities including viewing and downloading Clearance Certificates and requesting negotiation meetings for outstanding debts among others”. He stated.
Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang advised employers to pay the right contributions for their workers by consolidating the earnings of their workers for enhanced pensions. This will motivate them to go the extra mile in the discharge of their duties.
“We advise you to pay SSNIT contributions on or before the 14th day of the ensuing month. We also urge you as employers to pay contributions for yourselves because you also deserve a pension,” he stressed.
SSNIT members can dial *711*9# to access the Mobile Money payment platform.
