By Kafui Dey
Organised Labour has officially called off its strike, but the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) remains steadfast in demanding the immediate dissolution of the SSNIT board. This follows the controversial and now-terminated sale of SSNIT’s 60 percent stake in four hotels. UTAG argues that the board’s involvement in the deal underscores significant failures in decision-making and accountability.
UTAG General Secretary, Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, expressed strong criticism of the current SSNIT board, stating, “SSNIT management and board must go. SSNIT needs people with a new set of ideas. Close to 30% of UTAG members contribute to SSNIT.” He highlighted that despite halting the sale, the board’s actions have demonstrated a disconnect from public opinion and a lack of collective wisdom.
Organised Labour has issued a one-month ultimatum for SSNIT to engage with them and address all outstanding issues related to pension management. Bernard Adjei, General Secretary of the Public Sector Workers Union (PSWU), emphasized the necessity of this engagement to rebuild trust and ensure effective governance.
Key Points from the GTV Breakfast Interview
Board Dissolution: Dr. Mumuni questioned why UTAG insists on the board’s removal despite SSNIT’s actions to address their concerns.
NPRA’s Role: The discussion covered the National Pensions Regulatory Authority’s (NPRA) approval of the hotel sale and its implications.
Profitability Claims: SSNIT’s assertions about the hotels’ lack of profitability were scrutinized, with Dr. Mumuni highlighting the need for transparency.
Future Engagement: Organised Labour’s engagement with SSNIT aims to evaluate the board’s decision-making process and seek improvements.
Broader Implications: The sale of the hotels and SSNIT’s overall management practices were discussed, stressing the importance of accountability.
Notable Quotes
Dr. Mumuni, UTAG: “SSNIT needs people with a new set of ideas. We have seen documents which show that the hotels are profitable.”
Bernard Adjei, PSWU: “In other jurisdictions, people would have by themselves resigned. Why should people employed by the state wait for assets to run down and sell to themselves?”
Austin Gamey, Labour Dispute Resolution Expert: “SSNIT has not been very fair to contributors. The presidency must be stopped from appointing the Director General of SSNIT.”
The interview also addressed the need for prudent asset management and governance reforms within SSNIT to protect contributors’ interests.
For the full discussion, tune in to GTV Breakfast’s interview with Dr. Eliasu Mumuni, Bernard Adjei, and Austin Gamey, aired on July 16, 2024.
Watch the full interview below;
