Dr. John Ofori-Tenkorang, the outgoing Director General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), has made a remarkable revelation. He stated that during his entire seven-year tenure, he did not accept any board fees or sitting allowances. This announcement was made during his farewell address to the staff of the Trust.
Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang explained that as a member of the Board of Trustees, he was entitled to receive sitting allowances for attending board and subcommittee meetings. However, he found it conflicting to determine the frequency of meetings and then receive payment for each one he called for. This conflict led him to forgo these allowances in order to maintain transparency and uphold the integrity of the institution.
In addition to declining board fees and sitting allowances, Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang also made other personal sacrifices for the Trust. He revised his approved conditions of service to limit expenses, such as opting not to fly first class for foreign travels, even though he was entitled to it. He also worked with the Executive Committee to remove provisions that could have resulted in excessive per diem payments for travel days.
Despite the legal entitlement to these benefits, Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang chose to prioritize the financial well-being of the Trust. He encouraged the staff to be mindful of their demands and consider the impact on the overall confidence and reputation of the institution.
As he bids farewell to SSNIT, Dr. Ofori-Tenkorang leaves behind a legacy of dedication and selflessness in service to the organization. His commitment to minimizing expenditure and ensuring transparency sets a positive example for future leaders in the public sector.
