Former Chief Executive of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Dr. Daniel Seddoh, has raised concerns about the composition of the board of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in Ghana.
Dr. Seddoh, speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, suggested that the aged and retirees should be excluded from serving on the board of SSNIT due to the strenuous nature of the job.
“It is quite interesting that when people get into their old age and they are tired, that is when we ask them to do this strenuous job like being on the Board of SSNIT. It is a very controversial issue that we need to interrogate. This is because you need energy to sit on a board like SSNIT,” he argued.
He also highlighted the issue of government representation on the board, stating that it is not serving the interest of the country as it tends to reward individuals rather than focus on their ability to serve effectively.
Dr. Seddoh proposed that board members of SSNIT should consist of independent individuals who can represent various unions and groups and are able to speak truth to power.
The discussions about SSNIT’s operations came to light after reports emerged that the organization was seeking to sell 60% of its shares of hotels to the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
In response to the allegations, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) denied any wrongdoing, stating that the process of selecting a buyer was transparent and followed the Public Procurement Act.
SSNIT reassured the public that they would cooperate fully with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) during the investigation process.
Meanwhile, North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has lodged a formal petition with CHRAJ to investigate allegations surrounding the sale of six hotels to Rock City Hotel, owned by Bryan Acheampong.
Mr. Ablakwa’s petition includes allegations of conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft in relation to the sale of the hotels.
In response, Bryan Acheampong refuted the allegations, stating that they were false and baseless. He expressed disappointment in the accusations and called for a halt to what he perceived as an attempt to destroy his reputation.
Mr. Ablakwa, however, remains resolute in his pursuit of accountability and has indicated that he will petition the Speaker of Parliament to address the issue further. He emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to constitutional provisions in dealing with public assets.
The unfolding events surrounding SSNIT’s operations and the sale of its hotel shares have raised concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability in the management of public institutions in Ghana.
