SSNIT opens 52nd branch at Spintex, unveils virtual platform

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has opened its 52nd branch at Takyi Plaza, Spintex, marking a significant step in its efforts to expand coverage and improve service accessibility for members.

Commissioned on Monday, May 19, the new branch is strategically located within a busy business enclave, aiming to offer greater convenience to clients and encourage broader engagement on retirement planning.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, SSNIT Director-General, Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding its reach and enhancing user experience.

“Our strategy is to ensure that we expand on coverage. We provide more accessible touch points for all our clients and members, and to ensure that we also bring convenience to the people that we serve,” he said.

In a landmark development, SSNIT also announced the launch of a virtual branch, allowing clients to access the full range of its services online.

“The next level is having a virtual branch that provides the full bouquet of our services. You dial in, and you have a benefits person, a compliance person, a data person, or a branch manager ready to assist you—24 hours a day,” Mr. Biney explained.

This innovation complements SSNIT’s existing digital platforms, including its website, member portal, and mobile app—offering members round-the-clock access to services from any location.

Addressing the ongoing national conversation around Ghana’s retirement age, which currently stands at 60, the Director-General acknowledged that while other countries have adjusted the age upwards, any change locally would require inclusive stakeholder consultations.

“Life expectancy has gone up, and we need to situate these conversations in the broader context of employment and unemployment,” he said, stressing the importance of balancing job opportunities for younger generations with the needs of an ageing population. For now, SSNIT’s focus remains on expanding coverage and improving service delivery.

Mr. Biney highlighted SSNIT’s efforts to increase pension payouts through its annual indexation process, which considers inflation rates, investment returns, and membership contributions. To support this, SSNIT is optimising its investment portfolio by channelling resources into high-performing assets.

“First income securities have been yielding good returns for us, and some listed equities, particularly in the banking and telecommunications sectors, have done great,” he said. The organisation is also working to transform non-performing assets into profitable ones to ensure sustainable returns for pensioners.