TUC wants "radical" SSNIT reforms in 7-point resolution to Akufo-Addo

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) wants radical reforms at Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) following the scandalous mismanagement of pension funds.

The demand formed part of a seven-point resolution put before government during an interaction with President Nana Akufo-Addo, Monday.

But the umbrella body of trade unions, however, opposes the option of private sector participation. Joy News report on the Trust revealed $72 million was spent on an ICT infrastructure.

The payment deemed pricey struggled to work and had to go through more expensive upgrades. 

The Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) is investigating five former officials of SSNIT for financial malfeasance.

Granted an opportunity to interact with the President, the TUC Secretary-General, Dr Yaw Baah used the scandal as a reference point in his call for reforms.

"We think there is an urgent need for very radical reforms at SSNIT", he said and propose five steps to do this.

He called for a review of National Pensions Act 766 that established National Pensions Regulatory Authority which regulates SSNIT.

Dr Baah called for the establishment of a stakeholders committee composed of representatives from government, employers, unions, and pensioners.

The committee should meet at least once every year to receive and consider reports from Board and Management.

The committee should have the power to review "all decisions and operations of SSNIT with a special focus on major investments and payment of benefits to retirees".

The TUC also wants external evaluators to review SSNIT's operations once every four years in addition to annual audits. He called on the government to settle outstanding arrears it owes SSNIT.

The TUC also kicked against government’s decision to sell off some thermal properties of the Volta River Authority.  The staff union at VRA has warned the intended sale would lead to an increase in utilities.

The Union distanced itself from the intended deal adding that VRA is capable of managing the plants efficiently and effectively. 

"Mr President, I am afraid we cannot support the sale of VRA plants," Dr Baah said.

He explained that the VRA thermal plants are strategic assets which are "so crucial" for the country's industrialisation development and the president's vision.

Government last month advertised the sale of at least the majority stake of some thermal plants owned by the VRA. 

The Daily Graphic advertisement on August 23, 2017, indicated that the sale forms part of government’s efforts to restructure the energy sector. 

Dr Yaw Baah also accused the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) of using the backdoor to engage workers of the Electricity Company of Ghana in the privatization process.

MiDA is transaction advisor to the privisation process which is part of conditionalities for Ghana to access the second compact of the US Millennium Challenge Account worth $500million.

The private investor is expected to run ECG for 20 years.

The thorny issue of the implications of the privatisation on the workers was also discussed. The TUC got assurances from the government that no staff will be worse off under any new management of the ECG.

Workers of the Electricity Corporation of Ghana have demanded a severance package ahead of the planned privatization under the Millennium Challenge Power Compact agreement.

The demand is a sudden change in strategy by the workers who for years have vehemently resisted the plan to privatize the power distribution company.

In his initial reaction, the President expressed interest in further interactions with the TUC because it forms an "important component" in the country's economic development.

He explained that his government needs an "extremely strong and tenacious" relationship with the TUC if its "clear" plan to accelerate economic development is to be achieved.

"There will be many challenges along the way which requires some understanding", he said.

After listing their 'negotiable' demands, the TUC leadership entered into a closed-door meeting with the president.

Employment and Labour Relations minister, Ignatius Baffour Awuah briefed the media at the end of that closed-door meeting.

He later told Joy News, the discussions were fruitful but decisions are yet to be formalized. 

 

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