The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has clarified that members cannot register non-family members, including boyfriends or girlfriends, as beneficiaries of their pension. Only blood relatives are eligible, the Trust said.
Frank Molbila, the General Manager in charge of Benefits, disclosed during a regional forum in Sunyani organised by SSNIT in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress.
The event, themed “Empowering Unions, Secure Futures: Deepening Pension Literacy Across Ghana,” is part of a nationwide effort to improve pension awareness and strengthen collaboration between SSNIT and organised labour.
Mr Molbila described SSNIT pensions as a superior investment, noting: “With the SSNIT pension, the longer you live, the longer you benefit.” He urged workers to register and actively participate in the scheme to secure their long-term financial future.
He said SSNIT paid a total of GH¢6.77 billion in pensions in 2025 and anticipates disbursing about GH¢8.21 billion by the end of 2026. The oldest pensioner is currently 107 years old, while the highest monthly pension payment stands at GH¢213,000, and the lowest at GH¢400.
Touching on invalidity pensions, Mr Molbila explained that the scheme provides monthly payments to members with permanent physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from working.
The highest invalidity pension currently earns GH¢19,923 monthly, and the oldest recipient is 86 years old, having been on the payroll for 36 years. In 2025, SSNIT paid GH¢40.8 million in invalidity pensions.
He advised members to keep their records, particularly beneficiaries, up to date to ensure that their pensions are properly administered.
The forum is part of SSNIT’s broader campaign to deepen pension literacy and reinforce the importance of planning for retirement.
