By Samuel SAM
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has sensitised pensioners in the Northern Region to a new mandatory annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal Policy, which takes effect from April 2026.
The policy requires all pensioners, regardless of age, to renew their certificates every year during their birth month to ensure uninterrupted payment of pensions. It is aimed at strengthening the integrity of the scheme and ensuring that payments are made only to eligible and living beneficiaries.
Under the revised rules, pensioners who retired at age 60 or opted for voluntary retirement at 55 must comply with the annual renewal requirement.
Renewals can be completed through the SSNIT Mobile App using facial verification, the SSNIT Virtual Branch, designated partner banks or at any SSNIT office nationwide. Pensioners with mobility challenges may request home visits by contacting the SSNIT Contact Centre on 0302 611 622.
SSNIT explained that over the years, pensions have continued to be paid into the accounts of deceased beneficiaries, sometimes allowing unauthorised persons to access the funds. The new policy is, therefore, intended to eliminate “ghost names” and enhance transparency and accountability within the scheme.
Frank Molbila, General Manager in charge of Benefits at SSNIT, announced the policy at the Northern Regional SSNIT 2026 Pensioners’ Engagement, held under the theme “60 Years Strong: Enhancing Pensioners’ Experience through Improved Service Delivery.”
He said the trust is also introducing a telemedicine initiative under which prescribed medicines will be subsidised and delivered to pensioners at their convenience.
“As a pensioner, you do not necessarily have to visit a hospital to access healthcare. You can receive medical attention from the comfort of your home through telemedicine,” he said.
He urged pensioners nationwide to ensure that, effective this year, they renew their pension certificates during their birth month either through the mobile app or at a SSNIT office to avoid disruption in payments.
Director-General of SSNIT, Kwesi Afreh Biney, reiterated the trust’s commitment to implementing the telemedicine initiative to improve pensioners’ welfare.
Chief Issah B. Yahaya, Northern Regional Chairman of the National Pensioners’ Association (NPA), expressed appreciation to SSNIT for the measures aimed at enhancing pensioners’ well-being.
He noted that out of more than 260,000 pensioners nationwide, about 78,000 contribute through SSNIT to the national office.
He encouraged young people, particularly those in the informal sector, to enrol and contribute to the scheme according to their income levels to secure their future.
The Northern Regional Branch Manager of SSNIT, Albert Owusu-Boateng, assured pensioners of the trust’s continued commitment to improving service delivery.
“While we celebrate our legacy, our true focus is on making your retirement journey simpler, more convenient and more secure,” he said, adding that SSNIT would continue to recognise the years of hard work and contributions that have sustained the scheme.
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