The former Reactor of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei has called for the need for a National Universal Pension for all Ghanaians by virtue of their citizenship.

The former GIMPA Reactor made the proposal at a symposium to mark the fiftieth (50th) anniversary of Social Security in Ghana last Thursday.

Speaking on the topic, “Social Security – The Way Forward” Prof. Adei said the new scheme when adopted will replace the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) program.

“Everybody should have a minimum pension to avoid people going round with leap,” he said.

According to him, the new scheme can be financed and sustained in Ghana through Value Added Tax (VAT).

“If we agree to have this, then we have to be prepared to pay. Every Ghanaian whether working or not must contribute towards it” he stated.

He said some efforts of government such as diversion of funds and appointment of directors had thwarted the efforts of SSNIT to promote national development.

He also cautioned the workers of SSNIT against playing with people’s trust.

According to him, the funds belong exclusively to the contributor and not SSNIT.

“Workers of SSNIT must know that they are not SSNIT but managers of trust,” he added.

Other speakers at the function were Mr. J.E. Allotey-Pappoe, former General Manager, Administration, SSNIT and Mrs. Gifty Anterkyi, former General Manager, Operations, SSNIT.