Government has given the strongest indication that it will not budge an inch over its decision to award the trusteeship of the second tier pensions of public sector workers to Pension Alliance Trust (PAT).

Government maintained that due diligence was taken in appointing PAT after a competitive bidding process.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on Monday, Dr Edward Omane-Boamah, the Minister of Communications, insisted that government will not be mean-spirited in dealing with pensioners.

“Pensioners are and continue to remain our natural allies,” he stated.

Dr Omane-Boamah was addressing the disagreement over management of the second-tier pensions, a situation that has left 12 labour unions stay out of work in protest for the past one week.

Negotiations have been ongoing with the next round of discussions scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 4.

Dr Omane-Boamah pointed out that by requesting to appoint individual trustees, the labour unions will not be offering their members the power of choice.

“We believe in the power of [the] State in protecting pensioners.”

He condemned the activity of some figures to misinform the public over the scheme, saying government is committed to helping the poor and vulnerable in the society.

He said government will continue to negotiate with the striking unions to find an amicable solution to the impasse.