The Koforidua District Magistrate Court presided over by Her Worship Mrs Cynthia Owiredu has sentenced four Koforidua-based employers to prison for defaulting in paying the contributions of their staff.

The four companies include Aya Construction Limited, who owed Ghc19, 535.86 and was sentenced to three months imprisonment; Managing Director of Mawuyo Magnum Company Limited owed GHc2, 571.31 and was sentenced to three months imprisonment.

The rest are the Managing Director of Aziafi Construction Company Limited who owed GHc1, 596.43 and was sentenced to three months imprisonment, and the head pastor of New Action Christian Church who also owed SSNIT Ghc1,310 and was sentenced to one month imprisonment.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Koforidua on Friday, the Branch Manager of SSNIT, Mr Mohammad Achaab said the prosecution formed part of moves to get employers to be prompt and regular in paying the contributions of their workers.

He said SSNIT had cautioned and reminded employers with newspaper publications and adverts that the company would be publishing names of defaulting employers and then start prosecuting the recalcitrant ones.

Mr. Achaab said SSNIT would continue to wage war on employers who refuse to register and pay the statutory monthly contributions of their workers to the fund as provided for by the National Pensions Act.

He expressed concern about some employers deducting the amount due SNNIT from salaries of their workers, and keep them without paying to the fund whilst their employees are made to believe that their social security contributions have duly been paid.

Mr. Achhab said SSNIT would not relent on its pursuit of all monies owed the Trust, and would continue to prosecute defaulting employers.

He also cautioned employees against conniving with their employers with regards to contributions to the fund.

Mr. Achaab said employees are the ones who lose out when they side with their employers who offer the over-the-counter payments as remuneration.

He assured that SSNIT would do a follow up and ensure that all the contributions due every worker are paid to secure a better retirement.