General News of Sunday, 27 November 2005

Source: GNA

Pensioners demand increment in pensions

Hohoe (V/R), Nov. 27, GNA - Mr Herman Broni, Chairman of the Hohoe District SSNIT Pensioners Association on Thursday urged the Trust to implement the contents of its research work on pensions increment, which it had embarked on earlier in the year.

Addressing the Annual General Meeting and get-together of the Association at Hohoe, Mr Broni said the research department of SSNIT last April distributed questionnaires to members seeking their views on better condition of service and an appropriate salary structure for pensioners.

He said the present 72 years after which spouses of a deceased pensioner ceased to enjoy survival benefits be increased to 80 years as being enjoyed by "our counterparts in the CAP 30 pension scheme". Mr Broni appealed to the SSNIT to reimburse the families of a deceased member with two million cedis to offset their financial difficulties during bereavement.

Mr Richard Setsoafia, Hohoe District Manager of SSNIT said the Trust would continue to evolve prudent and humane policies to cushion pensioners against economic hardships. He commended the executives and members for the disciplined manner the Association was being managed and called on other societies to emulate their example.

Mr Setsoafia assured members of the Trust's assistance and appealed for co-operation from beneficiaries.