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Workers should be able to afford a house when going on retirement – GNAT General Secretary
The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, (GNAT), Thomas Musah, has said the general income situation of all workers in the country should be looked at.
He indicated that most workers earn low salaries which eventually affect the quantum of the pension benefits they are given when in retirement.
Speaking at the GNAT Investment Forum held at GNAT Hall on Wednesday, he said “It has become very necessary that the issues of income in this country should be looked at. We cannot run away from the issue of basic salary.
“That is why we are organizing this forum to look at, what can be done to ensure that when workers are retiring they are better. There is one thing that we have been asking over the years, at least, if for nothing at all, when the worker is retiring he should be able to afford a two bedroom house.”
Taking his turn, the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang, said the scheme is the best pension system workers can get anywhere.
He explained that the management of SSNIT has been carrying out indexation to meet the rising rate of inflation.
This, he said, is part of the reasons the scheme is best for workers.
“SSNIT undertakes indexation every year and the indexation matches inflation. SSNIT is aware of that and so we compensate for inflation.
“I will urge people not to throw the baby out with the bad water. The narrative is that SSNIT is not good, people connived with their employers not to pay their SSNIT, but the SSNIT scheme is the best that you can ever get anywhere else as far as pension is concerned, if you don’t join to contribute you are harming yourself,” he noted.
He further indicated that the management is going to roll out a programme to educate the people on the need to join SSNIT.
“We are going to rollout a programme to get people to come and join SSNIT because it is the best thing they can do for themselves,” he said.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
The member of parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, has condemned alleged vote buying linked to Baba Jamal during recent political activities at Ayawaso East, describing the act as completely foreign to the values of the NDC.
During a discussion on Metro TV, Mr Agbana expressed concern about what he described as an open display of wealth during the event over the weekend.
He referred to videos circulating online which showed items such as television sets being distributed to people, stressing that such actions do not reflect the party he grew up to admire and join.
According to him, the NDC is built on core values of accountability, probity and transparency, and that explains why many party members have reacted strongly to the incident.
He indicated that the outrage within the party shows a clear rejection of vote buying and similar practices.
Mr.Agbana also disagreed with comments attributed to the Greater Accra Regional Minister suggesting that vote buying happens in every election.
He maintained that such a view does not represent the position of the NDC and should not be normalised under any circumstances.
He pointed out that immediately the reports and videos emerged, the party leadership took a firm stance against the alleged acts rather than trying to justify them.
He noted that the party was awaiting the release of an official report on the matter and expressed confidence that any recommendations would be fully implemented.
Mr.Agbana described the current leadership of the NDC as disciplined and principled, with a proven record of integrity.
He stressed that the party’s response to the issue shows that its reset agenda is not only directed at political opponents but also focused on internal discipline and self correction.
He further assured the public that the NDC will not protect any individual found culpable of vote buying. However, he added that anyone accused will be given a fair opportunity to respond, in line with the principles of natural justice.
Mr.Agbana concluded that the party remains committed to building a strong and resilient political organisation that upholds probity, transparency and accountability at all levels.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, says government has created an enabling environment for businesses and exporters to grow and thrive.
She made the remarks during a working visit to Kasapreko PLC, where she interacted with management and staff of the company.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators have improved significantly, making it easier for businesses to plan and operate.
“When I became Minister, industry players were worried about the exchange rate and how it affected pricing and working capital. Today, that is no longer the case. The economy has done well, and the cedi has appreciated,” she said.
Ofosu-Adjare noted that government’s economic recovery efforts under President John Dramani Mahama have stabilised the business environment, a development she said is already reflecting positively in the operations of local industries.
She explained that her ministry has adopted a deliberate approach of engaging exporters regularly to understand their challenges and address them promptly.
One of such issues, she said, was the time frame for the repatriation of export proceeds, which has since been resolved to help businesses improve cash flow.
The Minister expressed excitement about Kasapreko’s expansion plans, stressing that government is not only focused on attracting foreign direct investment but also committed to supporting Ghanaian-owned businesses.
“My presence here shows that I am interested in local businesses expanding and taking their rightful place in the industry,” she said.
She added that local entrepreneurs invest in Ghana, live in the country, and contribute directly to national development, and therefore deserve strong government support.
Ofosu-Adjare assured Kasapreko PLC of government’s continued support to ensure its growth and sustainability.
She revealed that she would engage the Ghana Water Company to address water supply challenges facing the company.
Management of Kasapreko PLC welcomed the Minister’s visit and commended government for policies that have helped stabilise the economy and improve business confidence.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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