SSNIT Assets Hit GH¢25bn
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced a significant increase in its investment portfolio, which grew from GH¢20.4 billion at the end of 2024 to more than GH¢25 billion by the close of 2025.
The development was disclosed during a high-level regional engagement organised by SSNIT in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress Ghana (TUC) at the In-Service Training Centre in Wa. The event was aimed at strengthening pension awareness and addressing broader worker welfare concerns.
Held under the theme “Empowered Unions, Secure Future: Deepening Pension Literacy Across Ghana,” the forum brought together senior officials of the national pension scheme and organised labour leaders to discuss pension management, investment performance, retirement welfare and emerging labour issues.
Addressing union members on Monday, March 9, the Director-General of SSNIT, Kwesi Afreh Biney, highlighted the improved performance of the Trust’s investment portfolio, particularly the turnaround of some state-owned hospitality assets that had previously come under intense public scrutiny.
According to him, Labadi Beach Hotel recorded a profit of GH¢77 million in 2025, while La Palm Royal Beach Hotel posted an audited profit of GH¢1.7 million after years of operational challenges.
“A lot more of our investments are doing well, and that accounts for the growth from 20.4 billion to over 25 billion,” Mr. Biney said.
He dismissed suggestions that the Tier 1 pension scheme could collapse, stressing that the structure of the scheme guarantees the long-term protection of contributors.
“Ours is a defined benefit scheme, so no matter the situation, we have a legal responsibility and obligation defined by law, and we will not fail the Ghanaian worker,” he stated.
The Director-General further disclosed that active membership of the scheme has increased to 2.1 million contributors, while total contributions collected rose to more than GH¢12 billion in 2025.
On pension disbursements, SSNIT projects that it will pay GH¢8.21 billion in benefits to pensioners by the end of 2026. This represents a significant increase compared to the GH¢6.77 billion paid to retirees in 2025.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager for Benefits at SSNIT, Frank Molbila, emphasised the security of the national pension scheme, noting that the Trust absorbs all longevity risks associated with the defined benefit system.
However, he cautioned contributors about the proper nomination of beneficiaries under the survivor’s lump sum benefit.
“You cannot use your friend as a nominee… you cannot use your girlfriend,” Mr. Molbila warned, explaining that the law recognises only spouses, children and blood relatives as legitimate beneficiaries.
He further reminded contributors that under the Children’s Act Ghana, at least 60 percent of a deceased contributor’s benefits must be allocated to minor children.
During the engagement, some workers raised concerns about housing challenges and the need to access part of their pension contributions before retirement.
Madam Mercy Adongo, a staff member of the Ghana Health Service in Jirapa, appealed to SSNIT to allow contributors to withdraw part of their savings to support housing projects.
Mr. Biney, however, rejected the proposal, explaining that the Tier 1 scheme is strictly designed to provide income security during retirement. He advised workers to rely on Tier 2 and Tier 3 pension schemes for such needs.
In response to concerns about healthcare for retirees, the Director-General announced a new SSNIT initiative dubbed “Beyond Pension,” which will introduce a telemedicine service for pensioners.
