Labour expert Austin Gamey has called for an amendment of the law to limit the powers of the government or the presidency and its control in the affairs of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), especially in terms of appointments to the board.

According to him, SSNIT manages the funds for workers and does not exist to be controlled by the government.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr Gamey stated that board members should select a chairman from among themselves to ensure effective leadership without overbearing control as is the case under the current dispensation.

He criticized the current system, noting, “The people should choose a chairman from among themselves who will lead meetings without being overbearing. In Ghana, our leaders often have an overbearing nature, which has been a problem for years.”

“We have experienced 57 years of retrogression. It's time to move forward, and the transition should begin now," Gamey emphasized. "Regardless of the party in power, the government must understand that overbearing control will no longer be tolerated, not only in SSNIT but across all sectors. We will not be treated like slaves in our own country.”

Mr. Gamey highlighted that the current board includes two presidential nominees, two representatives from the Ghana Employers Association, four representatives from organized labour, and one representative from the National Pension Association.

Asked whether his call for an overhaul of the current board and management should include even organized labour reps, Mr Gamey said the current reps of organized labour on the board can nominate others to take over from them.

He called for a complete transition and the introduction of new practices to ensure prudent management of SSNIT’s funds. “This doesn't mean automatically sending a secretary general to SSNIT. Organized labour should nominate individuals based on competence. For example, I was nominated to help draft the pension scheme on behalf of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, even though I was not a teacher.”

“We need to dismantle and recompose the board and increase the representation of non-government stakeholders. Government involvement should be minimal, with only two representatives. The president should not exert excessive control over SSNIT, as its funds do not belong to the government. God forbid that it will be taken as such” he concluded.

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