The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has introduced the SSNIT Virtual Infozone, an information-sharing platform that allows the Trust to use various digital meeting channels such as Facebook Live, Zoom and WhatsApp to educate its members and the general public about the SSNIT Scheme and its benefits.
A statement from SSNIT said “The SSNIT Virtual Infozone was introduced on the back of the effect of the novel Covid-19 pandemic, which has impacted the Trust’s approach to business including the delivery of public education.”
It said so far, they have held two SSNIT Virtual Infozone sessions live on Facebook, the first of which was on Wednesday, 5th August, 2020, adding that going forward, it will be held every Wednesday at 4 pm.
The two sessions focused on the types of SSNIT benefits and how to calculate Old Age Pension.
Commenting on the SSNIT Virtual Infozone, the Corporate Affairs Manager, Afua Amankwa Sarkodie said it had become necessary for the Trust to conduct public education online, through the Trust’s digital media channels to ensure business continuity as the Trust observes the Covid-19 safety protocols to reduce the spread of infections.
“Businesses all over the world, with the Trust not being an exception, are grappling with the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Presently, all in-person public education has been put on hold across the Trust. This has necessitated a stronger emphasis on digital media to sustain the education of stakeholders. This is to ensure continuous public awareness of the Trust and its operations,” she mentioned.
Afua Sarkodie said SSNIT recognized that its members usually see the calculation of pension as mysterious so “we are using this opportunity to let them know that, it is in fact quite easy to do so.”
She said even though SSNIT had always talked about pension calculation during in person public education sessions, now they are showing members how to estimate their monthly pensions through Facebook Live sessions to show members how they can estimate their pension using the Pension Calculator on the SSNIT Web Portal.
Afua Sarkodie indicated that the ultimate goal of the Trust is to build and strengthen its relationship with stakeholders in spite of the pandemic.
“We have a duty to educate and connect with our Members and Clients despite the prevailing circumstances,” she stressed.
Members and Clients of the Trust, especially employers and associations who want public education via any of the online channels can make a request either by sending an email to public@ssnit.org.gh or by calling the Contact Centre on 0302-611-622. Additionally, they can also book at the various SSNIT branches.
