Mahama urges SSNIT to support contributors in coronavirus times

The Flag-bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has called on the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to consider giving token payment to contributors as coronavirus cripples the earnings of some contributors.

According to the leader of the party, it was important that SSNIT introduced a token fee to ease the COVID-19 induced hardships citizens may be facing.

In a digital conversation Thursday evening, Mr Mahama argued that the contributions made to SSNIT are not only meant for pensioners but also works, as a form of insurance to cushion members during difficult times.

“Social security contributions are essentially an insurance scheme made not just for pensions in old age before they die. They are also made to help contributors in times of adversities such as this.

“Not all will come out and queue for food, but as has been done in other countries like St. Lucia, I think a token payment to all contributors over a three-month period would have afforded many the assurance of feeding their families during this abnormal times,” he explained.

He believed such actions and interventions would greatly go a long way to help the needy and vulnerable in the country.

Mr Mahama urged the general public to continue to adhere to the safety protocols outlined by the World Health Organisation.