Accra: Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney, the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), has disclosed plans to expand and remodel some of the Trust's key hotel investments as part of efforts to enhance returns and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the pension fund. According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative is part of SSNIT's broader strategy to improve the performance of its investment portfolio and ensure that contributors and pensioners derive maximum value from the Trust's assets. Addressing Madam Lydia Lamisi Akanvarigba, the Minister of Public Sector Reform, during a visit to the Trust in Accra, Mr. Biney noted that Labadi Beach Hotel, wholly owned by SSNIT, has shown strong growth potential in recent years. As a result, the Trust is fully supporting the hotel's expansion plans to solidify its position as a leading player in Ghana's hospitality industry. 'Labadi is doing well. Labadi is seeking to expand, and as the 100 percent shareholder, we will give our unwaver ing support to that expansion,' Mr. Biney stated. He added that La Palm Royal Beach Hotel is also being prioritized for redevelopment and remodeling to revitalize its operations and enhance profitability. Ongoing discussions focus on transforming the hotel into a modern facility that can deliver stronger returns and contribute more effectively to SSNIT's total assets under management. 'There are ongoing conversations to remodel and redevelop La Palm because ultimately, we need to improve the returns on our investments to grow the Trust and safeguard contributors' funds,' he explained. Madam Akanvarigba's visit aimed to familiarize the Ministry with the operations of key public institutions, like SSNIT, particularly those delivering direct services to citizens, and identify areas for collaboration. It also sought to solicit input from the organization into the drafting of the National Public Sector Reform Strategy (2025-2029). Mr. Biney acknowledged recent public interest in SSNIT's hotel investments but as sured stakeholders that all decisions regarding the hospitality portfolio are guided by sound investment principles and the goal of creating long-term value for contributors and pensioners. Beyond investment performance, the Director-General highlighted ongoing measures to improve accessibility and service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas. He revealed that SSNIT is pursuing a co-location strategy with banks and exploring partnerships with district assemblies to make services more accessible to contributors in remote communities. 'We're not just limiting ourselves to banks. Even district assemblies can serve as points of contact where we station our staff to serve contributors,' he said. SSNIT is also enhancing its virtual infrastructure to allow contributors to access services remotely. 'We are improving our virtual systems daily so that people can engage us from the comfort of their homes. These initiatives are meant to improve accessibility and convenience for the people we serve,' Mr . Biney emphasized. On recent calls for extending the retirement age from the current 60 years to 65 years, the Director-General called for national dialogue and stakeholder engagement on employment and retirement policy. He noted that as life expectancy increases, Ghana must rethink how to balance opportunity, employment, and sustainability within the social security system. 'It's a question that keeps coming up, and it requires broader consultation. Once we all get onto the roundtable, we'll have those conversations, and I'm confident that the outcome will define how we move forward as a country,' he said. Madam Akanvarigba commended the Trust for its ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and introduce innovative solutions aimed at making its services more accessible to the public. She praised efforts to leverage technology to bridge service gaps, including the development of digital platforms that would allow contributors and pensioners, especially those in rural areas, to make contributions or rec eive benefits without visiting a bank. The Minister also highlighted SSNIT's upcoming telehealth initiative, which aims to provide health services to members through digital communication platforms. She described the initiative as a forward-looking innovation that could improve healthcare accessibility for contributors and pensioners across the country. 'The telehealth system, which allows people to receive health services through digital platforms, is an excellent innovation. I have seen similar systems in Ethiopia and Kenya, and I believe it will go a long way to enhance SSNIT's service delivery,' she said.
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