Wa SSNIT to prosecute 14 employers

Wa, June 15, GNA - The management of Wa branch of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has prepared documents to prosecute 14 organisations for non-payment of the Social Security contributions of workers.

The organisations, mostly construction firms are also accused of under-declaring their workforce in order to avoid paying their contributions.

Mr. Daniel Awuku, Wa Municipal Manager of SSNIT, who disclosed these to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Wa on Tuesday said his outfit would fight against what is normally termed "casual labour" among the organisations.

He explained that some companies were not paying their workers contributions with the claims that they were casual workers, which was unacceptable, "if the fellow works for even one day, he is entitled to payment of social security contributions as they have been working for so many years though with different organisations."

Mr. Awuku said about 40 per cent of organisations in the private sector were proving recalcitrant to pay against their target of 84 per cent coverage and gave the assurance that they would continue to educate the people on the need to pay contributions. The manager said SSNIT contributions and other contributions were all part of any contract given and wondered why such employers would not pay their workers, but rather cheat them.

Mr. Awuku said his outfit would intensify educational programmes on the need for employers to pay the social security contributions to the SSNIT.

"Those in the public sector, we do not fear because the Accountant General's office takes care of their contributions and we are always sure of their payment."

He advised individuals in their private enterprises to register and contribute to SSNIT to make their lives comfortable when they grow old. The manager said more would be prosecuted in court the next few weeks should they continue to default.