Merging SSNIT and Ghana Card Numbers: Importance of the adoption of the Ghana Card

On 28th June 2021, SSNIT commenced the merging of SSNIT and Ghana Card Numbers nationwide. The decision was not taken in a vacuum but rather based on the immense benefits that such a move will bring to the processes of the institution among others.

The 4 importance of the adoption of the Ghana Card and the merging of the SSNIT and the Ghana Card numbers include

a. Convenience

The merger of SSNIT & NIA numbers will bring convenience to our Members. After the merger, Members of the Scheme will use one card that is the Ghana Card, for multiple transactions under the Trust. You do not have to carry two cards along with you when one card, that is, the Ghana Card can do the job. Neither do you have to worry yourself memorizing or keeping two numbers? With just that one number, the NIA number, you can carry out multiple transactions.

b. Easy identification

The merger also ties in with the Trust’s quest to improve the ease with which Members and Clients do business with SSNIT. For instance, nominated dependants of deceased Members will easily be identified. This will help avoid unnecessary delays and reduce fraud and impersonation in processing and paying Survivors’ Benefits.

c. Compliance with the law

Again, the adoption of the Ghana Card is a legal requirement. Regulation 7(1) of the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012, L.I. 2111, requires the use of the Ghana Card for “transactions pertaining to individuals in respect of pension” and “transactions that have social security implications”.
The adoption is also in fulfillment of a directive from the National Pensions Regulatory Authority.

Read: Merging SSNIT with Ghana Card: Extend the 31st Dec Closing Date

d. Cost saving
The use of the Ghana Card will eliminate the cost associated with the printing of SSNIT biometric cards for our Members. Currently, the SSNIT biometric cards are printed upon request at a cost to the Member.

The benefits place a civic obligation on all citizens who qualify to be registered for the Ghana card to get their data captured and a card issued. Again, both active and inactive contributors to SSNIT who are yet to merge their SSNIT and Ghana card numbers must take proactive steps to do so.