By Samuel SAM
In line with its religious mission to empower members with entrepreneurial skills and financial stability, the Church of Pentecost – Tamale Area organised a one-day sensitisation retreat for the ladies’ wing of the church, emphasising the importance of investing in pension schemes while still in active service.
The event, titled ‘The Hour of Waiting’, brought together over 250 women, urging them to invest toward their pension to ensure independence during retirement, without relying on the church, family or others for survival. The retreat also aimed to educate the women on the significance of investing in their businesses and personal finances, cautioning against excessive impulse buying that could hinder business growth.
During the session on ‘Preparation towards Pension’, Festus Darko-Preko, the Area Manager for SSNIT, stressed the importance of discipline and a culture of saving in secure institutions for securing a better future. He highlighted the Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED) initiative, encouraging self-employed individuals and formal sector workers to make regular contributions toward their retirement through SSNIT.
Mr. Darko-Preko explained the two tiers of the SSNIT scheme, emphasising that contributions are managed by SSNIT to ensure financial security for retirees. He also mentioned the recent increase in the maximum insurable earning, reflecting adjustments in accordance with the National Pensions Act.
“This is why SSNIT, through the Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED) initiative, is encouraging self-employed individuals and formal sector workers to make regular contributions to the SSNIT scheme based on their full earnings toward their retirement,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Joseph and Pharaoh’s dream in Genesis 41, Mr. Darko-Preko urged self-employed individuals to invest in their future, emphasising the inevitability of ageing and the importance of adequate preparation to avoid destitution in old age.
Apostle John Budu Tawiah, the Area Head of the Church of Pentecost – Tamale, commended SSNIT for its initiative to safeguard the future of workers, including those in the informal sector, and pledged the church’s continued support in encouraging members to register and contribute toward their retirement.
Madam Esinam Baah-Ofori, the Area Women’s leader of the church, who operates a catering and bakery business, shared her experience of registering her workers under the SSNIT scheme.
Overall, the retreat served as a platform for educating and motivating church members, particularly women, to prioritise financial planning and pension contributions for a stable and secure future.
