The Concerned SSNIT Pensioners Forum (CSPF) has rejected the Social Security and National Insurance Trust’s (SSNIT) proposed 10 per cent pension increase for 2026, describing it as grossly insufficient to cushion retirees from rising living costs, particularly those on the lowest pensions.
In a statement dated January 10, 2026, the Forum acknowledged the increment but stressed that it fails to meaningfully alleviate the hardships confronting pensioners.
The CSPF recalled that it formally petitioned SSNIT on November 19, 2025, urging a comprehensive review of pension levels and the establishment of a “living” minimum pension. Copies of the petition were also submitted to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Pensions Authority for prompt intervention.
The Forum advocated for a minimum monthly pension of GH¢600 and recommended an average increase of 15–20 per cent to restore pensions’ real value, which it says has steadily eroded due to adjustments lagging behind inflation and the national minimum wage.
Highlighting the current inadequacy, the CSPF noted that the 2025 minimum monthly pension of GH¢396.58 leaves pensioners struggling to afford essential healthcare and basic living expenses, forcing many to rely on family support.
The Forum also questioned inconsistencies in SSNIT’s public statements regarding minimum pension figures. While a January 6, 2025 statement indicated that the minimum pension rose from GH¢300 in 2024 to GH¢396.58 in 2025, a subsequent January 8, 2026 statement announced new retirees would receive GH¢400 and existing pensioners on GH¢300 would see an increment to GH¢409.56. The CSPF called for clarity, insisting no pensioner should receive less than GH¢396.58 as of 2025, and urged SSNIT to define a standard minimum pension.
The Forum emphasized that annual percentage increases are meaningless without a guaranteed minimum living pension. With many retirees unable to meet basic food, medication, and healthcare needs, CSPF argued that pension adequacy must take precedence over nominal increments.
Consequently, the Forum is calling for a national dialogue involving SSNIT, policymakers, organised labour, pensioner groups, economic planners, and civil society organisations to design a sustainable, realistic minimum pension framework.
Drawing parallels to Ghana’s national minimum wage, the CSPF stressed that a national minimum pension is critical to ensuring retirees can live with dignity.
The Forum affirmed its commitment to continue engaging SSNIT and relevant state institutions in the pursuit of pension justice, equity, and policies guaranteeing a dignified life for all Ghanaian retirees.