1 February, 2016

Finance DivisionUndergoes Restructuring

Page 16

Page 10

Page 8

Benefits Bids Mr. Arde -Acquah farewell

How To Avoid UnhealthyRelationships

Also In This Issue

2 February, 2016

SSNIT AWARDS10 EMPLOYEES FOR EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE

Mr Yeboah making his presentation

“Employee recognition as,“The acknowledgement of an individual or learner’s behaviour, effort and accomplishments that supports the organisations goals and values,”. says the Ottawa, Canada-based HR Council

To achieve such a noble goal, the Board and Management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), has presented ten (10) employees with awards. The staff excelled in their 2014 performance appraisal within the Administration, Human Resource, the Operations, the Benefits, the Management Information Systems, Investment and Development, Finance, General Counsel and the Staff Directorate Divisions.

Awards

Each of the recipients, was rewarded with Ten thousand Cedis (GH ȼ10,000), a citation and an overseas training course.

The awardees are :

Mr. Edmund Adotei Adotey, Human Resource Management Division,

• Mrs Agnes Asaa , Operations Division

• Mr. Emmanuel Fuachie, Operations Division

• Mr. Alexander Plange, Operations Division,

• Mr. Eric Sintim-Misa, Benefits Division

• Mr. Samuel Anarfi, MIS Division.

• Miss Stella Baah, Investment Development Division,

• Mrs Rachel Gyamfi-Boateng, General Counsel Division,

• Mr. Elvis Joe Dadey, Staff Directorate and

• Mr. Samuel N. A. Abbey, Finance Division.

Ms. Sheila Sampson, General Manager, Human Resource and Administration told the NEWSSHEET

Ms. Sheila SampsonGM Admin. / HR

3 February, 2016

OPERATIONS DIVISION Mr. Alexander Plange (Teller/Dunkwa Branch)• He worked late nights and weekends in order to clear all Biom-etric forms at the Branch which impacted positively on the success of the Biometric Registration Exercise. • He acted as the Branch Accountant when the substantive was on leave to the admiration of all his colleagues. • He is always ready to assist in any capacity when the need arises.• He additionally prepared the monthly Customer Service and Public Education reports timely. • His contributions were outstanding and deserve recognition.

THE AWARDEES AND THEIR CITATIONS

Mr. Alexander Plange

that the awardees were selected based on stringent individual - assessment score premised on a Performance Management System (PMS) in the Trust.The scores were subsequently collated and analysed by the PMS Committee as well as the Heads of the respective Divisions.

She explained that in the past, 30 percent of the Staff who were identified to be high performers were given only cash awards.

In 2013, the Senior Staff Association and the Local Union petitioned the Board and the SSNIT Management over these issues and the aftermath is the current arrangement.

The Board’s approval came with an incentive award for exceptional performers and as a result ten (10) persons are to be awarded every year.

Methodology

One person was selected from each of seven Divisions with the Operations Division selecting three (3). This is because the Operations Division constitutes two – thirds of the entire membership of the Trust. whereas the seven (7) other Divition constitite 1/3.

Ms. Sampson said, the Board and Management of SSNIT is determined to appreciate and reward handsomely staff who exhibite excellent performance

in the discharge of their duties.

She continued that, the Trust is of the firm belief that the surest way every employee can justify his or her monthly remuneration and other benefits is to put in his or her best effort to provide value for the employer, which is SSNIT, and the people of Ghana.

Exhortation

Ms. Sampson said the Human Resource and Administrative Division believes that every employee is capable of giving off his or her best.

The Trust is therefore encouraging everybody to take his or her official duties seriously, not just for the expected rewards at the end of the year, but also the inward satisfaction of earning income and also enjoying benefits that they deserve.

She appealed to those who believe they also worked hard during the 2014 assessment year and ought to have been recognised, not to be discouraged but to intensify their efforts in the coming years, “Their dreams are likely to materialise earlier than they are anticipating”, she concluded.

4 February, 2016

Ms. Agnes Asaa (Prosecutor/Tema C2 Branch Offi ce)• A very hardworking staff whose performance during the period impacted signifi cantly on the Trust. • Ms Asaa is highly committed to duty. Her effort contributed greatly to the retrieval of overdue outstanding penalties to the tune of GH¢421,159.00 from companies like Fidelity Bank, GIMPA, Capital Venture, Ghana Red Cross, Premix Secretariat, District Assembly Common Fund and WAEC among others. • She went the extra mile to locate Transport Commodities and retrieved arrears of GH¢25,000. • She contributed greatly to the retrieval of arrears from evasive and diffi cult employers such as L’aine Services.

• Her performance during the 2014 assessment year was outstanding.

Mr. Emmanuel Fuachie (Senior Ops Research Offi cer/Offi ce of the

Operations Coordinator)

• Mr. Fuachie was the pivot in the Coordinators Offi ce who ensured all activi-ties related to the Division were effectively coordinated. • He played a lead role in the timely preparation of ;- Divisional Budgets

- Action Plan- Presentations at the Strategic Review /Operations Conference• He organised all Operational Conferences and Divisional Meetings.• Mr Fuachie coordinated and participated in the training of newly ap-pointed Branch Managers. • Due to his skills and effi ciency, he was able to take on additional role as the Operations Coordinator when the substantive was on leave. • His contribution to the Division was very signifi cant.

FINANCE DIVISION Mr. Samuel N. A. Abbey (Member Accounts Coordinator/Operations Accounts

/N/S)He has a very positive attitude towards work which translates into timely results.• He re-designed the Statement of Account Form template to refl ect paid contributions.• Mr. Abbey organised and facilitated training programmes for Area Accountants for all Area offi ces.• He was exceptional in the retrieval of email addresses from employers and contributors which facilitated the process of up- Mr. Samuel N. A. Abbey

Ms. Agnes Asaa

Mr. Emmanuel Fuachie

5 February, 2016

BENEFITS DIVISION Mr. Eric Sintim-Misa (Benefi ts Offi cer/ Lump Sum Department)• During the assessment year, his investigations and due diligence led to the rejection of two claim fi les which would have been paid by Account-ant General’s Department (Cap 30). This saved the Trust a huge amount of money.• As a member of the OBS Benefi t Module Team for UAT, his contribu-tions and commitment were very outstanding. He made valuable inputs as a member.• Notwithstanding, his full commitment to the OBS he stayed beyond working hours and worked on weekends to ensure he processed all lump-sum claims accurately and promptly. • The choice of Eric was unanimously accepted by all members present

because his performance was “par excellence”.

MIS DIVISION Mr. Stephen Anaafi (Network Engineer/IT Communications & Network)• An outstanding staff who thinks outside the box when it comes to problem solving.

• His strong technical expertise has been evident as a member of the OBS team since inception.

His contributions to the OBS Success story include the following:• He confi gured Cisco Load Balancer to balance traf-

fi c on OBS internet applications to ensure effective performance.• He rebuilt and confi gured Raid5 on the Sun System and further advised against the purchase of disk to save the Trust. • He was also part of the team which investigated and made recommendations on solutions to the cause of slow performance of the OBS applications at some

dating information on members. This was key for the success of the RCM Module of the OBS. • He played a key role in the syndicate group presentation during Operations Conference at Elmina. • Generally, the impact of his contribution to the Division was enormous.

Mr. Stephen Anaafi Mr. Samuel N. A. Abbey

Mr. Eric Sintim-Misa

6 February, 2016

Ms. Stella Baah

Mr. Elvis Joe Dadey

IDD DIVISION Ms. Stella Baah(Senior Valuer /Properties Cluster A)She was selected as the most outstanding staff for the Division for the year under review due to the following:• She is a proactive invaluable staff whose work impacted positively on everybody’s role within the Division. • She is reliable and versatile and always ready to take up new challenges. • During the period, her persistent follow - ups and prprosecution of defaulting tenants improved rent collection signifi cantly.

STAFF DIRECTORATE/SPECIAL PRO-JECT Mr. Elvis Joe Dadey(Assistant Research Offi cer/Research Department)• He contributed signifi cantly to organisational success during the year under review. He prepared four (4) technical reports

requested for by Management decision - making and presented them promptly and excellently to the Executive Committee. This

is a high level job which is not usually handled by an Assistant Research Offi cer yet he delivered it excellently.

• During the period, technical reports he submitted were on strategic issues. • He successfully led a Team to conduct surveys at the Northern Operational Areas of the Trust.• His in-depth studies and research fi ndings provided adequate information to the Trust which helped in decision making.• His leadership skill was evident when he acted as the Senior Research Offi cer in the absence of the Substantive.

7 February, 2016

Ms. Stella Baah

Mr. Edmund Adotei Adotey

Mrs. Rachel Gyamfi Boateng

GENERAL COUNSEL DIVISION Mrs. Rachel Gyamfi Boateng(Deputy Private Secretary/Offi ce of GM GCD)

• She worked directly in the General Manager’s of-fi ce and played a key role in coordinating the activi-ties of the Division effectively and effi ciently.• She was considered an invaluable staff for the Division due to her commitment and outstanding performance. • In her case, since she is currently on retirement, the Divisional Head recommends only the cash award

without the training package.

ADMIN & HR Mr. Edmund Adotei Adotey (Industrial Relations Offi cer/ Human Resource Management)• As an Industrial Relations Offi cer, his professional approach to the sensitive role he plays has signifi cantly contributed to the Industrial harmony we enjoy as an Institution.• He facilitated Disciplinary Committee meetings very well and ensured all 11 disciplinary cases reported during the year under review were handled within a reasonable time frame yet in accord-ance with the laid down grievance procedures of the trust. He also ensured all reports were submitted to the Execu-tive promptly.• He also ensured 12 out of 18 workmen’s compen-sation/insurance claims reported were duly investi-gated, handled, approved and paid during the period. • The background work he carried out before the 2014/2015 CBA negotiations enabled the Committee to successfully conclude the negotiation within three weeks of commencement. This feat was unprecedented in recent past which requires commendation.• Generally, he is an exceptional and reliable staff whose positive attitude to work is highly commendable.

8 February, 2016

FINANCE DIVISION UNDERGOES RESTRUCTURING

he Finance Division of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has been restructured with the creation of two new departments, following the

implementation of the Oracle Financial Management Suite.

The new departments are the Final Accounts and the Payments Departments which are to replace the Financial Accounts Department.

Consequently, Mr Kwasi Kyeretwie-Kwanin of the

T

The Financial Accounts Department deals among other things with matters as bank reconciliation and inputing of data for the preparation of Trust accounts while the Payment Department handles issues such as salaries, benefits and payment to contractors working on projects.

A memorandum signed by Mrs Mary Nagetey, the Human Resource Manager said the number of departments in the Finance Division has been increased from 7 to 8.

It said fixed assets unit has been placed under Investment Accounts Department while the Inventory Unit has been moved to Operations Accounts Department, Southern Sector. Accounting for rent and sale of flats will now be handled by Operations Accounts Department, Northern Sector.

Mrs Martha Wudu Payment Manager

Mr Kwasi Kyeretwie-Kwainin Final Accounts Manager

By Mr James Addy, Corporate A� airs Dept.

former Financial Accounts Department has been appointed acting Final Accounts Manager while Mrs Martha Wudu, Financial Accountant has been made payment Manager. the appointments took effect from Monday, February 15,2016.

9 February, 2016

DELEGATION from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) donated cash and assorted drinks to support the funeral of the late Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa III, the Okuapehene, in Akropong in the Eastern Region. It was led by Mr. Emmanuel Agyei – Ntiamoah, the Operations

HE family of the late Ambassador David Sarpong Boateng the former Board Chairman of SSNIT (1994 -

1998), has called on the Trust Executive to formally inform it of his death and funeral arrangements.

The late Ambassador D. S. Boateng was the Ministry of Environment and Social Welfare’s representative on the Board before eventually assuming the chairmanship.He died in December last year

SSNIT MOURNS FORMER BOARD CHAIR - OSEADEEYO

SSNIT INFORMED OFD.S BOATENG’S DEATH

T

A

Ms. Eva Amegashie receiving customary drinks from Mr. Isaac Boateng the brother of the late D.S. Boateng

Mr Agyei-Ntiamoah (fouth from le� ) with the SSNIT sta� that attended the funeral

Monitoring Manager of the Koforidua Area Office.

The late Oseadeeyo Addo Dankwa was the chairman of the SSNIT Board of Directors from 1977-1980.

The donation was received by Nana Agyiri Aggrey, the Mawerehene of the Akuapim Traditional Area.

He expressed his appreciation SSNIT.Nana Aggrey (right) receiving

the donation

By Mrs. Rita AdesahArea Corporate A� airs Rep.

10 February, 2016

SHORT but impressive ceremony has been held in the Conference Room of Pension House, Accra, to bid farewell to Mr Leslie Arde-Acquah, General Manager, Benefits, who was

retiring after 21-years service with the Trust.

It was organised by the Benefits Division. and Mr Arde-Acquah who exhibited his usual lively disposition, exchanged pleasantries, shared jokes and danced with some members of the Management Team and Staff.A citation read by Mrs Irene Akpabla, Repository Manager,

Expressing his condolences to the family, the Director – General of SSNIT, Mr. Ernest Thompson, lauded the contri-butions of Mr. D. S. Boateng towards the success chalked by SSNIT, in many respects.

He thanked the delegation and assured them of the Trust’s assistance to give the former chairman a befitting burial.

Mr. D. S. Boateng would be laid to rest at Koforidua on March 5, this year.

A

BENEFITS DIVISION BIDS

MR LESLIE ARDE-ACQUAH

FAREWELL

Mr. Arde Acquah displaying his citation.

Mr. Arde Acquah (middle) being assisted by Mr. Van Sackey (Le� ), Mrs. Rosemary Sackey,Mr. Laud Senanu, Ms. Sheila Sampson to cut the cake

Messrs Isaac Boateng (right) and his siblings,William (middle) and Alex (left)By Emmanuel Pessey,

Corporate A� airs Dept.

11 February, 2016

Records Department, praised Mr Arde-Acquah For his outstanding contribution in the field of Pension Administration in Ghana.

Mr Arde-Acquah joined the Trust as a Deputy Manager in the Claims Department of SSNIT on January 10, 1994.

The citation stated that Mr Arde-Acquah’s sterling leadership qualities coupled with his results- oriented disposition and exemplary team spirit enabled him to hold various positions across the Divisions of the Trust. He was appointed the first Project Manager for the pre-claim activity code named “Age 54+ Project.”

“Your quest for excellence, passion and versatile per-sonality transported you to mainstream operations when you were appointed Branch Manager for Legon and Adabraka,” the commendation continued. “Your prowess again zoomed to the fore when you braved all odds and made your branch teams proud by leading them to win the enviable best “Branch A” positions- a feat rarely achieved”. The citation also indi-cated that Mr, Arde-Acquah was later appointed a the Operations Coordinator and Area Manager, Koforidua.

“You successfully led a team to produce the New Business Process Re-engineering Document; very fun-damental to the OBS”, it said. Mr Arde-Acquah was later moved to the Benefits Division as the Records Manager and later as General Manager, Benefits.

Mr Arde-Acquah was a very hard working and a jolly good fellow, said Mrs Rosemary Sackey, Ag. General Manager, Benefits.

Ms. Sheila Sampson, General Manager, Human Resource and Administration, who presented the citation hoped that the words in it would inspire Mr Arde-Acquah in his reflections while on retirement.

Mr Arde-Acquah thanked the SSNIT Management and Staff for their support and cooperation during his service with the Trust.

He encouraged the staff to give off their best, in what-ever capacity they found themselves and their light will shine in the morning. Mr Arde-Acquah reminded the gathering that life is full of challenges but then with determination, one can sur-mount them.

Present were Nii Adja Nablah, General Manager, Finance, Ms. Sheila Sampson,General Manager,Human Resource and Administration, Mr Laud Senanu, Ag. General Manager, Operations, Mr Peter Hayibor, General Counsel,Mr Noel Addo, General Manager ,Investments and Development. Dr Caleb Afaglo, Ag. General Manager , MIS, Mr Van Sackey, Ag. General Manager,Special Projects, all members of the Executive Management Team.

Mr. Arde-Acquah being supported by Managers from other Divisions of the Trust to cut the cake

Ms. Sheila Sampson presenting a parcel to Mr. Arde Acquah

Mrs. Faustina Abra Nti, Head of Strategic Planning presenting a parcel to Mr. Arde Acquah

Mr. Arde-Acquah (middle) with the SSNIT Management team. from le� Dr.Caleb Afaglo,Mr Van-Sackey,Mr. Noel Addo,Mr.Peter HayiborBy Mr James Addy,

Corporate A� airs Dept.

12 February, 2016

The Best performing staff of operations division receive cash awards

PUPILS of the Providence Orphanage, Aflao, were thrown into a festive frenzy in December last year, when officials of SSNIT presented gifts to them, on behalf of

the Trust. The package, comprising quanties of rice, oil, milk, bever-

ages, biscuits, eggs, soft drinks, sugar, toilet and washing soap as well as toilet rolls were made possible from the offering at

the SSNIT 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service. The presentation was made by Mr. John K. Ansah,

Operations, Monitoring Manager, Tema Area, on behalf of the Trust.

In his address, Mr. Ansah touched on the relevance of SSNIT to society, and educated the children on its operations. He exhorted them to be interested in SSNIT pursuing their

THREE best performing workers for the 2014 Assessment year from the Operations Division has each been pre-sented GHc 10,000 cheque and the opportunity to

attend a training course overseas.They are Ms Agnes Asaa, Prosecutor,Tema Community

2 Branch,Messrs Alexander Plange, Branch Teller, Dunkwa Branch and Emmanuel Fuachie,formerly of the Operations Coordinator’s office,and now Head Portofolio, Accounting Unit.

Mr Laud Senanu,General Manager,Operations who pre-sented the awards, congratulated them for good performance.

He said the Operations Division has about 1,340 staff and for three of them to be given awards is a huge achievement.

Ms. Asaa and Messrs Plange and Fuachie expressed their gratitude to the SSNIT management and staff who contributed to their success and promised to work harder to improve the quality of service rendered to contributors.

50TH ANNIVERSARY OFFERTORY GIVEN TO ORPHANAGE

Mr. Laud Senanu (third le� ) with the award winners from the Operations Division. Also in the picture is Mr. Richard Manu Ops. Co-Ordinator (right).

13 February, 2016

hence, the choice of the theme, “Celebrating 90 Years of Excellence in Health Care Delivery-Achievements, Challenges and Prospects.” The celebration provided the opportunity for the hospital to solicit for funds to give it a facelift.

It was an exciting and proud moment when the SSNIT team, led by Mr. Robert Owusu-Sekyere, the Koforidua Area Manager made the donation. SSNIT was the first

corporate institution to assist the facility to carry out its envisaged projects.

Presenting the symbolic dummy cheque, Mr. Owusu – Sekyere said that, SSNIT has vested interest in a healthy and happy citizenry, since it is only a healthy people who can work and contribute to the scheme, hence its identifi-cation with the cause of the Hospital.

Dr. Anim Boamah, the Medical Director of the Hospital

SSNIT DONATES TO KOFORIDUA REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Mr Robert Owusu Sekyere presenting the symbolic dummy cheque to the hospital’s Chief Medical Director . With him are members of the Managment team

By Emmanuel Pessey, Corporate A� airs Dept.

Mr. Ansah (in suit) presenting the gift to Madam King

education, and also grow into responsible leaders and work-ers of the future.

The Proprietress of the Orphanage, Madam Helen King expressed her apprecia-tion to the Trust.

Present at the presenta-tion were Mr. Herbert Hodasi, Branch Manager, Denu, Ms. Grace Donkor, Area Accountant, Ho, and other ancillary staff of the Denu Branch.

THE Social S e c u r i t y a n d

N a t i o n a l Insurance Trust ( S S N I T ) h a s received the praise and admi-ration of the peo-ple of Koforidua after donating Ten thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢10,000) to the Koforidua Regional Hospital at the launch of their 50th anni-versary celebra-tion.

The facil-ity which was adjudged the best Regional Hospital in Ghana in 2013, is still chal-lenged in terms of infrastructure,

14 February, 2016

PROF. KUENYEHIA CALLS FOR PEACE TO PROTECT INVESTMENTS

PROFESSOR Akua Kuenyehia, the former judge of the International Court of Justice at The Hague, the Netherlands, has urged

Ghanaians to consolidate the peace, this elec-tion year, so as to ensure the safety of economic investments in the country.

She warned that without peace, all invest-ments stand the threat of being lost to the country.

Prof. Kuenyehia who was speaking at a lec-ture organised by the Rotary Club, Accra West with the assistance of the Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), Accra, wondered whether Ghana is really peaceful or a country sitting on a time bomb.

She reiterated that the basic requirement for peaceful co – existence among human beings is respect and said lack of respect among sections of the people could affect the stability of the whole nation.

Prof. Kuenyehia touched on effective gover-nance and emphasised that professionalism of the police service, the civil service as well as the level of trust among the citizenry of the govern-ment’s ability to deal with problems head on, are also determinants of peace.

She advised, African governments to be seen to be responsive to the needs of the people, and said, if that is not done, their frustrations and agitation could result in disorder and turmoil and destabilise their countries.

Professor Kuenyehia further entreated gov-ernments to pursue the peace, ensure economic progress and equitable distribution of resources to the citizenry, so as to avert any unforeseen catastrophies.

She asked governments to check corruption, since it is a canker with the tendency to destroy countries, their peace and stability.

If Africans do not deal with corruption, the peace we are enjoying would elude us, she warned. she cited the practice of bribing the elec-torate during elections all over the continent is a form of corruption which needs to be stopped.

She also called for the free flow of informa-tion in society and stressed that “information should not be the property of a few people”.

expressed his gratitude to the Management of the Trust and said that, SSNIT is a shining example of an institution which takes its corporate social responsibility seriously.

By Mrs. Anita Adesah.Area Corporate Affairs Rep., Koforidua

Prof. Kuenyehia

“There is no need to hide information, there is no need to keep information from the people”, she cautioned, in her conclusion.

SSNIT was invited to participate in the lecture, since it is the largest public non-bank financial institution in the country.

By Mr. James Addy, Corporate Affairs Dept.

15 February, 2016

SSNIT FLATS ... A RELIEF FOR SUNYANI WORKERS -OMANHENE

SSNIT INTERACTS WITH MILLENNIUM SUPPORTERS UNION OF GHANA (MISUGHA)

OFFICIALS of the Corporate Affairs Department of the Social Security and National Insurance

Trust (SSNIT) have interacted warm-ly with members of the Millennium Supporters Union of Ghana (MISUGHA) at Nima, Accra.

The group wanted among other things to find out the benefits available to them, with the introduction of the new Pension Scheme, hence the meeting with the officials.

They were consequently briefed on the history of SSNIT, Act 766 and its three- Tier Pension arrangement, ben-efit issues, SSNIT Branch locations and informal sector worker membership.

The Customer Care Manager, Mrs. Victoria Gifty Abaidoo, who led the team, impressed it upon the MISUGHA mem-bers, the importance of registering and contributing towards their future retire-ment.

The team answered questions on

whether withdrawals could be done dur-ing active service, the use of SSNIT membership card for identification else-where and how they could get registered with the Trust.

Alhaji Shaibu Abass Guntu, the National Organizer of the MISUGHA, urged the supporters to register with

SSNIT for a guaranteed pension in their old age.

MISUGHA is an Association of young men and women who provide moral sup-port for the National Teams especially at major international tournaments, and whip up interest in most sporting activi-ties in the country.

THE Omanhene of Sunyani, Nana Bosoma Aso-Nkrawiri II has praised SSNIT for providing resi-

dential flats for workers in the metropolis.The Omanhene made this comment

when the New Area Manager of the Trust, paid him a courtesy call to offi-cially introduce herself at his palace on Thursday, January 21, 2016.

The Omanhene praised SSNIT for providing office accommodation for many other corporate bodies country-wide.

He was also very pleased with the SSNIT Flats which have come as a relief to many workers in Sunyani, and else-where.

Nana Bosoma Aso-Nkrawiri II how-ever appealed to Trust to develop its land that has been lying fallow all these years, in Sunyani. He remarked further that developing it will even generate employ-ment for many of the young men and women in the metropolis.

Present at the ceremony was the

Krontihene of the Sunyani Traditional Area, Nana Bofotia Boa-AmponsemII.

In response, the New Area Manager, Ms Anyinsah, assured the Omanhene of her co-operation and preparedness to strengthen the already very good relations between SSNIT and the Traditional Area.

She intimated that management is working hard to ensure that all SSNIT

lands across the country are developed in due time.

The Area Manager was accompa-nied by The Area Accounts Manager,Mr Desmond Amoah, the IT coordinator MrReginald Ayitey, Mr George Tutu Kyeremeh of the Sunyani Branch office and the Sunyani Area Corporate Affairs Representative, Mr Sylvester Teprey.

Mrs. Victoria Gifty Abaidoo addressing the members of MISUGHA

By Joseph Nkoo, Corporate Affairs Dept.

Ms Anyinsah (3rd from right), Nana Bosoma Aso Nkrawiri II (3rd from left) and the SSNIT delegation

By Sylvester Teprey, Area Corporate Affairs Rep.

16 February, 2016

THE month of February has come to be associated with love.This is evidenced with the celebration of Valentine Day which falls on February 14, every year.

The Day is marked in honour of St. Valentine, a Catholic Priest in Rome who was martyred in AD 269, for promoting love and kindness among all.

Being the month of love, NEWSSHEET hereby produces,courtesy of (MS. Mariska Araba Taylor-Darko) a renowned writer of the article, CYCLE OF LOVE - HOW TO AVOID UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS from her book – THE SECRET TO DETOXIFYING YOUR LIFE AND LOVE.

UNHEALTHY love? You may say, well it exists. Below are some of the signs that will let you know

whether you are in a healthy or unhealthy relationship and how you can make a change in your life.

1. Is your partner very critical of you all the time?2. Are you or your partner very jealous and posses-

sive?3. Do you refuse to forgive?4. Are you in a violent relationship?5. Do you always have to have the word regardless

of the consequence?6. Do you want to control each other’s movement all

the time?7. Do you cling to the person giving you grief

because you are afraid of being alone or afraid to leave?8. Are you afraid to go home?9. Are you being emotionally blackmailed by your

partner?10. Are you putting your all into the relationship but

your partner does not give you the time of the day, and shows no commitment?

11. Are you always unhappy?12. Do you want to change your partner to be more

like you?13. Are you afraid of your partner changing – improv-

ing themselves, becoming more outgoing?14. Are you unable to endure separation? 15. Are you in a relationship with someone else’s

partner?If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of these, then you are in

a relationship that is not healthy. But all is not lost. Some of these are simple to change to be able to give you the

best out of your relationship – to make it healthy again.There are many people who convince themselves

that their relationship are fine and yet, in private one or both of them going through hell. It is hard to help in this situation unless the parties themselves are willing because like other chronic bad habit, those affected are always in denial.

Extreme jealousy and possessivenessPeople who are very insecure of themselves are usu-

ally very jealous and possessive. Any move their partner makes is taken as a threat. Whether you come home late from work, dress up nicely, talk to another person either of the same or opposite sex or even interact with family, they get jealous and start arguments which can end up in violence. Partners are threatened and even forced to take decision to isolate themselves from everyone just to have peace and in that way the jealous partner gains control. The partner is self-centered and needs to take control. They will do anything to exert their authority. They always criticize, they make their partners feel guilty all the time and blame them for everything under the Sun. They put you down continuously so you feel no one else loves you but them,they make you lose respect and love for yourself. Unhealthy love just drains everyone, both the victim and the abuser.

Denial of the truthHave you ever told a friend the truth about their rela-

tionship and they become your enemy. How many people would say thank you to a friend who pointed out that they were in a destructive unhealthy relationship. Usually it is when the relationship ends or when they have reached rock bottom that they admit that all is not well. More likely they will try to justify everything the abuser does and give all manner of excuses for them,

for example;• “I caused it, it’s not his/ her fault”• “He / she is having a bad time at work”• “They are under pressure now”• “I should not have upset him / her, so it was my

fault”• “I bumped into the door”• “I fell down the stairs”• “You are jealous of my relationship”

17 February, 2016

LOVE IS A CYCLEWhen you love, you get hurtWhen you get hurt, you hate

When you hate, you try to forget.When you try to forget, you start missing.

And when you start missing ...You will eventually fall in love

If you have a friend whom you trust and who is honest with you, always listen to them because they don’t have the same tunnel vision you have and they see things from different perspective. They are on the outside looking in. If they know you very well they will see that things are not going well and that you are unhappy.

Lack of forgiveness When you have tendency not to forgive you realize that

nothing the person does will ever please you, you harbor mistrust and anger and are always ready to accuse and refer the person back to the past issue time and time again. You slowly eat yourself up inside and are and are continu-ously depressed. This causes pain inside you and is a sure way of channeling disease into your body. You can suffer from stress, high blood or cancer and many other things because you are carrying around this heavy load of poison that can kill you. We produce toxins in our body and these turn settle in the liver. Since the action of unforgiveness doesn’t go away, the liver continues to store these toxins in it and the result is liver degeration.

Forgiveness is paramount to a happy personal life “To err is human, to forgive is divine” and it is true – it is hard to forgive but when you do, you remove all bad inner feel-ings from you.

You feel the negative vibes melt away from you and your heart becomes free. Of course you won’t forget the pain caused but you will no longer dwell on it and you start to live your life again. Make it a point to forgive because it is you it affects more than the other person. They may be happily going about their business, not

thinking of anything and you constantly burn up inside every time you see them, your blood pressure rises, your teeth clench together and you end up with a headache and back ache and it can even affect your spine. “Forgiveness heals” – remember that! You move forward when you let go – you are no longer a victim but now opening yourself up to experiencing the love you deserve.

Obsessive LoveUsually when a person in a relationship becomes

obsessive they confuse this with love and loose emotional control. This is an unending cycle. I am sure you will recognize some of these if it has happened to you and you will be able to identify what level you are now at.

First Level – you get attracted overwhelmingly with the person and become hooked. You look for the slightest bit of attention from the person you are interested in and attracted to. You rush into the relationship without think-ing of whether they are compatible and you don’t think of the differences in character and their background. You fantasize about your love interest and then the control-ling behavior starts to show. You don’t take time to study the person or get to know their good or bad traits which would even be a signal foryou to either end it or start it.

Second Level – you start to get worried and anxious and have a fear of losing the person. You are always phoning them up at all hours to talk with them and you constantly keep in touch with them, leaving no breathing space, you just have to know where they are and what they are doing every minute of the day, confusing this with love. You get jealous, feel sick inside and depressed

By MS. Mariska Araba Taylor-DarkoAn author and a member of the Ghana Association of Writers

18 February, 2016

Mr. Anthony Arthur, Security Service Co-ordinator, SSNIT

Contemporary security threats have become a con-cern to humanity and criminals (international and national) are devising all methods and employing

the technologies available to achieve their aims. It is essential for individuals and communities to know

and understand that generally, threat to security is threat to all humanity.

Thus, we need to know of security issues in our environment and develop a strong sense of awareness and behavioral adjustments, to prevent or reduce security challenges.

Security in general is a collective responsibility it thus requires the collective efforts of us all, to ensure that our environment is safe.

However, personal security is an individual responsi-bility so every individual must devise means to maintain his or her safety. This means we need to develop a strong sense of security awareness of our environment to ensure we live in safety.

Generally, we need to use common sense, follow our instincts and take precautionary measures to reduce, if not avert security risks.

Secondly, we must be conscious of details about strange events, and happenings, people, locations and incidents, to enable us give good accounts or description as and when required to do so.

Below are some security and safety titbits: Please note they are not absolute.

1) TITBITS IN THE HOUSE.Do not be complacent with security in the house.

Several criminal attacks are preceded by surveillance by perpetrator(s).

Conduct physical security assessments of your houses and the external environment constantly and improve upon them.

Know your neighbourhood very well and be on your guard for unexpected attackers at all times, especially nights.

OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING:1. Ensure that your house is well fenced and may

have additional security features like electric fencing or concertina razor over the fence wall (especially back and side walls) if you can afford them. Guard dogs and CCTV facilities are also recommended.

2. Ensure your compound is well lit, including the entrances. Criminals operate mostly under the cover of darkness. A well lit compound could ward off criminals.

3. Ensure your doors and burglary proofs are very strong and well designed to prevent burglary. Always keep window curtains down to prevent your room from being seen from outside, especially at night.

4. Always ensure doors and windows are well

locked before you go to bed or leave the house. Never sleep with windows opened at night, even if they are well secured with strong iron bars.

5. Avoid keeping keys in keyholes after locking doors, especially main doors; if one robber enters your room, it will make the opening of the main door easy for the rest to enter and operate.

6. Do not open your door to person(s) you cannot identify until you are convinced. Be careful of persons who approach you in your neighbourhood to seek assis-tance or direction to a place.

7. Carry out periodic inspections of your house and repair all faults as soon as practicable. Monitor the arti-san who fixes door keys, to prevent him from keeping or producing duplicates.

8. Do not leave ladders, machetes, crowbars, axes,etc. on your compound; criminals can use them against you.

9. Devise and use several routes to work and back. Avoid undue delays at your main entrance, especially at night. Do not drive straight into your house, if you observe strange and suspicious person(s) or car parked at your entrance, drive past your gate and re-assess the situ-ation before entering.

10. Ensure your vehicle is well locked at all times, even in the garage.

11. Ensure you have the phone numbers of neigh-bours you can call in emergencies to assist you.

12. Do not leave your valuable items outside. Keep all valuables under lock at all times.

13. Good solid doors are vital and never have exte-

SECURITY TITBITS... SECURITY TITBITS...

19 February, 2016

Another worker doing the arm stretch execise

Instructor Bright Obeng (right) supervising fitness training

ROYAL MODERN GYM

rior glass doors. Have a peephole, and reinforce your doors with security bars, strong locks and bolts.14. Educate your household on fire prevention and fighting and ensure fire extinguishers are available and usable

at all times.15. Always rehearse and keep in memory what action you would take if confronted by an attacker. Be aware, there

is no right or wrong way to respond to an attack. Each situation will be different but generally you can apply the following:I. Talk your way out and give in to the demands of the attacker(s) if that is the only option, to save your life.II. Have a safe room or emergency exit in your house where you can take cover until help arrives, or escape to

safety.III. Shout for help or fight back if you have the capacity and means to do so. To be continuedBy Mr. Anthony ArthurSecurity Services Co-ordinator

The Latin phrase “Mens sana in copore sano” usually translated, a sound mind in a sound body suggests that physical exercise helps in a person’s mental and psychological well-being, and Mrs Araba Mansa Pratt Ennin, an intern with the Corporate Affairs Department therefore decided to visit the gymnasium within the car park block at the Pension House to observe the fitness programmes being undertaken by many workers from the banks and other departments within the Ministries environs. Kindly enjoy her article.

IT’S six in the morning and although it’s early, hearts are pounding and muscles straining as people follow the lead of Bright Obeng, the popular

aerobics instructor at the gym located on the ground floor of the car parking complex. He turns to his class and encourages them with a smile. His smile seems to give the class a boost of energy and they resume their aerobics with renewed zeal.

Royal Modern Gym has been operating from the ground floor of the SSNIT Car Park since 2013 and offer gymnasium services to people who live around Ridge and its environs from Monday to Saturday. They also have three trainers available to help patrons with their exercise plans and aerobics. Royal Modern Gym also offers massage and dietary services on demand.

Exercising is a fad which has gained popularity with a section of the public who are concerned about maintaining a healthy weight as part of healthy liv-ing. Drinking detox water, wearing waist trainers and taking supplements to increase weight loss are all popular means that people use to try and achieve the perfect figure. Due to the rising reported cases of heart diseases and the changes in lifestyle of people, more people are resorting to exercise as a way to control their weight.

Royal Modern Gym is open from 6am to 8pm. The gym is fitted with different types of equipment from

20 February, 2016

Some workers exercising on the treadmill

treadmills, kettle bells, leg curl machines, dumbbells and a squat rack to mention a few. The gym normally organises aerobic classes from 6am to 7am which is highly patronised by ladies. The men love body building movements to increase muscle size. Averagely, one would find a ratio of eight ladies to two men participating in the aerobics sessions.

For a cool monthly subscription of GH 80.00, one can have access to the gym equipment and with a top up of twenty cedis, one can have access to both the gymnasium and the aerobics sessions. However, if one is not inclined towards exercising at the gym, there are various alternatives for staff members.

Climbing up or down the stairs and taking periodic breaks to walk down the corridor are great ways to exercise whilst at work. So let’s get fit and exercise for a healthy body.

By Mrs. Araba Mansa Pratt Ennin, An Intern, Corporate Affairs Department

21 February, 2016

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

With the new initiatives introduced at the Records and Archives Repositories, the Benefits Division will be serializing excerpts on Records Management for staff enlightenment and perusal. The maiden edition is as follows:

INTRODUCTION

Although most of us might not be aware that we are creating and handling SSNIT records, we indi-vidually create and manage information that we con-sider to be important. As employees of the Trust, we constantly/occasionally make decisions or create or handle information that affect the legal, operational, fiscal, or administrative needs of the Trust.

The Public Records and Archives Administration (PRAAD) Act – 1997 (Act 535) legally obliges the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to keep full and accurate records of its activities. The creation of adequate documenta-tion and the preservation of the Trust’s records are thus required by law. As a public institution, we have public record-keeping responsibilities. The Trust’s Records Management Policy and the Human Resource Management (HRM) manual require that “record” information be secured, controlled, main-tained, appraised and disposed of properly.

WHY RECORDS MANAGEMENT?

The goal of records management is to identify and maintain records that document the Trust’s orga-nizational, operational & administrative functions, policies, procedures, decisions, and essential transac-tions of projects.

Records management provides a rational basis for deciding what recorded information should be saved, discarded, or preserved.

But what benefits do we gain from effective man-agement of records?

In addition to being mandated by law, effective records management provides significant benefits to

the Trust. These include:

i. Efficient retrieval of information capabilities to help staff do their jobs;

ii. Legal protection of the rights of SSNIT and its employees;

iii. Proper accountability and responsiveness to customers, stakeholders and the public;

iv. Preservation of institutional memory and historical record;

v. Reduced workload, redundancy, paperwork, and clutter;

vi. Reduced operating costs; andvii. Better support for management decision-

making.

ARE THERE ANY PENALTIES FOR UNAUTHORIZED DISPOSAL/DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS?

Records created or acquired by an official or employee of the Trust in the course of conducting official business are the property of the Trust. The penalty for the wilful and unlawful removal, muti-lation, obliteration, or destruction of any SSNIT record:-

• Constitutes a major offense (under Group II) and is punishable by Summary Termination of Appointment (See Section III of the Employee Handbook); (Internal) or

• A fine or a maximum of two years in prison or both (see section 24 of the Public Records and Archives Administration Act – 1997 (ACT 535). (External)

All employees are responsible for reporting any actual or threatened unlawful loss or removal of offi-cial records to his/her Supervisor, Records Manager, the General Manager responsible for records man-agement or the office of the Director General.

To be continued.

22 February, 2016

PROSECUTIONSSSNIT COURTS ( January 2016)CASES – 2015CATEGORY TOTAL NO. OF CASES AMOUNT (GH¢000)CASES INITIATEDCases Filed in Court 210 4,934.25New Cases Initiated 309 5,070.33Cases Disposed of 221 712.83Arrears/J-Debt retrieved January 2016 3,429.83Cases Pending in Court as at January 2016

529 13,215.52

ARREARS / JUDGEMENT DEBT RETRIEVED MONTH AMOUNT (GH¢000)December 2,474.53January 3,429.83

CATEGORY TARGET (GH¢'000)

ACTUAL (GH¢'000)

VARIANCE % PERFOMANCE

Private Establishment 105,321.97 88,998.84 (16,323.13) 84.5Sub-vented 2,076.32 0.00 (2,076.32) 0.0CAGD** 560,516.82 71,927.07 (488,589.75) 12.8TOTAL 667,915.11 160,925.91 (506,989.20) 24.1

STATISTICS ON OPERATIONS CONTRIBUTIONS COLLECTED (JANUARY 2016)

** A/c General’s Target represents arrears as at December 2015 plus unpaid current contributions for the month of January 2016 (i.e. moving target).

NAME DEPARTMENT / BRANCH

JOB TITLE

Mr. Michael Kwadzo Security Security AssistantMr Daniel Sarpong Secondment Chief Executive O� cer /

Oguaa Hotels

Ms. Margaret Duah Weija Stenographer SecretaryMr. Kenneth Augustine Affor Ho Acounts Offi cerMr. Victor Odartey Aryee Lump Sum Benefi ts AssistantMr Huudu Adam Gambaga Benefi ts Assistant / Cashier

Rev. Kwaku Osei Bimpong Offi ce of the General Manager, Special Projects

G. M. Special Projects

STAFF RETIREMENTThe under-mentioned staff retired from the Trust in the month of FEBRUARY 2016.

23 February, 2016

CATEGORY TARGET (GH¢'000)

ACTUAL (GH¢'000)

VARIANCE(GH¢’000)

PERFORMANCE%

Private Establishments 9,167.56 15,113.97 5,946.41 164.9Controller and Accountant General 560,516.82 71,927.07 (488,589.75) 12.8Sub-Vented Organisations 742.68 0.00 (742.68) 0.00TOTAL 570,427.06 87,041.04 (483,386.02) 15.3

ARREARS RETRIEVED ( JANUARY 2016)

CATEGORY NOVEMBER 2015 DECEMBER 2015 JANUARY 2016New Workers Registered 13,614 11,006 20,917New Establishments Registered 567 329 522

NEW ESTABLISHMENT / WORKER REGISTRATION

STATISTICS ON PENSIONS – JANUARY 2016In the month of January 2016, 157,0790.

BENEFITS Jan 2016 (GH¢) Since Inception (GH¢)Highest Pension 19,823.85 29,677.50 (Indexed)Lowest Pension 276.00 0.50Average Pension 723.18 -Highest 25% L/S 525,619.69 738,102.00Lowest 25% L/S 94.34 0.10

ISSUED BY THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT01/03/2016

***********************

JANUARY 2016

Active Worker Population 1,245,319

JANUARY 2016

ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP STATUS