The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has rolled out a new Annual Pensioner Certificate Renewal Policy requiring all pensioners to renew their certificates every year to ensure the integrity of their benefits.

The policy, aimed at protecting the pensions of over 257,000 retirees, will take effect from April 2026.
The initiative marks a significant shift from the previous system, which only validated pensioners after 12 years, when they turned 72 under the old Social Security Law, 1991 (PNDC Law 247), or 75 under the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766).

At the launch in Accra, Frank Molbila, SSNIT’s General Manager in charge of Benefits, explained that the new policy ensures that annuities are paid to eligible beneficiaries while also enabling timely cessation upon a pensioner’s death.

“This new policy of asking every pensioner to authenticate or go through a pensioner certificate remains very beneficial to pensioners. The key reason for this policy revision is to protect their benefits while alive and also when they are no more,” Mr Molbila said.

He noted that pensioners who fail to renew their certificates beyond 72 or 75 years will be deemed deceased, and their names will be removed from the pension payroll. The policy also ensures that survivor benefits are correctly paid to nominated beneficiaries.

“Your money should go to who you say it should go to when you are no more,” he added.

Mr Molbila emphasised that the annual renewal will help safeguard contributor funds, maintain accurate records, and enhance the overall integrity of the pension system.

To make compliance convenient, SSNIT has introduced multiple channels for certificate renewal, including:


  • SSNIT Mobile App with facial verification for resident and non-resident pensioners

  • Virtual branches online

  • Partner banks, including selected GCB Bank and Ecobank branches

  • All 53 SSNIT branches nationwide

  • Home visits for pensioners with mobility challenges, which can be scheduled via the SSNIT contact centre at 0302 611 622

SSNIT will also send reminders at least one month before each pensioner’s birth month to ensure no one is left behind.

Earlier, Adam Sulley, Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations and Benefits, highlighted that the clear guidance on the policy is intended to eliminate ambiguities in previous notices.

“Our aim is to ensure that every pensioner knows exactly what to do, where to go and the channels available, particularly for those who may have mobility challenges,” Mr Sulley said.

Pensioners will now be required to renew their certificates annually during their birth month, providing a continuous confirmation that the right person is receiving the correct benefits.

The policy is expected to protect public funds, prevent fraudulent claims, and ensure that pensions are accurately disbursed to those legitimately entitled, making it a crucial step in strengthening Ghana’s social security system.