SSNIT Clouted with GHc200,000 Fine
…Yaw Osarfo-Marfo Son’s Defiance Costs Trust Dearly
Critics are passionately condemning Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Marfo, the immediate ousted Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Marfo for his abysmal management style that has resulted in a staggering GHc200,000 administrative penalty on the Trust imposed by the Right to Information Commission. This penalty is not just a financial burden; it symbolizes a significant breach of trust and accountability that jeopardizes the hard-earned contributions of countless Ghanaian workers.
A History of Non-Compliance
The debacle began when this journalist sought vital information regarding SSNIT’s operations, including inquiries into alleged unlawful staff members and compensation packages for former executives. Despite multiple requests made from August to October 2024, SSNIT, under Osafo-Marfo’s leadership, failed to respond adequately, showcasing a blatant disregard for the principles of transparency mandated by the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).
The Commission’s ruling, following a thorough review of the requests, underscored that SSNIT’s failure to comply was not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it was a direct violation of citizens’ rights to access information. The Commission found that most requests did not fall under any exemptions justifying their denial, further highlighting the systemic mismanagement at SSNIT.
The Right to Information Commission, after assessing the review request submitted by the journalist, directed the Director-General to provide the necessary information to the applicant within a specified deadline. However, due to a blatant disregard for this order, SSNIT failed to take appropriate action. This failure to comply with the Commission’s directive ultimately led to the imposition of the administrative penalty, underscoring the serious consequences of non-compliance and the ongoing mismanagement within the institution.
The Financial Implications
The GHc200,000 fine is a direct consequence of Osafo-Marfo’s failure to uphold his responsibilities. This financial penalty, which must be settled within 14 days, will ultimately be taken from the funds meant for the benefit of SSNIT’s members. Such a significant loss could have been avoided had Osafo-Marfo prioritized compliance and transparency instead of allowing a culture of obfuscation to flourish.
Moreover, the ruling stipulates that failure to pay the fine within the designated period will incur an escalating penalty of 10 percent for each subsequent 14-day period of non-compliance. This punitive measure underscores the gravity of SSNIT’s transgressions and the Commission’s determination to hold the Trust accountable for its actions.
A Call for Accountability
There is a growing chorus of voices demanding that Osafo-Marfo personally bear the financial repercussions of this penalty, arguing that his mismanagement and refusal to act on the requests directly led to this detrimental fine. Reports indicate that all requests were processed and submitted to him, yet he failed to approve or sign them, resulting in SSNIT’s non-compliance with the RTI Commission.
“The actions of Osafo-Marfo have not only cost SSNIT a significant amount of money but have also jeopardized the contributions of hardworking Ghanaians,” stated a governance expert. “It is only fair that he is held accountable for his actions, rather than allowing the Trust and its members to suffer the consequences of his negligence.”
The Path Forward
As SSNIT prepares to transition to new leadership, it is essential that the lessons learned from this debacle are not forgotten. The institution must commit to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability to restore public trust. Civil society organizations and governance experts are advocating for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent such egregious mismanagement from recurring in the future.
The ruling against SSNIT serves as a stark reminder of the importance of good governance in public institutions. It is imperative that the new leadership prioritizes the interests of Ghanaian workers and ensures that their contributions are managed with the utmost integrity.
In conclusion, the GHc200,000 fine imposed on SSNIT is not merely a financial penalty; it reflects broader issues of accountability and governance that must be addressed. Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Marfo’s defiance and mismanagement have cost the Trust dearly, and it is only right that he is held accountable for the financial and reputational damage inflicted upon this vital institution. As Ghana moves forward, a commitment to transparency and accountability must be at the forefront of SSNIT’s operations, ensuring that the trust placed in them by Ghanaian workers is never again undermined.
Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah
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