SSNIT Kumasi gears up for biometric registration exercise

The Social Security and National insurance Trust (SSNIT) is introducing a new application system to automate its core business activities.

Under the initiative known as operational business smile, employers and all existing scheme members will be biometrically registered and given smart cards.

Kumasi Area Manager of SSNIT, Allandu Azu says the exercise which begins next month would be carried out in five phases at employers’ premises, SSNIT branch offices and other designated areas agreed by SSNIT and pensioners.

The first phase involves the registration of active members of 54 years and above, inactive members and pensioners, followed by active and inactive members of 50 years and above.

Active and inactive members below 50 years will have their turn in the third phase with a mop up to cover members who are not captured in the first three phases.

Students in tertiary institutions and informal sector contributors will be registered last. The exercise is meant to facilitate quick verification of member identity, eliminate multiple registration and minimize fraud.

Members will be given 12-digit social security numbers instead of the existing 8-digit numbers and card holders will be able to access information at designated points, described by officers as information kiosks.

“Identification is very important so that nobody can impersonate, especially when it comes to claims,” said Mr. Azu, adding that the biometric data will ease accurate and prompt payment of claims.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh