The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) has urged Ghanaian workers to take a proactive interest in their retirement by ensuring that their employers regularly remit their pension contributions.
The Western Regional Manager of the NPRA, Mr. Ken Herbert Han, said workers should not leave their pension matters entirely in the hands of their employers but should periodically verify that contributions deducted from their salaries are paid into their pension accounts.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kojo Ennimil Arthur on Almighty FM’s Morning Show, Mr. Han noted that many workers only become concerned about their pensions when they are nearing retirement, a situation he described as unfortunate.
According to him, pension contributions are a legal obligation and a critical investment in every worker’s future, stressing that employees must make it a habit to monitor their contribution records to avoid unpleasant surprises after retirement.
“Workers must be intentional about their pensions. Don’t assume your employer is paying your contributions simply because deductions are made from your salary. Make it a point to verify your records regularly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NPRA has served notice that employers who fail to remit their workers’ pension contributions will face sanctions in accordance with the National Pensions Act.
The Authority’s Standards and Compliance Manager, Mr. Seth Sackey, warned that the NPRA would not hesitate to enforce the law against defaulting employers, insisting that pension contributions are statutory obligations and not optional payments.
He explained that employers who delay or fail to remit contributions not only violate the law but also jeopardise the retirement security of their employees.
“Employers who fail to pay their workers’ pension contributions are breaching the law and will be dealt with accordingly. We will continue to enforce compliance to protect the pensions of Ghanaian workers,” Mr. Sackey warned.
The NPRA continues to encourage both employers and employees to comply with the country’s pension regulations to ensure a secure and sustainable retirement system for all Ghanaian workers.
