Isaac Donkor, Former National Chairman of the Senior Staff Association, UG chapter, has voiced deep frustration over the government’s neglect of pensioners in Ghana.
Speaking on ABC Midday News on Monday, September 16, 2024, Donkor stated that pensioners are treated with little regard, likening their plight to that of prisoners.
“Elsewhere, if you are a pensioner, you enjoy life. But in Ghana, you are close to being a prisoner because we don’t pay much attention to our pension funds,” he lamented.
His comments come as the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG) has embarked on a nationwide strike, beginning Monday, September 16, 2024, due to the government’s inability to address their concerns.
A statement signed by National Chairman George Ansong on September 13 emphasized the union’s frustration with the government’s inaction despite numerous protests and negotiations.
The statement highlighted key grievances, including the delay in remitting Tier Two deductions to fund managers and the failure to revise vehicle maintenance allowances as previously agreed.
Donkor added, “We’ve made personal calls, exchanged text messages, and written official letters, but no acknowledgment.”
Donkor strongly warned against politicizing their actions, making it clear that their strike was in defense of pensioners’ rights.
“We care for our pension, and nobody should read meanings into what we are doing. We are not interested in politics,” he declared.
He urged Ghanaians to understand that the union’s fight is for fairness and accountability in pension management, reiterating that their concerns cut across all political parties, not just the current administration.
