NPRA educates people of Koforidua and its environs during a regional outreach programme on the New Three Tier Pension Scheme.

As part of a nationwide education and sensitization activity embarked upon by the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), a forum was held at the Ascension Hall in Koforidua to educate and sensitize the people of Koforidua and its environs on the new 3-tier Pension Scheme.   Chairing the programme was Dr. Yaw Baah, a member of the Board with the support of Dr. Dan Seddoh, the Ag. CEO.  Moderating affairs of the programme was Rita A. Owusu, the Ag. Head of External Affairs, whiles presentations were made by Mr. E. Amartey-Vondee, the Ag. Head of Regulations and Mr. Francis E.K. Akoto of Ghana Revenue Authority.  Also in attendance were the Regional Commander of Immigration and some Regional Officials from SSNIT to mention a few.

The forum was held on the 12th and 13th July, 2011 for informal and formal sector workers respectively.  Over 500 participants attended the forum from the New Juabeng District of the Eastern Region.  This programme forms part of a nationwide education and sensitization programme which the Authority has embarked upon.

The forum focused among other things, features of the pensions reform in Ghana, its implementation, the role of employers and employees and the benefits of the new scheme. The participants were also extensively educated on the tax benefits and its implications under the National Pensions Act 2008 (Act 766).

Participants from the informal sector included members of Farmers Association, Traditional Healers Association, Association of the Physically Challenge, Second-hand Cloths Sellers, Professional Photographers, Drivers and Transport Unions, Wood Workers and Masons, Police Wives, Traders and other self employed persons.  The formal sector participants were mostly workers from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Security Agencies, Financial Institutions including Banks and Insurance Companies, Labour Unions and other individuals.  In order to enhance the presentation for the Informal Sector Group, there was a performance by the Centre for National Culture, which was very much appreciated by the participants.

The participants were encouraged to embrace the features of the new scheme and maximize its benefits to secure an income security during their retirement.

The authority will continue with this regional outreach agenda on the new 3-tier Pension Scheme for the benefit of its citizenry and hope to count on the collaboration of media partners in this regard.