BIA hails directive for SSNIT boss to proceed on leave

The Bureau for Internal Affairs (BIA), an anti-corruption organisation, on Monday, welcomed the decision by the government asking Dr Frank Odoom, Director General of Social Security and National Insurance (SSNIT) to proceed on leave prior to his retirement.

A statement issued by the Coordinating Director of the Bureau, Godfred Nkrumah, alleged that some members of management of SSNIT are misapplying the Pension fund and so the retirement of the Director General would pave the way for independent and impartial investigations into the matter.

The Bureau alleged underhand dealings due to administrative lapses created in order for some members of management to siphon the funds into their pockets.

“Because of that any report of financial malfeasance brought before management is not given any attention,” it said.

The statement said the alleged irregularities had led to agitations within the workers front.

It said a section of SSNIT contributors in Ashanti Region have expressed anger that although the 2010 audited report said the Regional Area Manager and the Accountant of the Trust misused Pension Funds, they were not punished.

The report indicted the Manager the Accountant for spending GH¢ 3.5 billion without approval.

The 2012 audited report claimed that the culprits also misappropriated funds under the cover of medical claims and car maintenance allowances.

“Our report indicates that the Ashanti Regional Area Manager had retired. This means that he retired freely and getting away with financial malfeasance."

BIA enquiry revealed that the reports were kept away from the SSNIT Board and, therefore, called on the new management to initiate independent investigations into all operations of the Trust in the regions to check these malpractices, which tend to undermine the contribution of workers towards their pension as well as the image of the organisation.

“The bureau is advocating the prosecution of all those found culpable to serve as a deterrent to others.

BIA is a centre for gathering information on public concerns, which aims at bridging the communication gap between the public and the authorities on issues negatively affecting the nation.