A major scandal has erupted within the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) following shocking revelations about the prolonged absenteeism of an employee, Ms. Gloria Nkrumah.

Documents obtained through the Right to Information Act have uncovered severe lapses in oversight, with Ms. Nkrumah reportedly showing up to work for only 203 days over four years.

This revelation has raised serious concerns about favouritism, abuse of power, and systemic failures within SSNIT, one of Ghana’s key public institutions.

An analysis of SSNIT’s electronic attendance system paints a troubling picture of Ms. Nkrumah’s attendance record:

2021: 53 days 2022: 102 days 2023: 4 days 2024 (up to October): 44 days

Despite this high absenteeism rate, Ms. Nkrumah remained on the SSNIT payroll without facing disciplinary action, raising questions about internal accountability mechanisms.

Insiders allege that Ms. Nkrumah’s employment was protected by high-ranking SSNIT officials, particularly the recently ousted Deputy Director-General, Michael Addo, and General Manager of Administration, Jonathan Akyeampong.

Their alleged influence shielded her from scrutiny and enabled her continued absence from duty.

A senior SSNIT official, speaking anonymously, described the situation as deeply troubling.

“When an employee can virtually abandon their job without facing consequences, it undermines accountability and fairness in public service,” the official stated.

Amid mounting public pressure, SSNIT has launched an internal investigation into Ms. Nkrumah’s conduct, focusing on her attendance records and medical claims.

While the findings of the medical board remain confidential, SSNIT has clarified that no foreign medical bills were paid on her behalf, dismissing earlier speculations of financial abuse.

On June 6, 2024, SSNIT finally took action by suspending Ms. Nkrumah’s salary payments.

Management has also directed the General Manager of Administration and HR to issue a formal query regarding her absence, requiring a response within 48 hours.

If she fails to justify her prolonged absence, further disciplinary actions, including possible termination, could follow.

Many observers, however, question why it took so long for the action to be taken, considering SSNIT’s own HR Manual (2011) outlines clear policies on vacation of post.

Labour relations expert Dr. Augustus Kwame Mensah has described this case as “unprecedented in Ghana’s public sector.”

He emphasized the need for strong internal controls, stating:

"An employee being absent for nearly 85% of their required working time raises serious concerns about SSNIT’s oversight mechanisms.

How was she allowed to continue receiving a salary for so long?"

The case has also sparked civil society outcry, with governance expert Philomena Owusu-Agyapong calling for a comprehensive audit of public institutions to uncover similar abuses.

"This isn’t just about one employee; it reflects a deep-rooted problem in Ghana’s public service.

We need urgent reforms to prevent these abuses from continuing,” she asserted.

Further investigations suggest that Ms. Nkrumah may have exploited SSNIT’s medical leave provisions.

After taking paid annual leave in the USA in 2022, she allegedly refused to return to Ghana, citing dubious medical excuses throughout 2023.

Shockingly, despite her absence, she continued to receive:

Full salary and allowances Fuel stipends Other employment benefits

This clear violation of SSNIT policies, the Public Services Manual, and Ghanaian labour laws raises questions about how such irregularities went unchecked for so long.

Critics have also highlighted the inconsistencies in SSNIT’s disciplinary actions, pointing to cases where lesser infractions led to severe punishments.

For instance, an employee at SSNIT’s Hohoe branch was dismissed over a minor infraction involving just GH¢280, yet Ms. Nkrumah’s prolonged absence—costing the state tens of thousands of cedis—went unpunished for years.

This glaring disparity in treatment has fueled public calls for fair and transparent enforcement of workplace rules.

A memo dated April 15, 2024, from SSNIT’s General Counsel to the General Manager of Administration and HR, explicitly ordered that all unlawful salary payments made to Ms. Nkrumah in 2023 must be refunded.

This directive signals a growing push for accountability within the organization.

The controversy has also attracted the attention of Parliament’s Select Committee on Employment, which has called for a comprehensive audit of attendance and payroll systems across public institutions.

"This case could be just the tip of the iceberg. We need to ensure public funds are not wasted on ghost workers or perpetually absent employees," a committee member stated.