By Sarah Baafi
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), in consultation with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), has approved a 10 per cent pension indexation for 2026, with a significant boost for low-income pensioners.
The decision, taken in accordance with Section 80 of the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766), places strong emphasis on cushioning pensioners at the lower end of the pension scale while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the Scheme.
As part of the 2026 indexation, the minimum monthly pension for new pensioners has been increased from GH¢300 to GH¢400. Pensioners currently on the minimum pension of GH¢300 will, however, receive GH¢409.56 per month, following the application of indexation and redistribution. This represents a 36.52 per cent increase for pensioners on the minimum pension.
SSNIT explained that the overall 10 per cent indexation will be implemented through a fixed increase of six per cent for all pensioners, alongside a redistributed flat amount of GH¢91.56, drawn from the remaining four per cent. This redistribution mechanism is intended to reduce disparities and ensure meaningful pension increases for low-earning beneficiaries, in line with the solidarity principle underpinning social security.
According to SSNIT, factors that informed the 2026 indexation include salary growth among active contributors, projected average inflation of 8 ± 2 per cent by the end of 2025, and the impact of the adjustment on the Fund’s long-term sustainability.
The Trust noted that while higher-earning pensioners will receive increases closer to the general indexation rate, lower-income pensioners will experience significantly higher effective increases due to the strengthened minimum pension floor and redistribution. Consequently, the highest-earning SSNIT pensioner, who received GH¢201,792.37 as at 31st December 2025, will receive GH¢213,991.47 per month in 2026.
SSNIT reaffirmed its statutory responsibility to periodically adjust pensions to help preserve their real value amid changing economic conditions, while safeguarding the Scheme for future generations. The Trust also reminded pensioners that pension payments are made on the third Thursday of every month.
