He pointed out that to become a pensioner was not easy especially if the person stayed in a government facility or bungalow whence the need for savings could not be overemphasized.
Professor Opoku-Amankwagave the advice at a Staff Durbar and Business Activation Fair held in Accra on Thursdaydubbed: “Estates Properties and Banks.”
“Having a place to lay your head is very important but a big challenge to many, sometimes when you look at how small your salary is you might not save for the future and that won’t help,” he said.
Explaining that, there was a need for one to find ways of securing the future, as that had compelled the board and management of GES to bring in various banks and estate developers to help reduce the burdens on employees.
“We want to try and avoid the burdens and learn from experiences of our elders to correct the situation when a person is no more active in work, the young staff should not think they are too young to save, there is no time for anyone,” he said.
Prof.Opoku-Amankwa further advocated the need for Ghanaians working to plan for their pension and not wait till the last minute before doing so.
For her part, the Director-General of Administration of GES, Mrs. Adwoa Osaebea Oduro-Konadu, stated that the fair would be organized quarterly in order to train and uphold employees.
“The idea was because, when employees were nearing their pension, where to stay was a problem due to lack of adequate funds, someone would work for over 40 years and would not have anything substantial to boost off,” she said.
Acknowledging the kind gestures of the organization bringing together people to help the staff achieve something profitable, Mrs Oduro-Konadu entreated them to take advantage of the opportunity given.
“This is a big opportunity for the employees, especially the young staff to take the opportunity given so they don’t regret when they go on pension,” she noted.
Seven property developers and six banks were present including the Ghana Commercial Bank, Republic Bank, AccessBank, Cal Bank, Adom Estate, Blue Rose Estate Limited, Western State Housing Corporation, Lake View Estate, Letshego Savings and Loans, National Housing and Mortgage Fund.