GoL pensioners get increment

Hundreds of pensioners of the Government of Liberia (GOL) have received additional 10 percent and 15 percent respectively to their pension benefits through the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation or NASSCORP.

The disclosure was made to this paper by a former government procurement officer, Mr. Moses E. Green on 24 December. Green, 54, who appears very excited upon receipt of the information on his mobile phone, says the increment is not only timely, but demonstrates the Sirleaf administration’s commitment to improving the living condition of Liberians, who dedicate their services to the country.

According to him, with the increment added to his benefit, he will now receive over 5,000 Liberian Dollars unlike 4,000 LRD previously received. 62-year-old Gabriel Jimmy Menyan, who was pensioned from the former Rural Development Ministry, expresses gratitude to the government for the increment, which he says, came at the time when he was in dire need of money to celebrate X-Mas with his grand children.

He declines to disclose the amount added to his benefit, but expresses hope that the incoming government would continue from where President Sirleaf stops by paying pensioners’ benefits on time.

Other beneficiaries, who preferred anonymity, note that the decision by the government to increase benefits for pensioners did not come as a surprise because it is their right to receive better Social Security benefit for the time they worked for the state.

They commend President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and authorities of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) for showing great interest in the wellbeing of citizens who served the country.

This paper has received no official confirmation from both the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCOM) on the matter.

By Emmanuel Mondaye