According to him, the use of the software is costing SSNIT more money because it is not fully functional and requires regular maintenance, subsequent modifications, and yearly support fees.

[contextly_sidebar id=”pl7MNtXSUs3LhlvN4MizleoR5OEYL6Xr”]He told Citi News in an interview that the last update he received on the cost of the system software was $72 million instead of the $66 million widely publicized in the media.

“…so the number is still ticking and it’s running so the number is huge, I can tell you it’s in excess of $66 million..The last time a number was communicated to me, the number stood at $72 million but I can tell you that the system is still not functioning as it should and each time we have to make revisions or get certain corrections made, these things are billed as change requests which are also billable so until the system is fully deployed and working properly,” he said.

“There is a chance that the number will be bigger than what I’ve actually mentioned to you right now,” he added.

The OBS software was to help in networking all branches of SSNIT across the country to enable them to receive real-time data directly from the headquarters in Accra and enhance the efficiency of its services.

About 5 people are currently being investigated by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for their involvement in the acquisition of the OBS software which smacks of financial malfeasance.

The Board Chairman of SSNIT, Kwame Addo Kufuor in an earlier interview with Citi News said about 15 people have already appeared before EOCO as witnesses in the matter.

Meanwhile, some previous Chairpersons and members of the SSNIT have denied their involvement in the approval of the deal to procure the software which may say has a bloated cost.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Cost of SSNIT’s $66m software will increase – Director appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This was revealed by the Director-General of the SSNIT, Dr. John Ofori Tenkorang in an interview with Citi News.

[contextly_sidebar id=”1fpyrxvwAekkLIb72HOxDCTseqeSDQCv”]He said SSNIT was incurring more cost over the software because it intermittently experienced challenges that required technicians to rectify.

Dr. Tenkorang said the $72 million included the cost of the original tender, subsequent modifications, and yearly support fees.

He further indicated that the $72 million cost will continue to appreciate until the system is fully deployed and works effectively.

“…so the number is still ticking and it’s running so the number is huge, I can tell you it’s in excess of $66million..The last time a number was communicated to me, the number stood at $72million but I can tell you that the system is still not functioning as it should and each time we have to make revisions or get certain corrections made, these things are billed as change requests which are also billable so until the system is fully deployed and working properly, there is a chance that the number will be bigger than what I’ve actually mentioned to you right now,” he said.

Meanwhile, a former Director-General of SSNIT, Dr Ernest Thompson, has said there is nothing wrong with the $66million software contract approved by the previous board.

About 5 people are currently being investigated by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for their involvement in the acquisition of the OBS software.

The Board Chairman of SSNIT, Kwame Addo Kufuor in an interview with Citi News said about 15 people have already appeared before EOCO as witnesses.

The software was to help in networking all branches of SSNIT across the country to enable them to receive real-time data directly from the headquarters in Accra and enhance efficiency.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post SSNIT software project cost $72m, not $66m – SSNIT boss appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Reports say the software was to network all branches of SSNIT across the country to enable them to receive data directly to the headquarters and enhance efficiency.

However, the current administration at a media interaction on Tuesday criticized the move.

The Board of SSNIT has since engaged the services of an audit firm, Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) to audit the transaction.

The Director General, Finance, Administration and MIS at SSNIT, Mr. Michael Addo explained that investigations would throw more light into the purchase of the software.

“SSNIT acquired a new operating system called BOS; it is designed to improve SSNIT’s operating processes, to make if fast so that we can all network before then we had a hot spot of different systems that we were using. We did spend quite a little bit of money on that to acquire the software and the hardware,” he said.

He added, “As we are speaking, there are a few areas that we are tightening up. It’s not one hundred percent; there are a few areas that we are working on improving, with respect to the cost of it on whether it is working or not, it is best to wait for the outcome of the PWC report.”

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Kwame Addo Kuffour said further investigations will be carried out by EOCO and the appropriate punishment meted out to those found culpable.

“I saw EOCO with their reports yesterday and you know EOCO is a secretive thing, they are not to open but from my conversations with them, I gather about five people are being investigated and about fifteen have been called as witnesses but five are currently under investigation,” he said.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Five under investigation over $66m SSNIT software deal appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.