GESOPS Digital Channels Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Last updated July 2025 – V025 1. (01.07.2025)

Background

The Ghana Education Service Occupational Pension Scheme (GESOPS) is a Tier-2 pension scheme registered and regulated by the National Pensions Regulatory Authority under the Pensions Act, 2008, (Act 766) as amended. The Scheme’s membership is drawn from employees of the Ghana Education Service. The Scheme’s Mission is to pay benefits to members and their beneficiaries through prudent investment policies, stakeholder involvement and member satisfaction.

Unless otherwise stated, GESOPS is the data controller for the information we process, to that end, we are conscious about how we process your personal information that is shared with us in the course of our provision of services to our members. This privacy policy aims to provide you with information about how we process your personal information. We will only process information that you have given us directly as a data controller or information that have come to us legitimately for the provision of services to you, or by our the Controller and Accountants Generals Department (CAGD) or the Ghana Education Service (GES) where we are processors in accordance with their instructions and in line with our obligations and your rights under The Data Protection 2012 (Act 843)

For the purposes of this policy and as defined by the Data Protection Act (Act 843) the following shall be defined as follows:

• Personal Data: data about an individual who can be identified from that data or from that data and other information which is or is likely to come into the possession of the data controller.
• Consent: any freely given, specific and informed indication of the wishes of the data subject by which the data subject agrees to the processing of personal data relating to the data subject
• Processing: an operation or activity or set of operations by automatic or other means that concerns data, such as collection, organization, adaptation, alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure, alignment, combination, blocking, erasure or destruction of personal data.
• Data Processor: a person other than an employee of the data controller who processes the data on behalf of the data controller.
• Data Controller: a person or an entity who either alone, jointly with other persons or entities or in common with other persons or entities or as a statutory body determines the purposes for and the manner in which personal data is processed or is to be processed.

Introduction

GESOPS is committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring your digital experience is safe, transparent, and secure. This Privacy Policy and Terms of Use (“Policy”) apply to all users who access or interact with our digital platforms, including our website https://gespensions.com.gh (the “Site”), Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”), Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (“USSD”) or web applications (“Applications”), or any services offered through these platforms (collectively “Services”).

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Policy. We reserve the right to update this Policy from time to time. Any changes will be effective once posted on the Site. Continued use of our Services following any updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

This Policy is to be read in conjunction with the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843). Where there is a conflict, the provisions of the Data Protection Act shall prevail.

Information We Collect

1. Personal Information

We may collect personal information when you:

• Access our Services
• Register for an account
• Interact with us through emails, SMS, or other electronic communications
• Participate in surveys or feedback activities
• Use features such as checking statements or updating personal details
• Submitting documentation for claims or redemptions

Personal information may include your:

• Staff ID
• Full name
• Mobile number
• Email address
• Password
• Location or device information
• Any additional data required for identification, verification, or use of the Services

2. Other Information

We also collect non-identifiable information (“Other Information”), such as:

• Site usage statistics (e.g., pages visited, time spent)
• Device/browser information
• Cookies
• Aggregated anonymous data

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, manage, and improve our Services
• Verify your identity and manage your account
• Communicate with you
• Respond to enquiries and support requests
• Conduct internal analytics and reporting
• Enhance security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations

We ensure only authorized GESOPS personnel or agents have access to your personal information, strictly for purposes outlined in this Policy.

Whom we might share your information with

Your information may be shared with:

• GESOPS Scheme service providers
• Authorized service providers, vendors, or partners
• Government authorities or regulators, as required by law
• Financial institutions and product providers

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place with any third parties we engage.

Data Transfers

Your information may be processed or stored in jurisdictions outside Ghana. By using our Services, you consent to this transfer. We ensure such transfers comply with the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843) and maintain appropriate protection standards.

Member Communication

We may send you updates about our services or offerings and essential service notifications related to your account or system maintenance.

Your Rights as a data subject

Under the Data Protection Act, 2012, you have the right to:

• To be informed
• Access, update, or amend your personal information
• Give and withdraw your consent at any time (where applicable)
• Request deletion or restriction of your data
• Object to unlawful data processing
• Prevent processing for direct marketing without consent
• Lodge complaints with the Data Protection Commission
• Freedom from automated decision making

To exercise these rights, email us at dps@gespensions.com.gh.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to:

• Enhance user experience and functionality
• Analyze site usage and improve services
• Personalize content and login sessions

You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain features of our Services.

Data Security & Retention

Security safeguards are of high importance to us; therefore, we continuously implement reasonable technical and organizational security measures and controls in place to protect your information. Some of the steps that we have implemented include the implementation of role-based access, access controls and encryption to our information technology and systems.

We do not, however, have any control over what happens between your device and the boundary of our information infrastructure. You should be aware that there are many information security risks that exist and continue to evolve, it is your responsibility to take the appropriate steps to safeguard your login credentials and personal data.

We retain your information for as long as necessary for service provision, legal compliance, or legitimate business purposes.

External Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party platforms. These are not governed by this Policy. We are not responsible for the content or data practices of external websites. We encourage you to read their respective privacy policies.

Contact Us

For questions, data access requests, complaints, or further information, contact:

GESOPS Trust
Email: dps@gespensions.com.gh

Registered Address

GES Occupational Pensions Scheme (GESOPS)
P. O. BOX LA 720
La – Accra
Location: GESOPS Trust Building, 1B Sixth Circular RD, Cantonment, Accra
Phone: 059 692 1135