The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is ramping up efforts to extend its pension scheme to self-employed individuals and workers in the informal sector, as part of its Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED).
In a recent outreach on Spintex Road, a vibrant business hub in Accra, SSNIT staff engaged with informal workers and small business owners, educating them on the benefits of joining the pension scheme. The initiative is part of an ongoing campaign, launched in May 2023, to improve social security protection for Ghana’s informal workforce.
Since SEED’s launch, the number of self-employed contributors has seen remarkable growth, increasing from 13,000 to over 120,000.
SSNIT’s Director-General, Mr. Kofi Osafo-Maafo, emphasized the importance of incorporating the informal sector into the nation’s social security framework.
“The informal sector represents the largest segment of Ghana’s workforce, and we are determined to make it a vital part of our operations,” he said.
As part of “Operation-A-Thon (Ops-A-Thon),” SSNIT staff have taken the campaign nationwide, visiting markets, business hubs, and streets in Wa, Techiman, Tarkwa, Koforidua, Obuasi, Somanya, and other areas. The goal is to educate informal sector workers on the advantages of SSNIT’s scheme, which offers benefits such as old age pensions, invalidity pensions, and survivor benefits.
Mr. Osafo-Maafo described the SSNIT pension scheme as Ghana’s most secure option, providing contributors with comprehensive protection beyond traditional savings.
“Unlike savings with susu collectors or other financial institutions, SSNIT provides life insurance, invalidity benefits, and a defined benefit pension scheme. This means contributors can predict their future benefits, offering unmatched financial security,” he explained.
The response to the campaign has been positive, with substantial enrollment growth since its inception. However, Mr. Osafo-Maafo noted that there is still more work to be done.
“This is not a one-time campaign; it’s a continuous process to ensure that informal workers benefit from social protection,” he said.
SSNIT has also invested in accessibility, including opening a new branch on Spintex Road to cater to the area’s active business community.
“This expansion reflects our commitment to ensuring every worker, formal or informal, can access the best pension services available,” Mr. Osafo-Maafo added.
Encouraging informal sector workers to join the scheme, he appealed: “If you are in the informal sector, SSNIT offers you the most secure pension in Ghana. Join us today and secure your future.”
SSNIT’s nationwide efforts to educate, enroll, and support workers aim to create a sustainable and inclusive pension system that benefits all Ghanaians.
