In May 2023, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) launched the Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at extending pension coverage to self-employed persons and workers in the informal sector .
This move is part of SSNIT’s efforts to ensure that every worker in the country, especially the self-employed, receives social security protection.
This initiative aims to provide pension coverage and social protection specifically tailored for self-employed and informal sector workers. The SEED program, branded as “Operation-A-Thon” (Ops-A-Thon), follows successful awareness campaigns in other regions such as Wa and Techiman, with the goal of informing self-employed workers about the benefits SSNIT offers, thus increasing their participation in the program.
As part of the Ops-A-Thon activities, SSNIT representatives are actively engaging with local communities by touring marketplaces and business areas while distributing informative materials like flyers and displaying placards with impactful messages. These messages highlight the various advantages of being part of the SSNIT Scheme, such as access to life insurance at no additional cost, the potential to receive significant income-based benefits, and complimentary enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme. The initiatives are accompanied by lively brass band music and direct conversations that inform potential members about the long-term benefits of joining SSNIT.
During a press briefing in Obuasi, SSNIT’s Chief Actuary, Mr. Joseph Poku, underscored the imperative for self-employed individuals to secure their financial future through the SSNIT Scheme.
He articulated the idea that all workers, regardless of their employment status, deserve a pension^ upon retirement.
Mr. Poku also emphasized the need to communicate the unique advantages of the SSNIT to the self-employed population.
By enhancing public understanding of what the Scheme entails, more informal sector workers are likely to join, thereby increasing overall participation in the social security system.
The SEED initiative has already shown success in other regions, with over 120,00 self-employed across Ghana registering as SSNIT members .
Similar campaigns have been held in Tarkwa, Techiman, Takorade, and Wa, promoting the benefits of the pension scheme to self-employed workers.
