SSNIT TO ENROLL MORE SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has rolled out an initiative to provide pension and other related benefits to self-employed workers in the informal sector.

The initiative, dubbed Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED), seek to registering 500,000 self-employed workers and reactivating 250,000 dormant contributors in 2023.

The SEED also focused on enrolling persons and workers in the informal sector on the SSNIT scheme, to contribute regularly from their full earnings, to earn pension during old age.

Speaking at the launched in Kumasi, the Director General for SSNIT, Dr. John Ofori- Tenkorang explained that SSNIT is expected to provide contributors with social protection, reduce poverty and over-dependence on family relations and friends during old age.

According to him, available data shows that out of the estimated 9.9 million working population, 6.7 million are self-employed. Out of the self-employed population, only 600,000 persons have some form of social security.

He describes the situation as worrying, urged Ghanaians particularly those in the informal sector to take part in this initiative to secure their future.

“This implies that about 90 percent of self-employed workers do not have any form of social security cover,” He stated.

He also emphasize that valuable lessons have been learnt from the engagement and this has shaped the rollout of the scheme.

“SEED will help redefine social security in this country and give hope to the self-employed; the hope that they can retire in dignity and comfort.” He added.

On her part, the Board Chair of SSNIT, Elizabeth Ohene, noted that she was happy that the launch of SEED has come at a time when she chairs the board of trustees of SSNIT.

She indicated reports show that of the two million people in the country who are above 60 years, only 11% receive regular pensions. This means that many people in active service are burdened with taking care of their aged parents and relatives.

This trend is expected to continue if immediate steps are not taken to address it.

Mrs Elizabeth Ohene said, “The fact that we are now doing this after more than 50 years of existence of SSNIT is simply not right, but I am very excited and encouraged that we are finally doing so.

” I think that several millions of workers in the country have no assurance of monthly pensions during their old age is quite scary.” She said.

She appealed the leadership of the various self-employed groups who were present at the launch of SEED encouraged their members to prioritise the SSNIT pension and sign onto the scheme to enjoy the benefits and income security.

The Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Mr. Bright Wireko-Brobbey, lauded SSNIT for the giant steps it is taking to provide pension cover to the self-employed.

He urged the management of SSNIT to encourage contributors to periodically update the records of their beneficiaries.

He said, “Most people, after registration forget to update their records. So, we have instances where people register at an early stage of their lives and after their death, it comes out that none of their children nor spouse was nominated.

I will urge the management of SSNIT to remind contributors to update their records.”