The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has kicked off its 2024 Mobile Service Week in Elmina, Central Region, with a strong focus on enrolling more informal sector workers into the SSNIT Pension Scheme.
In addition to the Mobile Service Week, SSNIT also unveiled its new Digital Bouquet, a collection of three digital platforms designed to make social security services more accessible to all Ghanaians.
Speaking at the launch, SSNIT Director General, Mr. Kofi Osarfo-Marfo, emphasized the importance of increasing informal sector participation in the pension scheme, revealing that, “The informal sector has always been part of the SSNIT scheme, but their contribution is still very small—less than 1%.”
“Our goal is to encourage these workers, whether they’re business owners, professionals, or self-employed, to join SSNIT and enjoy the best pension benefits available.” he noted
Mr. Osarfo-Marfo highlighted the improvements in SSNIT’s service delivery, stating, “We now process and deliver benefits in under seven days, a significant improvement from the past. We are committed to ensuring that everyone gets their benefits promptly, and our enhanced digital services make it easier for people to access SSNIT wherever they are.”
He also urged informal sector workers to think about their future, saying, “It’s about poverty reduction. If you don’t save for your pension, what will you do when you’re past 60? SSNIT is here to help secure that future.”
The Assistant Coordinating Director for the Central Region, Mr. Nicholas Akowuah, representing the Central Regional Minister, Honorable Mrs. Marigold Assan, called on all stakeholders to become advocates for SSNIT.
“We must all work to ensure that as many informal sector workers as possible are enrolled in the pension scheme,” he said. “I encourage SSNIT to engage the media, use community information centers, and communicate in local languages to reach a broader audience.”
Mr. Akowuah also appealed to religious leaders to include pension education in their sermons, urging everyone to spread the word about the importance of enrolling in SSNIT to secure their retirement.
This 7-day event, running until August 23, 2024, will take place at 76 locations across the country.
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Source: Flora Tang & Selena Thompson/ATLFMNEWS
