Self-employed individuals in Tarkwa and its surrounding areas in Ghana’s Western Region are being encouraged to join the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) as part of its newly launched Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED). 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 media briefing in Tarkwa, 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.
One of the key attributes highlighted was SSNIT’s commitment to provide lifelong pension payments to its members upon qualification. Mr. Poku reassured potential enrollees about SSNIT’s track record of timely payments, stating that pensions are adjusted annually for inflation. This assurance of reliability is a crucial part of the Trust’s appeal to self-employed individuals who may otherwise lack a safety net during retirement. The goal of the Ops-A-Thon is not only to promote the immediate benefits but also to drive home the long-term security that SSNIT offers to its members.
The Ops-A-Thon initiative is part of SSNIT’s broader nationwide effort to enhance registration among self-employed individuals. Following its recent campaign launch in Kumasi, data revealed that approximately 13,000 self-employed persons registered with the SSNIT Scheme, with the current count surpassing 100,000 participants. This surge in enrollment is indicative of the growing recognition among self-employed workers of the value and security provided by the SSNIT, encompassing various forms of support, including Old Age Pension, Invalidity Pension, and Survivors Lump Sum benefits.
In conclusion, the SEED initiative and Ops-A-Thon campaign represent a significant commitment by SSNIT to extend coverage and benefits to self-employed workers in Ghana. Through targeted outreach and informative engagements, the SSNIT aims to demystify the benefits of enrollment, instilling confidence in self-employed individuals that they too can enjoy social security protections similar to those available to formally employed workers. As the campaign continues to roll out across various regions, it heralds a new phase in improving financial security for a crucial segment of the Ghanaian workforce.
