The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has launched its 2024 SSNIT Mobile Service (SMS) Week, a nationwide initiative aimed at bringing essential services closer to members, with a particular focus on enrolling self-employed workers into the SSNIT Scheme.
The launch event was held at the Elmina Fishing Harbour and was graced by the SSNIT Director-General, Mr. Kofi Osafo-Maafo, who highlighted the Trust’s ongoing efforts to extend pension coverage to all workers in Ghana.
In his address, Mr. Osafo-Maafo emphasized the importance of the Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED), an initiative launched by SSNIT to extend pension coverage to self-employed individuals and informal sector workers.
He noted the significant progress made since the drive began last year.
“We started last year with just about 13,000 members in May 2023, and today, we have enrolled nearly 100,000 self-employed workers. This represents a 700% increase in just one year, and we are determined to increase these numbers even further,” he said.
He explained that of the 6.7 million self-employed workers in Ghana, 3.1 million qualify to be on the SSNIT Scheme.
However, only 3.2% of these workers are currently covered, stressing the need for continued efforts to bring more informal sector workers into the scheme.
Mr. Osafo-Maafo reiterated SSNIT’s commitment to providing lifetime financial security for all workers, stressing the long-term benefits of contributing to the scheme.
“The SSNIT Scheme guarantees members a regular monthly income for life during retirement, regardless of how long they live. This is a significant assurance for all workers, including those in the informal sector,” he stated.
He urged self-employed individuals to consider their future financial security and sign up with SSNIT.
“Do not wait until it’s too late. Every month of contribution matters. Sign up with SSNIT today and secure your income for life,” he advised.
The 2024 SMS Week also coincided with the launch of the SSNIT Digital Bouquet, a suite of digital platforms designed to enhance service delivery to members.
The bouquet includes a new website and portal, an upgraded USSD platform, and the much-anticipated SSNIT Mobile App.
“This digital bouquet will significantly impact our work and ease the burden on our members and employers in their daily encounters with SSNIT. We are optimistic that these platforms will provide a comprehensive digital experience, ensuring convenience and easy access to SSNIT services,” Mr. Osafo-Maafo announced.
Explaining the broader economic benefits of social security, Mr. Osafo-Maafo stated, “A country that prioritizes the social security of its members reaps significant economic benefits, including the reduction of old-age poverty, reduced dependency on family and social services, and increased productivity.”
He urged all stakeholders to embrace SSNIT’s digital transformation and to take advantage of the services provided during the Mobile Service Week.
“Our new digital platforms will certainly enhance the overall customer experience for you, our cherished members and clients. We are excited to serve you better through these innovative channels,” he stressed.
The SSNIT Mobile Service Week will see SSNIT staff stationed at 76 locations nationwide, offering services to members and enrolling new participants onto the scheme.
SSNIT Area Manager for Takoradi, Ms. Gifty Turkson, in her welcome address emphasized the importance of the new initiatives in enhancing service delivery to members across the country.
In her welcome address, Ms. Turkson highlighted the significance of the SSNIT 2024 Mobile Service Week, which aims to bring essential services directly to members, particularly those who might not have easy access to SSNIT branches.
Reflecting on the success of last year’s Mobile Service Week, which was held in Sunyani, Ms. Turkson expressed optimism that this year’s event would be even more impactful.
“Last year’s Mobile Service Week launch in Sunyani was a great success, and we are optimistic that this year’s two-in-one event would be even better,” she said.
The theme for the 2024 SSNIT Mobile Service Week focuses on the need for every worker, including the self-employed, to enrol in the SSNIT Scheme and contribute regularly to ensure a secure retirement.
She urged all workers to take control of their future by signing up for the SSNIT Scheme because it guarantees financial security and hence peace of mind.