UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
BY: Gladys Apuweni
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has organized a regional forum in Bolgatanga to deepen pension education and strengthen workers’ understanding of the national pension system.
The forum, held under the theme “Empowering Unions, Secure Futures: Deepening Pension Literacy Across Ghana,” brought together union leaders, workers, pensioners, and stakeholders to discuss the importance of pensions and the sustainability of the system.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director General in charge of Operations and Benefits at SSNIT, Sulley Adam, said the institution has made significant progress over the years and continues to implement reforms to improve service delivery.
According to him, SSNIT, which recently marked 60 years of existence, has matured into a stronger institution capable of delivering better services to contributors and pensioners.
He revealed that the Trust’s assets have seen steady growth, rising from GH₵20 billion in 2024 to GH₵25 billion in 2025, describing the development as a positive sign that the institution is effectively managing contributors’ funds.
Mr. Adam also highlighted new innovations being introduced by SSNIT to enhance accessibility and convenience for members. These include the introduction of a virtual branch to enable contributors access services remotely, as well as partnerships with banks through a co occation initiative aimed at bringing SSNIT services closer to the public.
He further disclosed that the Trust currently has about 2.1 million active members and is projecting to increase that number to 2.4 million by the end of the year, with a long term target of 2.8 million members within the next three years.
Mr. Adam called on workers and union leaders to support SSNIT’s efforts by encouraging more employers and workers to enroll in the scheme.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, emphasized the importance of pension education, describing it as essential for the long-term security of workers.
He explained that pensions are not only about retirement benefits but also about dignity, protection, and security for workers after years of service.
Mr. Ansah said pension literacy is crucial because when workers understand how the system operates, it strengthens confidence and participation in the national pension scheme.
He noted that although Ghana’s pension system has made progress, several challenges still remain, including limited awareness among workers, compliance issues involving some employers, and the difficulty of extending pension coverage to the large informal sector.
Mr. Ansah also reiterated concerns about the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), stressing that pension funds represent the deferred wages of workers and should be protected.
He commended SSNIT for its continued collaboration with the TUC in organizing regional forums across the country to educate workers on pension matters.
Mr. Ansah urged participants to actively engage in discussions, ask questions, and share the knowledge gained with colleagues and communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of trade unions to supporting pension education and awareness, adding that no worker should retire into poverty or uncertainty after a lifetime of service.
The forum forms part of a nationwide engagement between SSNIT and the TUC aimed at strengthening pension awareness and ensuring that workers across Ghana understand their rights and benefits under the national pension system.
