The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has revealed plans to extend the Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED) initiative, aimed at enrolling more informal sector workers, to rural areas.
It said the objective is to expand social security cover for most persons in the informal sector in rural areas.
Area Manager for SSNIT for the Northern Sector, Festus Darko-Preko, announced this at the Nine Lessons and Carol Service held for staff of SSNIT in Tamale.
The event sought to express gratitude to staff and management for their tremendous commitment towards the sustainability of SSNIT.
He said “so far, the SEED campaign has been successful, largely knowing very well that the traditional understanding of social security is for persons working in the formal sector. So, getting into the informal sector was quite a challenge”.
“We would continue with our education campaign and trust that by the end of 2024, a lot more would buy into this new market and understand the product. Social security is not just for formal workers but everyone. In 2024, we hope to do more business at the rural community level,” he stressed.
Touching on employers’ contributions: “We have realized that a lot of employers have run away or reneged on their obligation towards SSNIT and by extension, towards their own workers. Every employer is supposed to contribute a portion of its profit on behalf of its workers. Unfortunately, some are not complying”.
