Expanding Pension Access: SSNIT’s New Strategy
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is taking significant steps to enhance access to pension services for workers across Ghana. As part of its ongoing efforts to expand coverage, the organization has partnered with banks to bring pension services closer to the people. This initiative, highlighted by Director-General Kwesi Afreh Biney during the 2025 SSNITPosium, aims to make it easier for informal sector workers—such as traders, artisans, and drivers—to register and engage with the pension scheme without having to visit SSNIT branches.
“We have entered into arrangements with some banks to co-locate in their banking halls in what we call ‘SSNIT inside your banking hall’,” Mr. Biney said. “This very Monday, the first of these centres opened inside Ecobank’s Tema branch.” This new approach is a key component of SSNIT’s broader strategy to expand its physical and digital touch-points nationwide. The goal is to ensure that “every district in Ghana has an opportunity to engage our staff directly at a comfortable location.”
The collaboration with banks will complement SSNIT’s existing digital platforms, allowing contributors and pensioners to access services seamlessly. By combining physical and digital outreach, the trust is making it easier for more people to engage with its services.
Reaching the Informal Sector
A major motivation behind the bank partnerships is to reach the millions of self-employed Ghanaians who remain outside the formal pension system. The Director-General emphasized that this demographic, which represents a large portion of the workforce, must be integrated into the national social protection framework.
“Every worker in Ghana deserves income security in old age,” he said. This sentiment underscores the importance of ensuring that all workers, regardless of their employment status, have access to pension benefits.
To support this effort, SSNIT has consolidated its digital operations by launching a virtual branch that offers 24-hour assistance to contributors and pensioners. The platform enables users to access key services, such as checking pension certificates, through facial recognition technology from their homes.
Adapting to Changing Work Patterns
According to Mr. Biney, the Trust’s focus on digital transformation is driven by the changing nature of work and a need to adapt to new employment patterns. “The world of work has changed,” he said, adding that SSNIT is collaborating with the Ministry of Labour and National Pensions Regulatory Authority to ensure Ghana’s three-tier pension system remains relevant.
He also called for reforms to the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766) to reflect emerging forms of employment—including gig work, digital entrepreneurship, and remote work. A more adaptive legal framework, he said, will ensure every worker—regardless of how or where they work—is protected.
Financial Stability and Future Vision
Mr. Biney noted that SSNIT remains financially sound and committed to its mandate. “For many years, we have been a dependable pillar. Not once have we defaulted in our obligations to provide income security for the Ghanaian worker,” he said. The Trust continues to invest in key sectors such as energy to sustain its fund. Investments like its stake in SENET Energy have yielded “great results,” helping strengthen the scheme’s financial position.
“As we celebrate 60 years of service, we must take pride in how far we have come and commit to building a future defined by innovation, inclusion and sustainability,” Mr. Biney said. “The next 60 years must see an even stronger SSNIT that continues to protect the Ghanaian worker and support families.”
Key Highlights of SSNIT’s Expansion
- Bank Partnerships:Collaborating with banks to offer pension services within banking halls.
- Digital Transformation:Launching a virtual branch with 24-hour assistance using facial recognition technology.
- Reforms Needed:Calling for updates to the National Pensions Act to include modern employment models.
- Financial Commitment:Maintaining a strong financial position through strategic investments.