Otumfuo Endorses SSNIT SEED, Urges Public Participation
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has commended the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for its innovative SEED program aimed at self-employed and informal sector workers.
Speaking at a ceremony in Kumasi, the Asantehene, who was represented by Mamensenhene Nana Osei Kwadwo II, hailed the initiative as a positive step towards reducing old age poverty in the country.
“That is why I must commend the Board and Management of SSNIT for bringing out this campaign. I think it’s long overdue but we are glad that it is finally here. This campaign could potentially help us reduce old age poverty in the country,” said the Asantehene.
The SEED program is designed to encourage self-employed and informal sector workers to enrol in the SSNIT pension scheme and enjoy the pension benefits and disability coverage.
He urged self-employed workers, including carpenters, traders, market women, and consultants, to enrol in the SSNIT Scheme and entrust their retirement to SSNIT.
Otumfuo also pledged to ensure that all staff at Manhyia Palace are enrolled.
However, the Asantehene emphasised the importance of high levels of professionalism and customer service when enrolling self-employed persons onto
the scheme. He urged the Director-General of SSNIT to ensure excellent business practices to encourage voluntary enrollment.
“On the other hand, I entreat the Director-General of SSNIT to ensure that a high level of professionalism comes into play when people come to your offices to register,” he added.
“It is important to note that these self-employed persons are under no compulsion to join the Scheme and that one of the key ways to enrol them is through excellent business practices and good customer service. And I do believe SSNIT is up to the task. I have every confidence that this endeavour will succeed.”
The Director General of SSNIT, Dr. John Ofori Tenkorang, also explained the rationale behind the initiative.
“The aim of this initiative is to provide reliable livelihood for self-employed Ghanaians after retirement,“ he said.
“The program, even before its launch, had started yielding positive results, with the number of self-employed clients increasing from 14,000 to over 32,000 in the last few months. The program’s target is to enrol 500,000 clients by the end of the year.”
The Asantehene’s commendation of the SEED program highlights the importance of ensuring a dignified retirement for self-employed workers in Ghana.
Story by George Addo
