The number of self-employed persons enrolled in the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) pension scheme has doubled in the past nine months.

This follows the rollout of a Self-Employment Enrolment Drive to provide pensions and related benefits to self-employed workers.

It is in line with the Trust’s mandate to extend pension coverage to all workers, especially the self-employed.

Director-General, John Ofori-Tenkorang, Dr. John Ofori-Tenkorang, at the launch of the Self-Employment Enrolment Drive (SEED) in Kumasi in the Ashanti regional capital said there is a need for the Trust to embark on aggressive marketing to attract the informal sector.

“We will replace your salary when you achieve the right old age of 60. If you pass on early, a survivors’ pension benefit will be paid to the people you leave behind. In a situation you become permanently invalid, you will be paid till death. If you are a member in good standing, you do not have to pay anything for health insurance renewal,” he assured.

He added that the Trust has put in place measures to ensure prompt and easy payment of contributions.

General Secretary of the Christian Council, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong, the move by SSNIT will decrease the mistrust and confidence in the SSNIT scheme.

“Today’s statement by the Director General and Board Chair, their approach down to the informal sector, and the assurances seem to me they have opened a new page”.

“Ghanaians must get ready to accept that. They must keep their word. Government must support them. The things people are afraid of, as they give their assurance, must be exactly so,” he said.