By Issah Mohammed
Accra, Dec. 27, GNA – The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has awarded nine self-employed individuals for outstanding contributions to the social security Scheme.
In all, three awardees were drawn from three categories that included top model Self-employed Enrolment Drive (SEED) Contributors for the longest streak of prompt payment, exceptional SEED Contributor for the highest contribution payment and the rising Star SEED Contributor for the highest non-defaulting self-employed contributors.
The recipients were honoured at the 2024 SSNIT Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, organised at the SSNIT Pension House to mark the Christmas celebration.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of SSNIT, Mr. Kofi Osafo-Maafo, said the awardees had played a crucial role in the success and growth of the SSNIT Scheme over the years.
He noted that the awards ceremony was meant to encourage contributors and inspire other self-employed persons and workers in the informal sector to continue contributing to the SSNIT Scheme.
“As the Trust recognises your contributions to the scheme towards your retirement journey, we also wish to encourage you and all self-employed contributors to continue contributing to the Scheme and enjoy the benefits,” he said.
In May last year, SSNIT launched the SEED programme in Kumasi, Ashanti region with the aim of extending pension coverage to self-employed individuals and workers in the informal sector.
At the time of the launch, about 13,000 self-employed persons had enrolled on the scheme. Currently, more than 121,000 have signed up, reflecting a significant increase.
SSNIT has attributed the increase in enrolment to the value the scheme provides its members, which includes benefits such as old age pension, invalidity pension, and survivors’ lump sum.
The awards recipients also commended the organisation and pledged their commitment to contributing their quota to building a social safety net for Ghanaian citizens.
GNA