Accra: The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is targeting approximately 2.8 million active members by the year 2028, as it intensifies its efforts to expand pension coverage to a broader spectrum of Ghanaian workers. This ambitious target is part of the Trust's strategic measures to adapt to the evolving nature of work while enhancing retirement security for workers across both formal and informal sectors.
According to Ghana Web, Nana Ansah Sasraku III, Chairman of the SSNIT Board of Trustees, unveiled the target during the 2026 SSNIT Stakeholder Engagement held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra. The event was attended by key figures from organized labor, including leaders from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), and various other labor groups, alongside SSNIT board members and officials.
Nana Ansah Sasraku III emphasized the crucial role of organized labor as a partner in Ghana's pension system, noting that the success of SSNIT hinged on the trust and contributions of workers, employers, the government, and other stakeholders. He highlighted the primary goal of ensuring that every Ghanaian worker can retire with dignity, security, and confidence.
The Chairman pointed out the need for SSNIT to continuously strengthen its scheme to accommodate the changing employment landscape in Ghana. With an increasing number of Ghanaians working as software developers, ride-hailing drivers, graphic designers, consultants, and other roles outside the traditional formal pension system, reforming the scheme to be more inclusive has become essential.
A presentation by SSNIT revealed that over 80 percent of Ghana's workforce operates within the informal sector. It also outlined the changing labor market, which now includes remote workers, online businesses, and Ghanaians working for foreign companies. These changes necessitate the adoption of new approaches by SSNIT to reach a larger pool of workers.
As of July 2026, SSNIT reported having 2,179,295 active members, a significant increase from about 820,000 members in 1991. The Trust aims for an annual increase of approximately 300,000 members to achieve its 2028 target. The presentation also disclosed that total contributions surpassed GHS12 billion by the end of 2025, with contributions for the first half of 2026 amounting to about GHS6.7 billion.
The pension system's sustainability, according to Nana Ansah Sasraku III, relies on trust, transparency, accountability, and efficient service. Lord Koramoa, SSNIT's Public Affairs Manager, emphasized that the engagement was more than just a meeting. While SSNIT and organized labor may have differing views at times, they share a common goal: ensuring the welfare, dignity, and future security of the Ghanaian worker.