Mr. Adam Sulley, the Deputy Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in charge of Operations and Benefits, has disclosed that SSNIT currently has over 2.1 million active contributors in Ghana out of the total number 30, 832,019 population in the 2021 population census.
Speaking exclusively to the media at the Catholic Social Center in the Bolgatanga municipality during the SSNIT/TUC regional forum, he highlighted the theme “Empowered Unions, Secure Future: Deepening Pension Literacy Across Ghana.”
Mr. Sulley noted that the projection is to reach 2.4 million active contributors by the end of 2026. Their three-year strategic plan aims to increase this number to 2.8 million contributors, and he expressed confidence that they can surpass this goal if they continue their current initiatives.
“Currently, in terms of active members, we are around 2.1 million. The projection is to get to 2.4 million by the end of this year. I am sure we can do better than that if we continue our efforts,” he stated.He emphasized that SSNIT, now 60 years old, has proven to be a reliable institution over its six decades of existence. “You can only get the best from an institution that has matured,” he said, appreciating their good asset performance, which is projected to grow to GH¢20 billion in 2024 and GH¢25 billion in 2025.
Mr. Sulley also mentioned new business models implemented within SSNIT, including the launch of a virtual branch aimed at improving accessibility for contributors.The 2026 SSNIT/TUC regional forum was a significant gathering of stakeholders focused on pension literacy and worker welfare,key highlights included SSNIT’s investment portfolio growth to over GH¢25 billion, active scheme membership reaching 2.1 million, and contribution collections exceeding GH¢12 billion in 2025.
It is projected that SSNIT will pay out GH¢8.21 billion in pensions by the end of 2026, up from GH¢6.77 billion in 2025.Despite the progress, concerns persist regarding pension adequacy, benefit optimization, and payout efficiency, particularly for informal-sector workers and younger generations.
The forum also featured appeals from grassroots members for contributors to access a portion of their funds for housing projects.
Mr. Joshua Ansah, Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), addressed stakeholders and emphasized the importance of SSNIT/TUC programs.
He stated that these engagements help to bring the conversation on pensions closer to workers nationwide, reflecting a shared commitment to ensuring that every worker understands the value and benefits of the national pension system.“Pensions are not only about retirement; they represent dignity, security, and protection for workers after years of service. Pension literacy is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” he reiterated.
He urged workers to understand how the pension system works, highlighting that informed workers foster a more sustainable system.
Mr. Ansah acknowledged the limited awareness among workers about the pension system and the challenges of extending pension coverage to millions in the informal economy.
He assured participants that the TUC would continue to use its structures nationally to support pension education and awareness so that no worker would retire into poverty or uncertainty after a lifetime of work.
Source:mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.