Ghana celebrates 60 years of Social Security: A promise of dignity and protection
Ghana’s Social Security marked its 60th anniversary today, celebrating six decades of commitment to workers’ welfare and national development.
Delivering address on Monday, 28th July, 2025 during the official launch of the six decades of Social Security in Ghana, Director-General of SSNIT, Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney emphasized the organization’s enduring mission.
“We have never defaulted on pension payments, and we assure you, we never will,” Mr. Kwesi Afreh Biney said, highlighting the trust’s unwavering dedication to Ghana’s workforce.
He acknowledges the institution’s imperfections but emphasizes continuous improvement, reduced pension processing times, and enhanced digital services.
“ SSNIT has not always gotten everything right. There were times when we moved too slowly, systems that should have served better. Decisions we made didn’t always meet public expectations, and yes, at times, we fell short, but we have not shied away from these truths. We have learned from them, we have confronted them, and they’ve made us better, stronger and more accountable today.” He added.
“Today, the time it takes to process a pension has dropped from several weeks to under 10 working days. Our digital services are more accessible, and we look forward to rolling out our first fully fledged virtual branch by the end of September this year, member engagement has deepened, transparency has become a guiding principle, and every step forward is built on the lessons of the past so that we don’t repeat them.” He clarified.
The anniversary showcased SSNIT’s remarkable journey from a modest Provident Fund in 1965 to a comprehensive three-tier pension scheme. The organization has made significant investments across sectors, including education, energy, and real estate.
“Every worker deserves to retire in dignity,” He noted, underscoring the organization’s commitment to expanding coverage, particularly in the informal sector.
Remarkable achievements include providing 4,250 university campus beds, contributing 126 megawatts to Ghana’s National Grid, and becoming the largest institutional real estate developer in the country.
His speech also acknowledged past challenges, with leadership emphasizing transparency and continuous improvement. “Institutions survive because they reflect, reform, and take feedback as food for champions,” He said.
As SSNIT enters its sixty years , it remains dedicated to its core mission of protecting and empowering Ghana’s workers, ensuring a secure and dignified retirement for millions.
The origin of Social Security:
Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, while opening the Trade Union Hall in Accra in 1960, announced plans to establish a National Pensions and Insurance Fund to manage the Pension and Provident Fund of all workers irrespective of their employers.
Subsequently, a committee chaired by then Managing Director of the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), Mr. T.O. Asare, was tasked to look into the possibility of establishing a National Pension and Insurance Scheme for workers. The Committee was assisted by an International Labour Organisation (ILO) expert on Social Security, Mr. A. Zelenka.
Prior to the setting up of the committee, private schemes had been established to develop a simple social security system for urban wage earners.
On 17th February 1965, the Parliament of the First Republic, passed the Social Security Act, 1965 (Act 279), to establish a Social Security Fund to provide for contributors and benefits under Superannuation (Old Age), Invalidity and Survivors Benefits among others. Thus, a Social Security Scheme of a national dimension, was for the first time, provided for workers resulting in the improvement of livelihoods.
Early Administration:
The administration of the Fund, was under the Department of Pensions and National Insurance. However, the functions were split and assigned to two bodies. The then State Insurance Corporation (SIC), supervised the Inspectorate and Operational Divisions while the Department of Pensions under the Ministry of Finance, was in charge of Policy and General Administration. Mr. C.K.F. Adapoe, was the first Chief Administrator of the Social Security Fund Administration and was assisted in the day-to-day administration by an initial staff numbering 37 in 1965.
Birth of SSNIT
In November 1972, NRC Decree 127, established the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) as an autonomous body to administer the Social Security Scheme.
Ghana became a member of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), after converting the Provident Fund into a Pension Scheme in 1991. ISSA is the world’s leading international organisation that brings together national social security administrations and agencies.
The Chief Administrator’s title changed to Director-General in compliance with ISSA regulations.
