Exploring the Nexus Between Informal Workers and the Social Security Scheme in Ghana

Abstract

This study explored the nexus between informal workers and the social security scheme in Ghana. The explanatory sequential research design was used for this study. A sample of 278 informal workers was drawn for the quantitative perspective, and 13 participants were used for the qualitative phase of the study, using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Data were gathered with a structured questionnaire for the quantitative phase and an interview guide for the qualitative phase. In terms of ethical consideration, confidentiality, anonymity, freedom to participate and protection from psychological and physical harm were ensured in this study for all participants. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and means were used to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic pattern analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data gathered. The study found that informal workers had a fair knowledge, perception of joining and benefits of joining the social security scheme in Ghana. The informal workers concluded that the existing mode of payment was very challenging to their intention to join the scheme. The study, therefore, recommended that the management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) embarks on vigorous public education on the need and the importance of the SSNIT pension scheme in the various districts where informal workers are located. Additionally, it was recommended that the management of SSNIT should use the services of mobile vendors or develop a mobile money platform for payment of contributions to the pension scheme by informal workers.