The existing literature on Ghana’s social security programme primarily focuses on social security during colonial rule and the post-independence evolution of the social system. The revisions made to the policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have generated significant concern among the general public, scholars, and experts in social policy. The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in severe economic challenges for Ghana, and key social institutions such as the country’s social security program were disrupted. It is crucial to examine the degree of stratification and segmentation within the system in connection with the onset and aftermath of COVID-19. This study specifically addresses the policies of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), which is granted authority by Ghanaian law to address social security issues. The study also examines whether changes were made to Ghana’s social security program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the rationale behind and types of new specific social security measures that were introduced during that period. The study highlights that Ghanaian worker faced significant challenges as a result of the reforms to social security policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Government policy decisions continue to undermine Ghana’s social welfare system, affecting the official response to the social challenges arising from the pandemic. This study utilized qualitative research methods and drew from primary sources, including government and annual reports, as well as archival data. Furthermore, we utilized both structured and informal individual interviews with social security experts and retirees. We also collected and examined pertinent scholarly works from books, periodicals, and online resources.
Keywords: Ghana, Post-Covid-19 era, Social Policy, Social Security, Pensioners