Social policy reforms and participation dynamics of citizens: A Case of Social Pensions Scheme in Ghana

Purpose
Following Ghana's Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) social policy reforms that created a separate fund for informal workers called the Informal Sector Fund, this study explores how the administration burden theoretical framework could be used to understand participation and its implication for successful social policy implementation.

Methods/Approach
This study adopts a qualitative methodology, utilising semi-structured interviews with stakeholders engaged in social pension administration and conducting nine (9) focus group discussions with 90 informal workers in three communities within Ghana's central region. Thematic analysis identifies recurring trends and themes concerning administrative challenges, policy perceptions, and participation dynamics.

Findings
The results indicate that, even with the policy implementers' attempts to boost participation through outreach programs, administrative challenges, such as burdensome bureaucratic processes of waiting during registration which is captured under the learning cost of the administrative burden theory continue to deter informal workers from engaging.

Originality of the Study
This research offers a distinctive contribution by integrating concepts from the theory of administrative burden with firsthand accounts of individuals' experiences with social security and pension policies in Ghana. It offers actionable recommendations for policymakers aiming to enhance participation rates through targeted reforms that effectively address systemic bottlenecks