SSNIT honours Ghana’s oldest female pensioner after 33 years on pension payroll

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has celebrated its oldest female pensioner, Madam Ima Zenabu Dagomba, on her 100th birthday, using the milestone to intensify calls for more Ghanaians, particularly those in the informal sector, to enroll in the national pension scheme and plan for a financially secure retirement.

Madam Dagomba, who turned 100 on July 1, has been receiving her monthly SSNIT pension since March 1993 after retiring on January 31, 1992. Having remained on the pension payroll for more than 33 years, she stands as one of the Trust's longest-serving beneficiaries and a living testament to the importance of long-term retirement planning.

The centenary celebration took place at her residence in Wa in the Upper West Region and was attended by SSNIT officials, pensioners, family members, community leaders and representatives of the National Pensioners Association.

Speaking at the event, SSNIT's Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations and Benefits, Adam Sulley, said the celebration reflected the Trust's commitment to recognising pensioners who have contributed to Ghana's development throughout their working lives.

"We need to keep our pensioners excited, expecting and connected to the scheme. Pensioners are one of our valued stakeholders," Mr. Sulley said.

Mr. Sulley explained that hosting the celebration at Madam Dagomba's residence instead of a hotel was a deliberate strategy aimed at strengthening community engagement while raising awareness about the benefits of pension enrolment.

He stressed that expanding pension coverage among self-employed and informal sector workers remains one of SSNIT's major priorities.

"The future of pensions is for the informal sector. We have a self-employed programme and continue to engage workers to join the scheme," he noted.

According to him, many workers outside the formal employment sector remain without adequate retirement protection, making it essential to increase education and participation in the national pension system.

The Deputy Director-General also highlighted SSNIT's efforts to improve the welfare of pensioners beyond monthly benefit payments.

He said the Trust's telehealth programme, implemented in partnership with Trust Hospital and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), enables pensioners to consult healthcare professionals remotely through telephone services.

"If you sample ten pensioners, nine will mention health as their biggest challenge. Through telehealth, a doctor's consultation is just a phone call away," he explained.

The initiative forms part of SSNIT's broader strategy to improve healthcare access and enhance the quality of life of retirees across the country.

Tamale Area Manager of SSNIT, Seth Kpakpa Quartey, described Madam Dagomba as an inspiring example of the long-term value of making consistent pension contributions.

"She stands as a living testimony to what it means to plan effectively for the future. A secure and dignified retirement is built on consistency in contribution," he said.

The Upper West Regional Treasurer of the National Pensioners Association, Victoria Danoro Dangori, also congratulated the centenarian, describing her longevity and successful retirement journey as an inspiration to workers and pensioners nationwide.

Speaking during the celebration, Madam Ima Zenabu Dagomba expressed heartfelt appreciation to SSNIT for providing her with financial security throughout her retirement.

"Without SSNIT, life would not have been easy for me. I am able to feed myself and pay my bills because of SSNIT," she said.

Her testimony underscored the crucial role pensions play in helping retirees maintain their dignity, independence and financial stability after active employment.

SSNIT says the celebration forms part of its ongoing campaign to honour long-serving pensioners while encouraging more Ghanaians, especially workers in the informal economy, to participate in the national pension scheme.

The Trust believes expanding pension coverage will strengthen retirement security for millions of Ghanaians, reduce old-age poverty and ensure that more citizens can enjoy financial independence after leaving the workforce.