SSNIT Honours Ghana’s Oldest Female Pensioner, Ima Zenabu Dagomba, on 100th Birthday

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), in collaboration with the National Pensioners Association (NPA), has held a landmark celebration in Wa Kabanye to honor Ima Zenabu Dagomba, recognized as Ghana’s oldest female pensioner. The event marked her 100th birthday and served as a tribute to her decades-long relationship with the national pension scheme. Surrounded by music, food, and family, Madam Dagomba celebrated the milestone with the cutting of a birthday cake and the receipt of a special commemorative hamper from SSNIT officials, highlighting the trust’s commitment to its most senior members. Madam Dagomba has been a consistent beneficiary of the pension scheme since March 1993, representing a significant example of the long-term security provided by formal social security structures. During the ceremony, she expressed profound gratitude for the monthly payments that have sustained her for over thirty years. However, she also used the occasion to make a humble appeal to the authorities and the public for housing assistance, noting that her current accommodation situation presents ongoing challenges in her advanced age. In a strategic move to enhance the lives of all retirees, SSNIT utilized the celebration to unveil new welfare initiatives, including a specialized telehealth service. Seth Kpakpa Quartey, the SSNIT Tamale Area Manager, explained that these services are part of a broader Member Value Programme designed to provide remote healthcare consultations and other welfare benefits to both current pensioners and contributors. The introduction of telehealth is intended to reduce the physical burden on elderly members who may struggle to visit medical facilities for routine health advice. The event also served as an advocacy platform for retirement planning. Mr. Quartey urged Ghanaian workers, particularly those in the informal sector, to prioritize their future security by enrolling in the SSNIT scheme. He emphasized that the longevity and well-being of Madam Dagomba serve as a testament to the importance of early investment in a pension. By strengthening the welfare support systems and expanding access to health services, SSNIT aims to ensure that all contributors can enjoy a dignified and secure retirement similar to the century of life celebrated by Madam Dagomba.