SSNIT Honors 100-Year-Old Pensioner Madam Ima Zenabu Dagomba to Promote Retirement Security

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) recently reached a significant milestone by celebrating the 100th birthday of its oldest female pensioner, Madam Ima Zenabu Dagomba. The centenarian, who celebrated her birthday on July 1, has been a recipient of SSNIT benefits for over three decades, serving as a living testament to the long-term benefits and reliability of the national pension scheme. The celebration was not merely a personal milestone but also served as a strategic platform for SSNIT to highlight the necessity of early retirement planning for all Ghanaians, particularly those currently working in the informal sector.

Madam Dagomba’s journey with the Trust spans several decades, beginning with her active working years and continuing through her retirement in 1992. Since then, she has consistently received her monthly pension for 33 years, a feat that SSNIT officials described as an exemplary case of the scheme's sustainability. During the celebratory event, SSNIT officials emphasized that her life story underscores the importance of community engagement and the tangible value of making consistent contributions during one’s productive years. By showcasing a beneficiary who has reached the century mark, the Trust aims to dispel myths regarding the accessibility and longevity of pension payouts.

Reflecting on her decades-long retirement, Madam Dagomba expressed profound gratitude for the financial stability the pension has provided her. She noted that the regular payments have been instrumental in allowing her to manage her daily living expenses independently, even at her advanced age. This personal account serves as a powerful endorsement for the Trust’s ongoing efforts to expand coverage to the informal sector—a segment of the workforce that often lacks structured retirement savings. SSNIT continues to urge self-employed individuals to prioritize their future financial security by enrolling in the scheme to ensure a dignified life in their twilight years.