By Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has paid tribute to Ima Zenabu Dagomba who is the oldest female SSNIT pensioner in Ghana.
Officials of SSNIT, led by the Deputy Director-General, Operations and Benefits, Adam Sulley were at Kabanye, a suburb of Wa joined Madam Zenabu Dagomba to celebrate her centenary birthday on July 1, 2026.
The significant event which was marked at the residence of the centenarian was equally aimed at bringing SSNIT closer to the people and to whip up the interest of the informal sector players to come aboard to secure the future with the Trust.
Members of the Upper West Regional branch of the National Pensioners Association also made a strong representation at the event to honour, Madam Zenabu Dagomba who is one of them by symbolically presenting her with the cloth of the Association.
The Chief of the Dagomba Community in Wa and the family members of the oldest female pensioner in Ghana were there in their numbers to share in her joy. Madam Zenabu Dagomba was presented with a big hamper, an undisclosed amount of money and a beautifully encased birthday cake which she was assisted to cut to observe the significant milestone.
The Deputy Director-General for Operations and Benefits, Adam Sulley told the gathering that SSNIT is committed to delivering on its mandate to better the lot of its clients. He announced that the Trust will roll out what he described as the Member Value Programme.
Mr Sulley said the initiative is a comprehensive telehealth service developed in partnership with Trust Hospital and the National Health Insurance Scheme. Mr Sulley emphasised that the move will enable pensioners to access medical consultations remotely when the need arises.
A retired health worker and Upper West Regional Treasurer of the National Pensioners Association, Victoria Dangori spoke on behalf of the Regional Secretary, James K. Natie and congratulated Ima Zenabu Dagomba for the honour bestowed on her as the oldest female SSNIT pensioner on her 100th birthday.
Madam Dangori said: “Your centenary is a rare blessing and a testament to God’s grace, resilience and a life well lived. This well-deserved recognition celebrates not only your longevity but also your enduring place in the SSNIT family.”
“Your life continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the values of perseverance, dignity, and hope. We are proud to celebrate this historic milestone with you and share in the joy of your well-earned recognition. We wish you continued good health, peace, happiness and many more years of God’s abundant blessings,” Madam Dangori declared.
A representative of the family head, Adams Yussif thanked SSNIT for the honour done to Madam Zenabu Dagomba and expressed the hope that Allah will grant us all long life and good health like the centenarian pensioner.
The Tamale Area Manager of SSNIT, Seth Kpakpa Quartey who set the ball rolling at the event commended Madam Zenabu Dagomba for her association with the SSNIT pension scheme, saying, “during your active working life, you dedicated your energy, commitment and hard work to the building of our nation. You also had the foresight and discipline to consistently contribute to the SSNIT Scheme.”
He continued, “Today, you stand as a living testament to what it means to plan responsibly for retirement and old age. More than three decades after your formal retirement, your relationship with SSNIT remains strong and enduring. Your life is a powerful example that a secure and dignified retirement is a reality built on consistency and contribution.”
Records available indicate that Madam Zenabu Dagomba retired on January 31, 1992 and was put first on SSNIT payroll in March 1993 and has since been receiving her pension.