Accra: Ghanaians have been advised to employ the services of insurance brokers for professional guidance, suitable policies, and securing prompt claims settlement. Bishop Asante Marfo-Ahenkora, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana and Managing Director of Tri-Star Insurance, emphasized the importance of brokers at an event in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Bishop Marfo-Ahenkora highlighted that brokers simplify the complexities of insurance, akin to lawyers in the insurance marketplace, helping clients select the right products and assist them in making claims. He shared these insights during the 'Breakfast with the Clergy' event, organized by Accident Victims Support Ghana. The event aimed to enhance advocacy for road safety and brought together various stakeholders, including the clergy, road safety advocates, insurance companies, health professionals, and accident victims.
The Insurance Expert noted that brokers do not charge clients directly for their services, as they earn commissions from premiums paid to insurance companies. This arrangement ensures that brokers are committed to serving the client's best interests. With over 100 licensed brokers in Ghana, primarily based in Accra, he encouraged the public to leverage their expertise. Bishop Marfo-Ahenkora also expressed concern over low insurance penetration in Ghana, attributing it to public misconceptions and emphasizing the need for broader awareness.
Bishop Marfo-Ahenkora urged churches and the media to promote insurance awareness, emphasizing its role as a social protection tool during difficult times such as accidents, disabilities, or death. He addressed the common misconception that paying insurance premiums without making claims feels like a loss, explaining the principle of pooling, where contributions from many are used to compensate the few who suffer losses.
He further explained the claims process for motor accidents, noting the requirement for police and medical reports. In cases of uninsured vehicles or hit-and-run incidents, compensation can be sought through the National Insurance Commission's special fund. The Expert also appealed to drivers to adhere to road safety regulations, stressing the need to avoid speeding, reckless overtaking, and drug-influenced driving.
Madam Natalie Segla, a Midwifery Officer at the Kaneshie Polyclinic, supported the call for road safety, noting the high incidence of motorbike-related accidents at her facility. She stressed the need for discipline among motorbike riders and advocated for the inclusion of vehicle service providers in road safety campaigns. Recounting a near-fatal incident involving her family due to poorly fixed tyres, she emphasized the collective responsibility of drivers, mechanics, and stakeholders in reducing road accidents.