The National Insurance Commission (NIC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP's) Insurance Risk Finance Facility (IRRF), has launched a week-long Inclusive Insurance Awareness Clinic aimed at increasing micro-insurance penetration among artisans and market women across the country.

The initiative, which began on Monday, September 30, is being held under the theme "Wo wo insurance, wa bo wo ho ban?"—meaning "Do you have insurance, and have you protected yourself?"

As part of the exercise enumerators have been dispatched to various areas, including Dodowa, Kasoa, Old Ningo, Prampram, and Kpone-Katamanso, to engage with business owners, artisans, and local associations. The clinics aim to raise awareness about business insurance and offer participants a platform to voice complaints about insurance policies and claims management.

Participants during the interactions were directed to the NIC’s complaints unit for resolutions and were educated on understanding the terms and conditions of insurance products available in Ghana.

Key engagements have taken place with groups such as the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) in Dodowa, the Ghana Barbers Association in Kasoa, and the Kpone-Katamanso Wood and Timber Sellers Association.

Other outreach locations include Kasoa Galilea and Mamudu markets, Sege, Old Ningo, and Prampram.

On Thursday, October 3, the awareness clinic visited Asutuare in the Eastern Region, where they engaged with leaders from the Hairdressers, Seamstresses, and Okada Riders Associations.

These focused group discussion sessions focused on educating leadership about inclusive insurance so they can pass the knowledge on to their larger memberships, emphasizing the importance of insurance for small business owners.

Rashid Abdul Rahman, who led the NIC team, emphasized the need for people in the informal sector, particularly small business owners, to protect their livelihoods by purchasing insurance.

He highlighted that insurance is not only for health and life, but also for safeguarding businesses against disasters such as fires, floods, and theft.

"Insurance is about sustaining your everyday life and securing your business," Rahman told the attentive artisans.

Mama Pat, a leader of one of the groups, expressed her gratitude on behalf of her members, thanking the NIC team for their valuable education and insights.