UGBS Insurance Students Association Organises Insurance Mentorship Programme
On 11th June 2025, the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) Insurance Students Association, in collaboration with Enterprise Insurance, organised an Insurance Mentorship Programme at the Graduate School aimed at nurturing the next generation of insurance professionals through dialogue and mentorship.
Dr. Kwaku Appietu-Ankrah, Ghana Reinsurance Plc, pointed out that the insurance industry is the noblest profession with a multidimensional career path. He shared that true fulfillment comes when your career aligns with your values, skills, and interests. “If you chase money, you may never catch fulfillment. But if you chase purpose, money will follow”. Dr. Appietu-Ankrah advised students not to choose insurance because it’s their last resort, but choose it because you understand its value,” he emphasised. Dr. Appietu-Ankrah noted that without insurance, businesses wouldn’t have the confidence to take risks. “The insurance profession isn’t about waiting for bad things to happen. It’s about ensuring that when they do, people can recover, rebuild, and restart. It’s a profession rooted in peace of mind and is a calling worth considering.”
Mr. Kojo Antwi Bosiako, Ghana Insurance College, emphasised the importance of professional development, urging students to pursue industry certifications, particularly through the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana (CIIG). Mr. Bosiako mentioned that to become a Chartered Insurer, one must complete two key stages: the Diploma in Insurance and the Advanced Diploma in Insurance. These qualifications go beyond undergraduate learning and equip professionals with in-depth knowledge in areas like motor insurance, liability, commercial property, and personal insurance. He shared that at the advanced level, students can specialise in areas such as underwriting, claim management, or reinsurance.
Mr. Lawrence Daniels, Life Insurance Consultant, emphasised that the relevance of insurance across all sectors means students can find opportunities in any industry. Mr. Daniels acknowledged that the insurance sector is financially rewarding, especially as you grow. The insurance industry, he noted, also opens doors to international exposure and networking. “As young professionals, we often engage with peers across the continent through conferences and exchange programmes,” Mr. Daniels explained. “These gatherings are not just about fun, but they help us share ideas and see how insurance works differently in other countries.”
Wisdom Donor, Old Mutual Insurance, urged the students to make the most of every subject and skill while they can. He encouraged students not to resist role changes or new responsibilities in the workplace. “Real growth happens when you explore different aspects of business; that’s how you build a holistic understanding of your industry”.
Miss Nicholina Naa Yeye Adumuah, National Insurance Commission, noted that while more Ghanaians are aware of insurance today than in the past, uptake remains low. She encouraged students to see the low penetration rate not as a challenge, but as a clear opportunity to innovate and grow this space. Miss Adumuah motivated them not only to deepen their knowledge of the insurance sector but also to become equipped to drive greater understanding, trust, and participation in the industry. She encouraged students to take language learning seriously to leverage global opportunities.
Mrs. Akosua Ansah-Antwi, Managing Director, Enterprise Insurance, mentioned that insurance is not just a business; it's a mission to protect, uplift, and empower individuals during some of their most vulnerable moments. As a woman in leadership, she’s had to navigate a delicate balance between assertiveness and approachability. “When you’re quiet, they say you’re not assertive. When you speak up, they say you’re too much. So, you need emotional intelligence, people-smarts, to navigate these spaces.” She encouraged students to be intentional about growth: “Your growth is your responsibility. Nobody will hand success to you; you must chase it.” She encouraged students to leave a mark wherever they go. “Let your work speak for you in the rooms you’re not in. Stay hungry. Stay grounded. And never stop learning.”
Ruth Apawu urged students to become active participants in transforming the future of insurance in Ghana. She discussed the importance of inclusive insurance, emphasising that accessibility must be central to any solution. Miss Apawu mentioned that the NIC has implemented a sandbox directive, a controlled innovation space where individuals or teams can submit their ideas for development and testing. “We will help you push them forward safely, within a controlled environment,” Miss Apawu affirmed.
Miss Apawu introduced students to the BemaLab Challenge that encourages young Africans to reshape the image of insurance into something vibrant, innovative, and meaningful. She also spoke about a new initiative by the NIC called Campus Care, aimed at transforming students into young insurance professionals before they even graduate.
“Campus Care is about student-led insurance offices right here on campus. You’ll be hired and paid as employees of insurance companies. You’ll receive mentorship, design real insurance products, and address real problems”, Miss Apawu explained. Miss Apawu called on students to embrace the opportunities being presented through NIC and its partners and not wait till after graduation. Prof. Amewu, Patron of the Insurance Students Association, expressed gratitude to all participants, including the industry leaders, students, and representatives of the Young Insurance Professionals, for their invaluable knowledge shared. He also called for continued engagement and learning among students and insurance professionals.