The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has emerged victorious in the grand finale of the 2025 National Insurance Debate Competition, held at the Insurance House in Accra.
The event brought together 16 tertiary institutions from across the country to engage in intellectually charged debates on critical issues shaping Ghana’s insurance industry.
After weeks of rigorous preliminary and zonal contests, Ada University College of Education and KNUST advanced to the final round, representing the southern and northern zones respectively.
The final motion for debate was: “Insurance should be treated as a fundamental human right rather than a commercial business.”
Ada University College of Education, champions of the southern zone, passionately supported the motion, arguing that recognising insurance as a human right would ensure equitable protection for all citizens, especially the vulnerable.
They emphasised that treating insurance purely as a profit-driven commodity deprives many Ghanaians of access to basic financial security and social protection.
KNUST, on the other hand, strongly opposed the motion. They contended that making insurance a fundamental human right would undermine the sustainability of the industry, distort market principles, overburden government resources, and limit private sector participation.
The team maintained that while insurance is essential, it functions best within a well-regulated commercial environment that balances public benefit with business viability.
The two-hour intellectual exchange was intense and insightful, featuring evidence-based arguments, compelling examples, and critical reflections on indemnity, economic implications, and policy frameworks. Judges praised both teams for their research depth, clarity, and composure under pressure.
At the end of the contest, KNUST clinched first place with a total score of 83 points, earning the championship trophy and a GH¢5,000 cash prize. Ada University College of Education followed closely with 73 points, receiving a GH¢3,000 cash prize and a plaque for their impressive performance.
Following their victory, the KNUST team expressed gratitude to the Insurance Awareness Coordinators’ Group (IACG), organisers of the competition, for promoting insurance literacy and policy awareness through such educational platforms.
They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing discussions that strengthen the link between academia, industry, and national development.
The National Insurance Debate Competition continues to serve as a platform for nurturing the next generation of insurance professionals and thought leaders, reinforcing Ghana’s vision of becoming the Insurance Hub of Africa.
