ECOWAS Brown Card: Hallmark of regional integration – Chairman

The ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme has become the hallmark of regional integration, facilitating seamless trade and movement within West Africa, incoming Chairman of the Council of Bureaux, Mr Henry Bukari, has observed.

Mr Bukari lauded the efforts of the founding fathers, paying them glowing tribute for their vision as well as the unwavering dedication of the present crop of leaders.

“The gains we celebrate are not just in policies or protocols, but in the tangible progress we see in lives and businesses across our nations,” he stated.

These remarks were made at the opening ceremony of the 39^th General Assembly/Ordinary session of the Council of Bureaux, ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme

Delegates at the conference deliberated upon how the Scheme could be positioned to achieve the dreams and aspirations of the pioneers of the scheme with respect to trade facilitation and Free movement of people, goods and services within the sub-region.

Mr Bukari was confident that the chosen topics for discussion would afford members the opportunity to reflect on the structure, governance, and operations of the Scheme within the broader framework of ECOWAS.

Acting Commissioner of Insurance, Mr. Michael Kofi Andoh noted that it was crucial to acknowledge the challenges faced, particularly the delays in compensating the innocent victims of road accidents.

“The resolve to expedite these compensations has been strengthened by regulatory frameworks, and we must continue to improve upon these systems, ensuring that all insurers and bureaus adhere to these provisions with the utmost diligence,” stated.

According to Mr Andoh, “we have seen significant progress in the financing of cross-border accident claims. The advent of automatic Brown Card issuance promises a more efficient settlement process, yet we must not become complacent. Proper reinsurance arrangements are essential to sustaining this momentum and guaranteeing timely settlements”.

He maintained that the National Insurance Commission of Ghana was proud of its continuous involvement and support of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, fostering a collaborative environment that had significantly enhanced road transport security across borders.

“The proactive engagement and innovative integration of the Ghana National Bureau’s system into our Motor Insurance Database are testaments to our commitment to operational excellence,” he added.

Mr Andoh observed that countries in the sub region had seen significant progress in the financing of cross-border accident claims.

Touting the achievements of the insurance scheme, the NIC Boss cautioned against complacency, saying, “ the advent of automatic Brown Card issuance promises a more efficient settlement process, yet we must not become complacent. Proper reinsurance arrangements are essential to sustaining this momentum and guaranteeing timely settlements.”

He made a passionate call on motor underwriting companies to honour their obligations with the same zeal, irrespective of where the claim originates.

“Discrimination has no place in our operation, and we must always uphold the tenets of equity and fairness,” Mr Andoh maintained.

Source:Isaac AIDOO, Accra