NIC to launch 2024 blood donation campaign

The National Insurance Commission (NIC) has fixed Tuesday, August 13, to launch its 2024 Blood Donation Campaign, a vital initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of blood in Ghana's health facilities.

This year's campaign, themed "Donate Blood, Save Lives," seeks to mobilize the insurance industry, stakeholders, and the general public to donate blood and make a difference.

Since 2021, the NIC's Blood Donation Campaign has been an annual event and has made significant strides in collecting blood and raising awareness about the importance of blood donation.

Speaking at a pre-launching event Mr. Michael Andoh, Acting Commissioner of Insurance, recounted that a remarkable 5,019 pints of blood collected was collected during last year's campaign, making the insurance industry the leading corporate donor of blood in Ghana.

He noted that the demand for blood remains high and that “the NIC is calling on all eligible individuals to come forward and donate blood. A blood donation is a selfless act that can save lives. We urge everyone to join us in this noble cause and make a difference."

Mr. Andoh said the campaign will run throughout August, with blood donation centers set up across the country.

He said the NIC has partnered with the Ghana Red Cross Society, the National Blood Service, and other stakeholders, including the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult), to ensure a successful campaign.

The NIC Acting Commissioner stressed that this year’s campaign aims to collect 7,000 pints of blood.

“Join the NIC's 2024 Blood Donation Campaign and make a difference. Donate blood, spread awareness, and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can save lives and make a meaningful impact on Ghana's healthcare system.

“Visit a nearby blood donation center or contact the NIC to learn more about how you can participate. Let us unite to make a difference and create a culture of voluntary blood donation in Ghana,” Mr. Andoh stated.

The NIC was established by Insurance Law 1989 (PNDC Law 227) but now operates under, the Insurance Act 2021 (Act 1061).

The Commission's, mandate according to Act 1061, is to ensure effective administration, supervision, regulation, and control of the business of insurance in Ghana.

The commission is also mandated to perform a wide spectrum of functions, including licensing entities, setting industry standards, and facilitating the setting of codes for practitioners.

It also approves rates of insurance premiums and commissions, provides a bureau for the resolution of complaints, and arbitrates insurance claims when disputes arise.

It is also obligated to make recommendations to the sector minister for policy formulation, supervision of industry practitioners, ensuring compliance, and undertaking public education.

The Commission's key mandates include the development of strong relationships with regulators from other countries and international bodies such as the IAIS, as well as ensuring that practitioners conform to internationally accepted standards.

The enactment of Act 1061 was a major milestone towards a robust insurance regulatory environment in Ghana as it empowered and granted adequate powers to the Commission.

Together with several other initiatives in the past decade, the new law provides a strong regulatory framework for Ghana’s insurance industry.