The Chief Executive Officer of Star Assurance Limited, Boatemaa Barfour-Awuah, has been officially sworn in as the 12th President of the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA).

The investiture ceremony, held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, marks a new chapter for the umbrella body of insurance and reinsurance companies in the country.

As she takes the helm of the GIA, Mrs. Barfour-Awuah is expected to lead the association toward greater heights by focusing on professionalism, innovation, and strengthening public trust.

“The first thing we need to do as insurers is to ensure that public education on insurance products are properly explained to clients. I believe the patronage of insurance will improve if we able to do that", she noted, highlighting her mandate.

She further underscored the need for affordable and diversified insurance products as a critical step toward deepening insurance penetration in the country, particularly among underserved communities and the informal sector.

“Additionally, diversity in the range of products offered will be crucial. Affordability is also key, as many people shy away from certain insurance products due to cost. Maintaining affordable premiums will help draw in the underserved population and participants in the informal economy", she explained.

The ceremony also recognised the contributions of the outgoing President, Seth Kobla Aklasi, MD of Ghana Re PLC. His two-term tenure was highlighted by the successful completion of the "Insurance House," a four-storey office complex that serves as a symbol of the association's growth.

Seth Aklasi charged the new administration to “lead with courage, inspire with vision and continue to empower our members, you have a solid foundation on which to build.”

Established in 1988, the GIA serves as the collective voice for all registered insurance and reinsurance companies in Ghana. The association plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, advocating for member interests, and ensuring the fair treatment of the insuring public.

Messages of solidarity were delivered by various industry bodies, including the National Insurance Commission (NIC), the West African Insurance Companies Association (WAICA), the Insurance Brokers Association of Ghana (IBAG), the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) and more.

The event was chaired by the Commissioner of Insurance, Abiba Zakaria with Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, representing the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, as the Special Guest of Honour, as well as several industry regulators and stakeholders.

Profile of the New President

Mrs. Barfour-Awuah is a seasoned business executive with over 18 years of experience in the insurance and financial services sectors. Since being appointed CEO of Star Assurance in November 2020, she has led the company to become the second-largest insurer in Ghana.

She is a Chartered Insurer (ACII, UK) and holds dual Master’s degrees in Finance & Accounting and Management from the University of Southampton, UK. Beyond her corporate role, she serves as the Convener of the GIA Motor Committee and is a member of the Insurance Education Fund.