Officials of the National Insurance Commission (NIC), Ghana Police Service, and Ghana National Fire Service have commenced sensitising and enforcement of the law.

This is to check the validity of fire insurance on commercial properties in parts of the Greater Accra Region.

The move forms part of efforts by the NIC to ensure compliance with the requirements of Sections 218 and 219 of the new Insurance Act 2021 (Act 1061), which requires that all commercial properties are compulsorily insured.

Addressing journalists during compliance checks by the task force at the Oyarifa and Ayi Mensah enclave, Senior Manager at the NIC, Charles Ansong Dankyi, explained the rationale behind the move as vital for business owners and members of the public who transact business with them.

“Though the Insurance Act 1061 of the new Insurance Act 2021 per Sections 218 and 219 makes it compulsory for business entities to insure their properties be they under construction or completed, business owners must be interested in taking care of themselves, third parties and their wares since a burnt-up business premise could have several consequences on lives and livelihoods.”

The compulsory property insurance provides financial protection against legal liabilities arising from accidents that cause property damage, bodily injury or death to members of the public.

Mr Ansong further indicated that other perils such as earthquake, floods, thunderstorms, and others covered under basic fire insurance remain apart from the covered fire insurance.

The Task Force comprising Officials from the Police, Fire Service and NIC saw many commercial buildings being inspected for their fire certificates.

The team following their checks, discovered that about a chunk of about 25 commercial buildings which did not possess active insurance policies in place have been served with letters to comply.

However, owners of these commercial buildings, which were randomly inspected, were sensitised to do the needful in their interest and compliance with the law.

The task force is expected to continue to hit the capital’s metropolitan and district business enclaves to intensify its sensitisation and enforcement drive.