The acting Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Abiba Zakariah, has charged newly graduated students of the Ghana Insurance College (GIC) to uphold integrity, diligence, and innovation as they transition into the professional insurance space.

Speaking at the 18th Graduation Ceremony of the GIC in Accra, Dr Zakariah reminded the Class of 2025 that while academic success is commendable, the path ahead would require an even greater commitment to excellence and ethical leadership.

“You have maintained your dreams, your diligence, your faithfulness, and your integrity. Today, you sit here, a dream fulfilled and proud of yourself,” she said.

Referencing industry pioneer Kwesi Essel Koomson, popularly known as KEK, Dr Zakariah described him as a shining example of how vision, discipline, and persistence can shape an entire sector.

“The brokerage industry of Ghana was birthed by this man, and his vision, discipline, and persistence tell you the qualities needed to become a leader,” she stated.

While congratulating the graduates on their accomplishments, she issued a reminder that success demands continuity of effort. “Hard work demands more hard work,” she stressed. “So, I’m here to nicely tell you that there is more hard work ahead.”

Dr Zakariah also underscored the critical role of technology in the modern insurance landscape, urging the graduates and professionals alike not to fall behind in embracing technological advancement.

In a forward-looking move, she announced a collaborative initiative between the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and the Ghana Insurance College to establish campus demonstrative centres at the University of Ghana. These centres, she explained, will provide practical training in insurance product design, enabling students to integrate technology to meet evolving market needs.

Quoting poet Maya Angelou in her closing remarks, she left the graduates with an enduring message: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”

Graduates at the ceremony received Diplomas in Applied Insurance Studies, Advanced Diplomas in Insurance, and Certificates in Insurance for successfully completing the 2024/2025 academic year.

Established in 2006, the Ghana Insurance College is mandated to provide education and training to enhance governance and professionalism in Ghana’s insurance sector. The College also supports the work of the Insurance Institute of Ghana and contributes to its ambition to attain full autonomy in the certification of insurance professionals.

Since its inception, the College has trained thousands of practitioners who now serve as vital contributors to the growth and development of Ghana’s insurance industry.