The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has emerged victorious in the grand finale of the 2025 National Insurance Debate Competition, held at the Insurance House in Accra.

The national contest brought together sixteen tertiary institutions from across Ghana to engage in intellectually stimulating debates on critical issues shaping the insurance industry.

After weeks of intense preliminary and zonal rounds, Ada University College of Education and KNUST advanced to the final stage, representing the southern and northern zones, respectively. The final motion was: “Insurance should be treated as a fundamental human right rather than a commercial business.”

The Ada University College of Education team, winners of the southern zone, supported the motion, arguing that recognising insurance as a human right would guarantee equitable protection for all citizens, particularly the vulnerable. They contended that viewing insurance solely as a profit-driven venture deprives many Ghanaians of basic financial security and social protection.

KNUST, however, opposed the motion, arguing that making insurance a fundamental human right would compromise the industry's sustainability. They argued that such a shift would distort market dynamics, overburden the government, and discourage private sector participation. The team maintained that insurance, though essential, functions best within a well-regulated commercial framework that balances public benefit with business viability.

High-level intellectual exchanges, evidence-based arguments, and policy insights marked the two-hour debate. Judges commended both teams for their depth of research, clarity of thought, and composure under pressure.

At the end of the contest, KNUST clinched first place with a total score of 83 points, taking home the championship trophy and a GH¢5,000 cash prize. Ada University College of Education followed closely with 73 points, receiving a GH¢3,000 cash prize and a commemorative plaque for their outstanding performance.

The debaters of the KNUST team were Danaa Illiasu Mubarak, Fikoue Fabiola and Lydia Odebia Keteku.

In their post-victory remarks, the KNUST team expressed appreciation to the Insurance Awareness Coordinators’ Group (IACG), organisers of the competition, for promoting insurance literacy and awareness through such academic engagements. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing dialogue between academia, industry, and national development.

The National Insurance Debate Competition continues to play a pivotal role in grooming the next generation of insurance professionals and thought leaders, aligning with Ghana’s vision of becoming the Insurance Hub of Africa.