Motorists in Ghana are being urged by the Chairman of the Council of the Ghana National Bureau of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme, Mr. Frederick Adotey Saka, to actively demand their ECOWAS Brown Card insurance certificates when purchasing motor insurance. This vital document, which becomes automatically active upon policy issuance, ensures coverage for incidents involving non-resident motorists within ECOWAS member states. The call comes as the Scheme celebrates its 44th anniversary, highlighting its crucial role in facilitating regional economic integration and free movement.
Scheme’s Genesis and Objectives
The ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme was established on May 29, 1982, in Cotonou, Benin. Its creation was intrinsically linked to the broader vision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) – fostering economic integration and enabling the unimpeded movement of people, goods, and services across member nations.
The scheme’s fundamental purpose is to guarantee swift and equitable compensation for victims of motor accidents caused by motorists from other ECOWAS countries. The Brown Card itself acts as a unified third-party liability insurance cover, addressing potential death, bodily injury, or property damage incurred by visiting drivers in a host ECOWAS member state.
Ghana’s Role and Partnerships
Established in 1987, the Ghana National Bureau serves as the operational secretariat for the Scheme within Ghana. Its responsibilities include issuing Brown Card certificates through licensed insurance companies and managing cross-border insurance claims originating from or involving Ghana.
Over the decades, the Bureau has cultivated robust relationships with critical stakeholders. These include the National Insurance Commission (NIC), the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA), the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Borderless Alliance, the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, and various transport associations.
Digital Integration and Enhanced Verification
A significant recent achievement highlighted by Mr. Saka is the collaboration with the NIC to integrate Brown Card policies into the Motor Insurance Database (MID 2). This strategic move aims to digitize Brown Card certificates, thereby streamlining and enhancing the verification processes for all parties involved.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to ensure they receive their Brown Card certificates irrespective of whether they purchase comprehensive or third-party motor insurance. These certificates can be obtained through insurance companies, brokers, or agents.
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