In a continent where insurance remains one of the least understood yet most critical financial tools, a Ghanaian voice is helping to reshape the narrative.
Samuel Nana Effah Obeng, a journalist with GN Media, has been adjudged 2nd Runner-Up in the English Broadcast Category at the prestigious 11th Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards, held in Kigali, Rwanda on April 17, 2026.
His award-winning story, “Insurance Without Trust: Why Ghana’s Informal Workers Are Left Unprotected,” stood out among 184 entries submitted from across Anglophone and Francophone Africa, cementing his place among the continent’s most impactful storytellers on insurance and financial inclusion.
Telling Africa’s Untold Insurance Story
Obeng’s work tackles a deeply rooted challenge in Ghana and across Africa—the widespread distrust and exclusion that leaves millions of informal workers without insurance protection.
In a sector often perceived as technical and distant, his story cuts through complexity to reveal the human reality: market women, artisans, and gig workers navigating life without a safety net.
His recognition reflects a broader shift in African journalism—one that prioritizes storytelling grounded in lived experiences rather than abstract policy debates.
As Chief Judge Michael Wilson noted during the awards:
The best entries this year brought out the “humanness” of insurance—connecting complex industry issues to real people and real lives.
A Competitive Continental Stage
The English Broadcast Category was fiercely contested, with Blessing Ifechukwude of Voice of Nigeria emerging as winner for her report on Nigeria’s mandatory health insurance reforms.
Kenya’s Mercy Tyra Murengu secured the first runner-up position with a unique exploration into the niche world of body parts insurance.
Obeng’s recognition as second runner-up places Ghana firmly on the continental map in insurance journalism—an area increasingly vital to Africa’s economic resilience.
Uganda’s Isaac Khisa Emerges Overall Winner
The night’s highest honour went to Uganda’s Isaac Khisa of The Independent Publications, who was named Overall Winner for his investigative piece on Africa’s reinsurance sector.
His article, “Keeping it home: Africa’s reinsurers in quiet bid to reclaim market,” explores how regional firms are working to retain premiums historically lost to global players—a structural issue affecting the continent’s financial strength.
Growing Impact Across Africa
According to Lawrence Nazare, Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Holdings, the awards continue to expand in reach and influence:
The inclusion of 10 new participating countries reflects the growing reach and impact of the awards across the continent.
Since its launch in 2015, the awards have become the longest-running platform dedicated to re/insurance journalism in Africa, spotlighting stories that drive awareness, accountability, and resilience in the financial sector.
Why This Recognition Matters for Ghana
Obeng’s achievement is more than personal—it signals a growing awareness of insurance as a development issue in Ghana.
With a large informal sector and low insurance penetration, storytelling like his plays a crucial role in:
- Exposing systemic gaps
- Building public trust
- Influencing policy conversations
- Encouraging financial inclusion
His work underscores a key reality: insurance is not just about policies—it’s about people, protection, and dignity.
A Win for Purpose-Driven Journalism
As Africa grapples with economic uncertainty, climate risks, and health challenges, the role of journalism in explaining risk and protection mechanisms has never been more important.
Samuel Nana Effah Obeng’s recognition is a reminder that powerful journalism doesn’t just inform—it amplifies the voices of the underserved and pushes critical conversations forward.
And in doing so, it helps shape a more resilient Africa.
