Events preceding the declaration of this year’s general elections results was one of a tensed atmosphere and an uneasy calm till the concession of defeat by the sitting President and an almost immediate declaration by the Electoral Commission.
One commendable observation I personally made was the reduction in the rate of speed of vehicles with their party supporters in jubilation compared with the campaign period prior to December 7.
Many thanks to President John Mahama for such show of maturity that has brought great calm to the country and also to the President-elect Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo for admonishing moderate unprovocative celebrations.
That notwithstanding, some vehicles were still seen speeding at any mechanically acceptable rate thus endangering the lives of persons commuting or passing by and this, we should all be mindful of though no incident has come to my knowledge as of press time.
Preparations for two ‘Christmasses’
The next event we are gearing ourselves for is the season of yuletide. This comes with its own risks. Christmas is a season people all over the world cherish, relish and wait impatiently for. The victory celebration in last week’s general elections, I reckon, will certainly be an item on Christmas activities though not be the same for everyone. Some will be on the quiet while some others will be out there in total frenzy.
This therefore gives me a feeling that we are celebrating two Christmases in a row! Winners of elections and celebrants of the real Christmas would have every cause to celebrate in great joy though not absolved from the possibilities of known and unknown risks.
Whether one is prepared for it or not, Christmas comes with some inexplicable level of excitement and its accompanying risks. The period preceding the 25th December itself smacks so much of joy and from the beginning of November every year, the change in the weather characterized by the emergence of the harmattan gives a feeling of hope, joy, life, a sense of belonging and all – the yuletide – Christmas!
Indeed, unlike every other year at this time of the year, this year Christmas plans are not dominated by only chicken, rice and goats and their movements but also the movements of people from one location to another either to celebrate electoral victory or Christmas!
Demand for insurance
The last commodity anybody would want to hear about is insurance in any form. Travelling the length and breadth of the country has become a routine for some people.
Around this time of the year is whereas insurance companies in the non-life sector get virtually chased by individuals and corporate entities, especially for motor insurance cover, unfortunately, the same cannot be said about fire and allied perils insurance, among others.
That notwithstanding, some business owners and some well-meaning individuals recognize the fact that this is the time to make provisions for the insurance of their property, businesses, stocks, assets and especially motor vehicles.
I find this to be very encouraging as it helps general business insurance companies increase their premium mobilization, especially the period just before, during and immediately after the elections and the yuletide.
Weak demand for life insurance
In the life sector, however, it is rare to see working people chasing life insurers to sign on to any life insurance policy. In fact even when they are ‘chased’, they take to their heels, because this is not the time to listen to life insurance vibes; it is a period to celebrate and to think about how to make provisions for their families and how to give away gifts to loved ones – minus insurance.
The paradox here is that people are more concerned about securing their cars, houses, and businesses, assets, etc and rather oblivious of the need to protect the many lives that depend on them including their own lives.
The attendant risks
From the eve of Christmas to the ‘overs’ to December 31 into January 1 fireworks everywhere characterize the weather. Fire crackers, bonfires from various combustible materials are typically used to thank God for ushering us into the New Year!
Road accidents also generally increase at alarming statistics and this can be worse if care is not taken since this year’s festivities are in two folds – electoral victory celebrations and Christmas!
Entertainment centres are by now fully booked for events that characterize the season thus calling for public liability insurance, among others. Criminal activities become conspicuously characteristic during the season hence the need for burglary insurance.
Harmattan in the season
Every year, many homes, industries (factories and warehouses) and other properties fall victim to fires. While in some cases essential properties are salvaged, in many others they are completely consumed by the fires. Last year for instance, a total of 160 fire outbreaks were recorded nationwide, between January 1 and January 7.
The way forward
Be insurance-armed
It is obviously a truism that many bizarre and risky incidents occur during festive occasions. In my admonition to be more cautious in the way issues regarding fire are handled, it is imperative to note that in spite of how careful one may be, mishaps do occur.
The surest way to mitigate the effects of these mishaps when they do occur is through the right type of insurance.
All aspects of insurance are important before, during and after Christmas hence the public must continue to give equal attention to both the life and non-life sectors. We must remember that a loved one could be lost even on Christmas Day. The stack reality is that MISHAPS KNOW NO SEASON!
To say it is a brilliant idea to renew your motor insurance policies in a post-electoral season and Christmas to protect your vehicle, life and third parties, cannot be over-emphasized. Equally important is to make life insurance an essential component of our hampers this ‘special’ Christmas.
It is about time we took seriously the safety precaution on road usage, fire protection among others. Apart from having insurance, it is important for property owners to prepare emergency kits and take the necessary steps to minimize the risk of possible fires. Clearing of bushes, debris and other combustibles around such properties and acquiring / installing fire extinguishers at vantage points would suffice.
The expiry dates on your motor insurance stickers may be closer than you think. Take a closer look now and you may be killing two birds with one stone, because your road worthy sticker may also have a few days to expire!
Congratulations to all victorious contestants in this year’s general elections and to all Ghanaians for making it peaceful. Merry Christmas to all readers of this column and until you make a decision to buy all the necessary forms of insurance for yourselves, dependants, businesses and assets, please don’t put all your gifts into one hamper without the right types of insurance policies.
Until next week, “This is Insurance from the eyes of my mind”.
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