By: Nyima Sillah
West Africa Insurance Institute and ECOWAS Brown Card Bureau in collaboration with The Gambia Police Force has kicked off a five-day training for 20 police officers underway at West Africa Institute in Kotu.
The training seeks to build capacity of participants from both the police and insurance companies in acquiring the required knowledge insurance, Road Traffic, accident management and also enhance the capacity of traffic police in accident investigation and report writing skills, held under the Theme: Insurance and Road Traffic Management.
Speaking at the ceremony, Assistance Inspector General of Police, Ebrima Bah, said: “this training will provide the opportunity for the insurance companies to learn a lot about police work whilst the police will also be able to acquire in depth knowledge about operations of the insurance industry.”
The training should be seen as the beginning of series of similar and relevant courses and cooperation earmarked in the future for both the insurance players and all the participants especially the police trainees, he said.
He expressed gratitude saying the importance of the training cannot be over-emphasized taking into consideration of the recent hikes in road traffic accidents with the attendant pressure on the insurance companies over client’s demands on claims and compensation settlements.
Makaireh Badjan, President of the Insurance Association said: “the creation of a joint Taskforce insurance Association of the Gambia and the Gambia Police Force is with the intent to professionally pursue and promote matters of mutual interest to foster greater understanding, trust and cooperation between insurance operators, the police, policyholders and the general public.”
He said the role of police in the enforcement of the road traffic act is of great important and can only be made easier through better understanding and cooperation of all road users, adding that in line with the set objectives of IAG they will continue to highly place the need for sensitization of the general public and all stakeholders with greater collaboration with the police.
Meanwhile Deputy Governor Central Bank of The Gambia Dr Seeku AK Jabbi, added that, insurance generates significant impact on the economy by mobilizing resources. Adding that, it enables to mitigate loss, boost financial stability, promote trade and commence activities culminating into economic growth and development.