Ghana’s leading mobile micro-insurance company, aYo Intermediaries Ghana Ltd, has partnered with Sanlam General Insurance Ltd and Mobile Money Limited to launch a new insurance product called aYo Pay and Drive Motor Insurance Policy.

aYo Pay and Drive is an insurance policy that enables drivers to insure their vehicles as and when they want to. With this service, drivers have the freedom to pay for insurance based on their individual needs and preferences using their mobile phones. With the pay-as-you-go approach, drivers have full control over their insurance payments, making insurance more affordable and convenient.

aYo Ghana, tap and drive The insurance policy can be purchased weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly offering more flexibility to meet the evolving needs of vehicle owners. The premium is calculated based on the selected number of days; a minimum of 7 days is required, usage of vehicle (Private or commercial) and value of vehicle.

Customers can register for aYo Pay and Drive at http://app.ayoghana.com/ to sign up. Alternatively, customers can WhatsApp 0596918235 for assistance.

aYo Ghana, tap and drive Speaking at the launch, Francis Gota, CEO of aYo Intermediaries Ghana Ltd, explained how the product is going to revolutionize the insurance industry through its convenience, accessibility, and flexibility.

He said, “today marks a significant milestone for us at aYo after 7 years of redefining insurance in Ghana. We are proud to bring to Ghanaians a groundbreaking auto policy called ‘Pay and Drive.’ Forged through partnerships, this product symbolizes unity and our shared commitment to deliver unparalleled value to our customers. Customers are the bedrock of our business, and their support has been both motivating and instrumental in driving our passion for innovation.”

Mabel Nana Ama Nyarkoa Porbley, CEO of Sanlam General Insurance Ltd also spoke about how the digital nature of the product will help reduce our environmental footprint. She encouraged all drivers to sign on to it.

Chief Superintendent Alexander Kweku Obeng of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, praised the product as a commendable initiative that will assist citizens in complying with the mandatory insurance requirements in Ghana.

Mr. Francis Gota, CEO of aYo Intermediaries Ghana Ltd speaking at the launch of aYo Pay and Drive

aYo Pay and Drive Insurance policy is crafted to meet the needs of the customers like car owners and cab drivers who cannot purchase yearly insurance cover. Valid Pay & Drive claims are paid directly to the claimant’s mobile money wallet or preferred payment platform.

aYo is committed to revolutionizing the insurance landscape in Ghana. Over the past seven years, aYo has raked in over 8.2 million individual policyholders. The company boasts of a subscriber base of over 10 million Ghanaians. So far, the company has paid out over GH¢18 million claims to over 45,000 policyholders and beneficiaries, out of which GH¢4.5 million was paid out last year.

Some of the dignitaries and stakeholders who graced the occasion included Benjamin Peh, Business Development Manager of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Nana Yaa Ago Winful, Head of Marketing – Ghinger APP Ghana, Nana Kwesi Gyan Apenteng, former Chairman of the National Media Commission, some members of the Mobile Money Advocacy Group (MOMAG) and staff of aYo, Sanlam and MTN Ghana.

MTN Ghana has successfully completed its Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity deployment for GCB Bank Plc. The project, managed by MTN Ghana Capital Projects Group, marks a significant milestone in enhancing GCB Bank’s digital infrastructure and elevating its commitment to serving customers with up-to-date technologies.

Hatem Dowidar, former CEO of Vodafone Egypt and current Group CEO of Emirates Telecommunications Group (e&), has been appointed as a non-executive director to the Vodafone Group board. The announcement comes after Vodafone Group and e& entered into a strategic relationship agreement in May 2023.

Dowidar, with a remarkable 30-year career in multinational companies, has spent 24 years specifically in the telecommunications sector. He commenced his career at AEG/Deutsche Aerospace in Egypt, transitioning into marketing roles at Procter & Gamble.

Dowidar held various leadership positions at Vodafone, including Regional Director of Emerging Markets, CEO of Vodafone Egypt, CEO of Vodafone Malta, and CEO of Partner Markets, overseeing Vodafone’s partnership agreements in over 45 markets globally.

Having joined e& in 2015 as Group Chief Operating Officer and subsequently becoming the Group CEO in 2020, Dowidar has been instrumental in steering the company’s strategic direction.

Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chair of Vodafone, expressed delight at Dowidar’s appointment, highlighting the valuable experience he brings to the telecommunications industry and his extensive leadership roles across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The appointment is seen as a reinforcement of the strategic partnership between Vodafone and e&.

Vodafone officially confirmed that regulatory approvals for Dowidar’s appointment have been obtained, and he will assume the role of Non-Executive Director effective from February 19, 2024. Dowidar will also be appointed as a member of the Nominations & Governance Committee.

Hatem Dowidar, acknowledging his new role on LinkedIn, expressed his happiness in joining the board of Vodafone, a telecom giant with notable global achievements and promising potential for the future. He looks forward to contributing to the rapid transformation led by Margherita Della Valle and the management team.

In response to Vodafone’s announcement, Dowidar stated, “I look forward to joining the Board of Vodafone and working with Jean-François and my fellow Board members to support the rapid transformation being undertaken by Margherita Della Valle and the management team.”

This move solidifies Dowidar’s commitment to leveraging his extensive experience to contribute to Vodafone’s strategic growth and evolution in the telecommunications sector

Source : Smart Megwai

As of February 2024, the Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has declared the establishment of 1000 rural telephony sites.

This initiative, aligned with the NPP's commitment to advancing digitalization, aims to extend mobile telephony nationwide, with a particular focus on areas lacking internet access.

During a press conference themed 'Digital Infrastructure to Bridge the Digital Divide,' she announced that 618 of the completed sites are already operational.

The project is expected to benefit around four million citizens, with current beneficiaries residing in approximately 1002 rural communities.

This effort has played a crucial role in providing seamless internet access to Ghanaians, regardless of their location or network provider.

Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful underscored that the remaining telephony sites are scheduled for completion by the end of the year, ensuring widespread access to reliable, affordable, and secure broadband services.

Emphasizing the significance of the project, she highlighted its role in narrowing the digital divide and reiterated the government's determination to include all citizens in the digital transformation journey.

"As of February 2024, 1010 out of the planned 2016 rural telephony sites have been successfully established, with 618 of them already operational, delivering essential voice and data services to residents in approximately 1002 rural communities. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing social connectivity and digital access in these areas," she added.

Mobile communication, including cellphones, internet access and wireless telecommunications in rural communities are essential to private and public sectors.

Residents, businesses, governmental agencies and emergency service personnel need access to reliable connectivity to promote safety and streamline operations.

A reliable connection can also promote better business practices, enable digital learning and foster a stronger community in developing countries such as Ghana.

Source:Patrick Nudzi (GNA)