“Life isn’t finding shelter in the storm. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” This quote by Sherrilyn Kenyon resonates deeply with Dr. Dan Vincent Armooh, a Ghanaian healthcare leader who has made a significant impact in the private health insurance sector.
As Managing Director-Acacia Health Insurance Ltd., Dr. Armooh has led the company to become one of Ghana’s top 100 companies, providing health insurance services to over 46,000 Ghanaians. His journey to the top has been marked by perseverance, hard work and a passion for making a difference.
Growing up, Dr. Armooh dreamed of becoming an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. He pursued his medical degree at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and later completed his housemanship at the 37 Military Hospital.
After completing his housemanship, he decided to take a break from medical practice in Ghana and travelled to the United States of America in search of better opportunities.
However, six months later, his path led him back to Ghana, realising that his true calling was in his home country where he took up a role at CnJ Medicare Centre. However, his plans to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology were put on hold due to the challenges of getting into residency as a private practitioner.
Undeterred, Dr. Armooh continued to build his experience and skills. He enrolled for an MBA at the Central University Graduate School of Business, which helped him develop his leadership and management skills.
He later worked as a medical liaison officer and Head of Claims and Medical Networking at the Managed Healthcare Company (MHC), a health insurance subsidiary of CnJ Medicare Hospital.
A pivotal moment in Dr. Armooh’s career came when he pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at the University of Sheffield in the UK. This experience not only broadened his knowledge but also transformed his mindset.
He became more analytical, reflective and strategic in his thinking, skills that have been invaluable in his leadership role at Acacia Health Insurance. He followed this up with a postgraduate certificate in Health Economics for Health Professionals at the University of Aberdeen and an executive leadership certificate at the University of Oxford.
Under Dr. Armooh’s leadership, Acacia Health Insurance has made significant strides in the private health insurance sector. The company has provided comprehensive health benefit packages to corporate clients, offered peace of mind to businesses and paid claims promptly to over 700 health service providers.
Dr. Armooh’s UK education experience has had a lasting impact on his career. He has cultivated a network of professionals and alumni, which has opened new opportunities for collaboration and growth. He is committed to continuing his lifelong learning journey and still aspires to pursue a PhD programme in Health Financing at a UK university.
As a recipient of the Study UK Alumni Award, Dr. Armooh feels a sense of accomplishment and professional credibility. He is proud to be an ambassador for UK education and hopes to inspire others to pursue their academic and professional goals.
In the future, Dr. Armooh envisions a Ghana where every citizen has access to quality healthcare. He is committed to working toward this vision, using his experience and expertise to make a meaningful impact. He currently serves on several Boards including as Board Chairman of the GMA Mutual Health Fund.
As he reflects on his journey, Dr. Armooh is reminded that “Humans are social beings. We all live for others. An opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others is one we must all take up with glee and passion”.
