Nana Awuah Darko Ampem, born Daniel Quarshie Awuah Darko in 1932, was a financier, insurance pioneer, traditional leader, and businessman. He attended Accra Academy for his secondary education, completing in 1951.

He began his career as an insurance broker with Lloyds in England. In 1969, he returned to Ghana and established Marine and General Insurance Brokers, the first insurance brokering firm in the country. In 1972, he became the first president of the Chartered Institute of Insurance Ghana. That same year, a law was passed requiring all state institutions in Ghana to deal directly with the State Insurance Company rather than through brokers. This change brought his brokering business to a halt.

In response, he founded Vanguard Assurance in October 1974, making it the first indigenous, privately-owned insurance company in Ghana. He served as chairman of Vanguard Assurance until his death in 2005. He was widely regarded as a father figure to many Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the insurance industry, including Kwesi Essel-Koomson of KEK Insurance Brokers, whom he mentored and encouraged to enter the field.

Nana Awuah Darko Ampem played a major role in Ghana’s financial sector. In October 1984, he became the founding Chairman of Juaben Rural Bank, a position he held until his passing. In 1990, he co-founded CAL Merchant Bank (now CAL Bank) and served as a director on its board. He also co-founded and chaired the Ghana Leasing Company Limited. In 1995, he led the founding of City Investments Company Limited, a finance house that later became the parent company of Premium Bank after his death. He was a Council member of the Ghana Stock Exchange and served on the Asanteman Finance Advisory Committee.

In 1985, he was enstooled as the Nkosuohene (Progress Chief) of Asante Juaben, a title he held until his death. His contributions to economic development earned him great respect within both traditional and national circles.

Nana Awuah Darko Ampem was a passionate sportsman. He was the first Ghanaian Captain of the Accra Polo Club and later served on its board of trustees. He was also a former Chairman and life patron of the Ghana Squash Association.

He was married to Judith Ellen Awuah-Darko, and they had four children.

Reference: Wikipedia