Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta (immediate left) joins Dr Mahamadu Bawumia and Togbe Afede XIV to unveil the anniversary logo
Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia on Monday launched the 55th anniversary celebration of the National Investment Bank (NIB) in Accra on the theme, ‘55 Years of Growing Ghanaian Businesses.’
The well-attended event saw past and serving board and management members of the bank, former employees, as well as current ones in attendance, supported by the bank’s customers.
Dr Bawumia was assisted by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Board Chairman Togbe Afede XIV, and Managing Director of the bank, Dr John Kweku Asamoah, to unveil the anniversary logo.
He commended NIB for playing a significant role in the establishment and development of most businesses, including financial institutions in the country over the past 55 years.
Congratulating the bank on its recent victory at the Supreme Court in a matter, which lasted for almost eight years, he said: “Our hope and prayer is that the banking environment, which you find yourselves in, would in the next 55 years be very different from the environment we have been pursuing in the past 55 years.”
Dr John Kweku Asamoah, in his welcome address, said 55th anniversary was worth celebrating, as it was an opportunity to take stock and chart the way forward.
He said the bank had undergone institutional, managerial and financial restructuring over the years which made it a formidable force in the industry.
“Four years ago, NIB was almost a lost brand in the industry. In 2015, the bank set one main objective, which was to turn around the fortunes of the bank and make it more profitable.
He revealed that the bank instituted a three-year strategic plan from 2015-2017 to fast-track growth and to stay competitive and meet customers’ expectations.
He said the plan had chalked tremendous successes which was evident by a stronger brand in the banking industry.
“The future of the bank is very bright and exciting, and we will continue to develop products to meet customers’ expectations with the view of maximising value for our shareholders,” Dr Asamoah said.
Established on March 22, 1963 by Ghana’s First President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah as a development bank to offer financial support to businesses, NIB currently has 52 branches and agencies across the country.
It is expected to open three new branches by the end of this month.
Other activities planned for the anniversary include public lectures, health walk and fun games, dinner dance, an awards night and thanksgiving service.
By Samuel Boadi