The Managing Director of National Investment Bank PLC (NIB), Dr Doliwura Zakaria, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to inclusive, community-led development across Ghana.
Speaking at the 2nd Kwahu Business Forum held at the Mpreaso Social Centre in the Eastern Region, Chief Dr. Zakaria joined industry leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to explore strategies for economic transformation.
The two-day forum, centred on innovation, investment, and inclusive growth, served as a dynamic platform for dialogue and collaboration.
Through keynote sessions and high-level networking, the event renewed momentum around aligning public-private efforts to drive Ghana’s development.
In a compelling address, Chief Dr. Zakaria outlined NIB’s plan to replicate its equity model from the Accra Market across all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) nationwide.
“We believe the time has come for local governments to take an active role as equity stakeholders in managing the markets that power their economies,” he said.
“As a bank with deep roots in Ghana’s industrial journey, NIB is ready to partner with MMDAs to make this vision a reality.”
He noted that the bank’s successful investment and management experience in the Accra Market provides a tested blueprint that can be adapted across the country.
By positioning local authorities as shareholders and decision-makers, the initiative aims to boost operational efficiency, enhance infrastructure, and increase revenue streams at the grassroots level, without placing additional strain on government budgets.
“Markets are economic nerve centres in our communities. When well-managed, they can transform livelihoods, empower SMEs, and create sustainable jobs,” Dr. Zakaria emphasised.
“NIB is not just here to bank; we are here to build.”
This initiative aligns with NIB’s broader mission to support Ghana’s industrialisation and foster community ownership of public infrastructure.
It also reflects the bank’s ongoing transformation under new leadership, positioning it as a key financial partner in the government’s 24-hour economy agenda and wider national development strategy.
As the Kwahu Business Forum drew to a close, NIB reiterated its commitment to bold partnerships, lasting impact, and playing a central role in Ghana’s economic progress.
Chief Dr. Zakaria was accompanied by Chief Business Development Officer, Kweku Oppong-Duah; Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Marian N. Touré; and other senior representatives of the bank.