The Managing Director of the National Investment Bank (NIB) Plc, Chief Dr. Doliwura Zakaria, on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, hosted a high-powered delegation of eminent traditional rulers from Ghana and Burkina Faso at the Bank’s headquarters, Cedi House, Accra, in a visit he described as both historic and deeply symbolic.
The delegation was led by the Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area and Vice President of the National House of Chiefs, Buipewura Jinapor II; the Paramount Chief of Kong and Member of the National House of Chiefs, Kongwura Jinkurge I; and the Overlord of the Lobi people of Gaoua in south-western Burkina Faso, Bifatey II.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Dr. Zakaria, who is himself a traditional leader, said the visit represented the enduring bonds of kinship, shared heritage, and common destiny between the peoples of Ghana and Burkina Faso, stressing that traditional leadership long predates modern state boundaries.
“Before borders, there were people; before states, there were stools and skins; and before modern institutions, there was leadership rooted in service to humanity,” he noted.The NIB Managing Director described the visit to the Bank as symbolic, emphasizing that the values underpinning traditional leadership stewardship, accountability, unity, and intergenerational responsibility align closely with NIB’s mandate to finance national development and support economic transformation.
Chief Dr. Zakaria used the occasion to highlight the remarkable turnaround of the National Investment Bank over the past year since his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama. He said the Bank, once struggling, has undergone a profound transformation driven by discipline, professionalism, and collective effort.
According to him, staff welfare has significantly improved, with salaries increased by 62 percent, better working conditions, and continuous training.
He disclosed that nine executives of the Bank, including himself, are now members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, underscoring a renewed commitment to excellence and professionalism.Financially, the Bank has recorded unprecedented growth. Total deposits rose sharply from GH¢6.4 billion in 2024 to over GH¢10 billion in 2025, while profit before tax surged from GH¢3 million in 2024 to GH¢252 million in 2025.
For the first time in many years, NIB is positioned to declare profit, restoring its status as a key national asset.Chief Dr. Zakaria further announced that the Bank has been fully recapitalized following a GH¢1.476 billion government injection in 2025, pushing its unimpaired capital above the Bank of Ghana’s minimum requirement.
He revealed that NIB’s Capital Adequacy Ratio has dramatically improved from a negative 54 percent to a positive 41 percent.Operational efficiency has also improved, with a 25 percent reduction in operating costs and streamlined IT and administrative systems, enabling the Bank to operate within its means and translate income into real value.
He stressed that these gains were not personal achievements but the result of unity, discipline, and purpose principles deeply rooted in Ghana’s chieftaincy traditions.Chief Dr. Zakaria said the visit by the traditional leaders reinforces the importance of collaboration between modern financial institutions and traditional authority, while opening avenues for cross-border cooperation, investment, and people-to-people engagement between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of NIB Plc, he warmly welcomed the royal delegation and expressed optimism that the visit would strengthen bonds and inspire future partnerships anchored on service to the people and sustainable development.
The Paramount Chief of Buipe, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II, in a speech expressed deep pride and appreciation to the Management and staff of the National Investment Bank (NIB) for the honour done him during his visit to the Bank.
Speaking after being presented with a citation, the Buipewura eulogised the Managing Director of NIB, Dr. Chief Doliwura Zakaria, describing him as a humble, disciplined and forward-looking traditional leader whose leadership continues to inspire confidence.
“I am very proud of him and grateful to the entire staff for the honour accorded me today. I truly appreciate what Dr. Doliwura is doing. He is a calm and thoughtful chief, and my prayers for him are sincere,” the Buipewura stated.
The Paramount Chief noted that Dr. Doliwura has embarked on a historic journey and assured him of his unwavering support, expressing confidence in his future greatness.
“One day I may be gone, but I firmly believe that he will one day ascend the highest traditional office as Yagbonwura of this land. Beyond that, my prayers for him are twofold — that he may become either the Governor of the Bank of Ghana or even President of this nation,” he said.
According to the Buipewura, Dr. Doliwura’s leadership qualities set him apart from his peers, noting that although he has contemporaries, he remains ahead due to his vision, competence, and integrity.
The Buipewura further made reference to the historic authority of the Gonja Kingdom, stating that the Gonja people remain one of the largest land-owning ethnic groups in Ghana, occupying about one-sixteenth of the country’s total land mass, a legacy built through courage, leadership, and unity.
He also symbolically acknowledged the presence of Nura Jafar, the traditional spear holder, describing the spear as a sign of authority once used in the conquest and protection of Gonja lands.
Drawing parallels between history and modern leadership, the Buipewura commended Dr. Doliwura for “conquering the economic space” through his stewardship at the National Investment Bank, describing him as a “Commander-in-Chief of economic revival.”
He concluded by congratulating Dr. Doliwura Zakaria and wishing him continued wisdom, strength, and success in his service to Ghana.
Source : Zion Abdul-Rauf
