This, he believed, would speedily return the bank to profitability thereby, give it the clout to significantly support the industrialisation agenda of the country.

The Asantehene gave this assurance when the management of the bank called on him at the Manhyia Palace to introduce Mr Sarpong as the new Managing Director of the bank.

Other members of the management team were Mr Alfred George Thompson, the Deputy Managing Director; Mr Charles Wordey, Head of Corporate Affairs; Mrs Doreen Quartey, Head of Sales and Business Development and Mr Felix Twum Darko, Acting Head of Retail Banking.

Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I have followed your progress at GCB and all the initiatives you took to make GCB what it is today. I am happy that you are at the helm of affairs at NIB, another state bank. I commend you for this achievement and I am confident that you will be given the needed support to succeed.”

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged Mr Sarpong to be resolute in his decisions and consider every customer as important for the growth and success of the bank.

He advised him to adopt best banking practices to ensure that customers’ deposits are protected.

Mr Sarpong on his part thanked the Asantehene for granting him audience, and reposing confidence in him.

He also congratulated him on his 20th anniversary coronation, and praised him for his exemplary leadership over the past two decades.