The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has honoured the Managing Director of the National Investment Bank (NIB), Dr John Kweku Asamoah, for his immeasurable support to the GJA and the Ghanaian media in general.

A Citation of Honour presented by the GJA to Dr Asamoah in Accra on Thursday read: “Since assuming office as Chief Executive Officer of the National Investment Bank (NIB), you have shown keen interest in the progress of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in particular and the development of the Ghanaian media in general.

“Your association with the GJA has been very short and yet extremely impactful, as exemplified by the whopping sponsorship package the NIB gave to support the 22nd GJA Awards held on December 20, 2017.

“Again, upon assumption of office at a time many local banks were reeling under financial challenges, your competence, fortitude, drive and visionary leadership helped to steer the NIB away from trouble waters and transformed it into a formidable, world class bank, providing valuable services to customers.

“A reference point worthy of high commendation is how, under your distinguished leadership, the NIB recently won a landmark $60-million judgment debt case filed against the Bank by Standard Bank Offshore Company (substituted by Dominion Corporate Trustees Limited).

“In recognition of these remarkable achievements, and in appreciation of the immeasurable support you continue to accord the GJA and the Ghanaian media in general, the National Executive of the GJA honour you with this citation.”

The President of the GJA, Mr Affail Monney, who presented the citation, commended the NIB Boss for the financial support the Bank offered towards the organisation of the 22nd GJA Awards last year.

He said at a time the GJA was in doubt about the organisation of the Awards, the NIB rallied behind the Association with a handsome sponsorship package.

He expressed the hope that the symbiotic relations established between the GJA and NIB would continue to flourish.

Dr Asamoah, on his part, expressed his appreciation to the GJA for recognising the little contribution the Bank was making for the development of the country.

He pledged the Bank’s continuous support to the GJA, saying; “The support is part of our corporate social responsibility to ensure that the Fourth Estate of the Realm functions effectively”.

On the victory of NIB in the recent judgment debt case, Dr Asamoah said the Bank’s liability, as at the time of the review judgment by the Supreme Court, had risen to about $150 million.

He said the court litigation, over a period of nine years, caused the bank to lose business relations both locally and internationally.

He urged Ghanaians to be inspired by the spirit of patriotism in all their endeavours to help develop the nation.

Present at the presentation ceremony were the Vice President of the GJA, Mrs Linda Asante-Agyei; the General Secretary, Kofi Yeboah; the National Organiser, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, and the Public Affairs Officer, Ms Mary Mensah.

Some editors and senior journalists in both the print and electronic media were also present.