The National Investment Bank is to open 22 new branches across the country in the next three years.

Mr Ernest M. Agbesi, Managing Director of the Bank, gave the hint at the dedication and commissioning of the Ho branch building on Friday.

He said the “strategic plan” was to create jobs and take banking closer to the public.

Mr Agbesi said six of the new branches would be opened in the next five months, eight in 2015, and the remaining eight in 2016, by which time the total number of branches would be 50 in 50 years.

He said the Bank had re-positioned itself with enhanced and upgraded Information Technology infrastructure to “meet competition head-on,” and asked its customers to keep faith with the institution.

“We have shown remarkable strength in the face of competition, and I urge you all to continue to patronize our services,” Mr Agbesi said.

Togbe Afede the Fourteenth, Agbogbomefia of Asogli, and the Board Chairman of the Bank, described the expansion of the bank as “significant,” and advised businesses to take advantage of NIB’s presence across the country.

He urged the bank to pay attention to customer-service, and get involved in the development of the Volta Region.

Togbe Afede said it was good that the bank was diversifying its product lines, and had gone universal, while maintaining its focus on nurturing domestic industries.

Mr Francis Ganyaglo, Deputy Volta Regional Minister commended NIB for “developing the local economy,” and urged the bank to tailor its services to meet the needs of customers.

“Your new image should not only beautify the skyline of Ho, but tailor your services and products to benefit customers,” he said.

Mr Ganyaglo urged the bank to strategize, and be a key player in the development of the private sector.