The Agricultural Development Bank of Ghana (ADB) is celebrating sixty years of dedicated service to the nation, marking the milestone with the launch of a new tagline, “Beyond Banking.” This fresh identity signals the bank’s transformation from a traditional lender to a modern financial institution that offers comprehensive support to Ghana’s agricultural sector and beyond.
Founded in 1965 through an Act of Parliament as the Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Bank, ADB was initially established to serve the financing needs of Ghanaian farmers. In 1967, it was renamed the Agricultural Development Bank, and over the years, the institution has steadily expanded its scope. Today, ADB plays a crucial role across the entire agricultural value chain, from financing farm production to supporting processing, distribution, and trade. The bank has also set an ambitious vision to be counted among the top three banks in Ghana while earning international recognition for its exceptional people, effective processes, and outstanding performance.
Edward Ato Sarpong, the bank’s Managing Director, has affirmed that ADB is investing heavily in technology and artificial intelligence to enhance customer service and operational efficiency. As part of its growth strategy, the bank is preparing to open its 90th branch shortly, further strengthening its national footprint.
ADB’s contributions to Ghana’s agricultural development have been both strategic and impactful. By April 2023, the bank had disbursed over GH₵1 billion in agricultural loans, significantly supporting key government initiatives such as Planting for Food and Jobs, Rearing for Food and Jobs, and the One District One Factory project. The bank also provided GH₵460 million in financing for buffer stock facilities and subsidized agricultural machinery like tractors and outboard motors. In 2024, ADB’s agricultural loan portfolio grew to GH₵1.41 billion, supported by trade instruments like structured letters of credit and financial guarantees.
More than just a financier, ADB has actively promoted agricultural excellence and rural development. The bank has been the lead sponsor of the National Best Farmer Awards since 1987, a long-standing contribution that highlights its commitment to improving Ghana’s food security and empowering local farmers. This deep engagement with the farming community is at the core of the bank’s new “Beyond Banking” philosophy, which focuses on offering advisory services, trade support, and technical expertise in addition to financial products.
This new direction is aligned with ADB’s corporate roadmap for 2023 to 2026, themed “Going Above and Beyond the Predictable.” The bank is focusing on advancing agribusiness financing, enhancing risk management practices, and expanding its digital banking services to reach more Ghanaians efficiently. ADB’s leadership in the sector has been widely recognized, including its receipt of the prestigious 2022 GIRSAL award for guaranteed agricultural lending.
The bank’s 60th anniversary also highlights valuable partnerships that are driving innovation in Ghana’s agriculture. One notable example is ADB’s 2024 collaboration with the Ghana-Nebraska Agribusiness Chamber, which is helping to connect local farmers with international markets and modern farming practices. In addition, the bank continues to push digital transformation with initiatives such as instant GH-Link card issuance and improved internet banking services, demonstrating its readiness to lead Ghana’s agricultural sector into a technology-driven future.
As ADB looks to the years ahead, its “Beyond Banking” strategy captures the essence of its journey from a credit-focused bank to a comprehensive development partner in Ghana’s agriculture and financial sectors. With a legacy that includes supporting everything from pineapple processors to climate-smart farming projects, ADB remains firmly positioned to shape Ghana’s agricultural progress for generations to come.
