The Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank PLC, Edward Ato Sarpong, has commended the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) for its continued efforts to expand Ghana’s non-traditional export sector, describing the initiative as a key driver of economic transformation.
He made these remarks following the launch of the 2025 Non-Traditional Export (NTE) Statistics Report, held at GEPA’s headquarters on Friday, April 17, 2026. The event, themed “Driving Economic Transformation Through Strategic Export Diversification,” brought together government officials, private sector leaders, members of the diplomatic community, and development partners, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Ghana’s export base.
In his address, Mr. Sarpong emphasized that non-traditional exports have become increasingly important to Ghana’s economic stability. According to him, the sector now plays a vital role in generating foreign exchange and reducing the country’s exposure to external economic shocks. He noted that the steady growth of NTEs signals a deliberate shift away from reliance on traditional commodities toward a more diversified and resilient export structure.
He also acknowledged GEPA’s role in supporting exporters through capacity-building, market access initiatives, and the promotion of Ghanaian products on the global stage. These efforts, he said, align closely with ADB’s broader development agenda, which focuses on inclusive growth, industrialisation, and regional integration.
Mr. Sarpong further highlighted that Ghana’s progress in this area reflects a strategic focus on value addition and expanding into new markets. He stressed that strengthening the non-traditional export sector will require sustained collaboration between public institutions, financial bodies, and private enterprises.
As part of this commitment, he pledged deeper cooperation between ADB and GEPA, particularly in the areas of export financing, infrastructure support, and capacity-building for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He indicated that such partnerships are essential to unlocking the full potential of Ghana’s export sector and positioning local businesses to compete more effectively in international markets.
He expressed confidence that with consistent policy direction and strong institutional partnerships, Ghana can build a more resilient, diversified, and export-driven economy.
Reaffirming the bank’s long-term vision, Mr. Sarpong noted that ADB remains committed to supporting national development beyond traditional banking services. He explained that the bank’s “Beyond Banking” philosophy reflects a broader goal of empowering businesses, supporting communities, and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
