The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC, urging them to renew the bank’s commitment to its core mandate of supporting Ghana’s agricultural sector.
At a brief ceremony held on Wednesday, July 9, Dr. Forson underscored the critical role of agriculture in national development, stressing that no country can make meaningful economic progress without a strong and vibrant agricultural foundation.
“As I emphasised during the ceremony, the very reason for the establishment of ADB was to catalyze agricultural transformation. That vision must be protected and actively pursued,” he stated.
The newly constituted board, which brings together a blend of seasoned professionals, legislators, and experts from diverse backgrounds, will be chaired by Kenneth Kwamina Thompson, a respected figure in Ghana’s financial landscape. The Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, also joins the board as a member, bringing operational insight to complement strategic oversight.
Other members of the board include Andrew Dari Chiwitey, a Member of Parliament with experience in policy and governance; Siisi Essuman-Ocran, whose background in law and corporate governance strengthens the legal and compliance dimensions of the board; and Dr. E. Prince Arhin, an academic and policy advisor with deep roots in development planning.
The board also includes Misbahu Mahama Adams, a public servant with strong ties to the agricultural sector; Wing Commander Samuel J.A. Allotey (Rtd), whose disciplined leadership from the military adds strategic focus; Courage Akanwunge Asabagna, known for his work in business development and finance; and Abdul Nasir M. Saani, whose experience in banking and rural finance aligns well with the bank’s core mandate.
Dr. Forson expressed confidence in the team, noting that their varied expertise offers a solid foundation for repositioning ADB as the lead financial institution in Ghana’s agricultural value chain. However, he was quick to caution that competence alone is not enough the board must remain focused, driven by purpose, and committed to the needs of farmers and agribusinesses across the country.
“Agriculture is the bedrock of our economy, providing employment, ensuring food security, and contributing significantly to our GDP. It is only right that a bank specifically established to support this sector rises to the occasion,” he said.
He concluded by reminding the board that the future of Ghana’s agriculture and, by extension, its economy, rests heavily on how well institutions like ADB function. He tasked the members to be “purposeful and forward-looking” and to ensure that farmers and agricultural enterprises are always at the heart of their strategy and operations.
As the new board settles into its role, all eyes will be on how it steers ADB towards not only commercial success but also meaningful agricultural transformation for Ghana.
