Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB PLC), Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong, has urged young professionals to redefine their understanding of leadership, stressing that leadership is rooted in responsibility and results, not ambition, titles or power.
Speaking at a recent Leadership Conference, Mr. Ato Sarpong challenged the common perception that leadership is about status, noting instead that it is defined by impact, purpose and the ability to grow people and institutions.
“Leadership is never about your life. It is about your legacy,” he told participants. “Leadership is not in titles. It is in the task you accomplish.”
Drawing from his own journey, the ADB Managing Director revealed that when he was appointed in February 2025, he had no prior background in banking. Yet, he said his confidence stemmed from his understanding of leadership rather than technical expertise.
“When I was going to the bank, I had one thing clear in my mind. I was just going to lead the bank because I don’t know banking,” he said. “All I knew was that I could lead.”
According to him, the bank was struggling when he assumed office, with weak financial indicators and regulatory challenges. However, within 11 months, significant progress had been made.
“In 11 months, we were able to reduce the cost-to-income ratio from 98 percent to 57 percent,” he disclosed. “We eliminated 18 million Ghana cedis in cost. Our capital adequacy ratio was negative 3.17 percent. We are currently positive and now in good standing in terms of regulatory requirement.”
Mr. Ato Sarpong added that ADB is now firmly on a growth trajectory.
“In 11 months, we have put the Bank on the path of growth, and we are on course towards placing ADB among the top three performing banks in Ghana.”
He emphasised that leadership is not automatically granted by authority or position but earned through purpose, vision and a proven track record.
“Power does not confer leadership. Position does not confer leadership,” he said. “Leadership is conferred based on the task accomplished.”
Using examples from global history and business, including China’s long-term economic planning, Lego’s turnaround after heavy losses, and IBM’s recovery following a decline in market share, he argued that progress is impossible without strong leadership.
“Without leadership, nothing grows. Without leadership, nothing expands. Without leadership, nothing advances.”
Mr. Ato Sarpong also distinguished between managers and leaders, likening managers to tigers who strictly follow procedures, and leaders to lions who take responsibility and pursue purpose relentlessly.
“The lion has a high sense of responsibility,” he explained. “Leadership is not about what you want. It is about what needs to be done.”
He warned that leadership is often demanding and lonely, requiring sacrifice and self-denial.
“You see leadership as glorious on the outside, but within it is lonely.”
Outlining what he believes are the hallmarks of effective leadership, Mr. Ato Sarpong highlighted perspective, personality and passion, noting that true leaders see opportunities where others see obstacles and remain deeply committed to their assignments.
He also identified three major challenges that hinder leadership: identity crisis, competence crisis, and eminence crisis.
“The first is identity crisis. Do you know who you are?” he asked. “The second is competence crisis, not knowing what you don’t know. The third is feeling inferior.”
Ultimately, he said leadership should be measured by lives impacted and transformed, not personal achievements. Sharing stories of people he has mentored who now occupy senior roles, he reiterated his central message:
“Leadership is not about the life you lead. It’s about the legacy you leave.”
Mr. Edward Ato Sarpong is a Chartered Accountant, strategic thinker, avid writer, and agile business leader with a proven track record and deep expertise in finance, strategy, entrepreneurship and management.
