Ghana’s Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) is set for a major reset as the government outlines plans to recapitalize the institution in 2026—part of a broader effort to realign the bank with its original mission of supporting the agricultural sector.
The announcement came as Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson swore in a new nine-member Board of Directors for ADB, with Kenneth Kwamina Thompson, former CEO of Dalex Finance, taking over as board chairman. The new leadership is being tasked with restoring ADB’s core focus on agriculture financing after years of perceived drift from its founding purpose.
Speaking at the board’s inauguration, Dr. Forson emphasized the government’s renewed commitment to agriculture as a catalyst for national development. He stressed that ADB must become a more reliable partner for farmers, agribusinesses, and value chain actors across the country.
“No country develops without sustained agricultural development,” the Minister stated in a Facebook post. “I have therefore tasked the new board to remain focused and guided by their primary mandate—serving Ghana’s agricultural sector. I want to assure the board and management that I will capitalize ADB next year.”
The recapitalization, expected in 2026, will enhance ADB’s lending capacity and reposition the bank as a key player in Ghana’s agricultural transformation. It also supports the government’s wider policy agenda, including food self-sufficiency, import substitution, and rural industrialization.
Alongside Kenneth Thompson, the new board includes Edward Ato Sarpong as Managing Director, and members Andrew Dari Chiwitey, Siisi Essuman-Ocran, Dr. E. Prince Arhin, Misbahu Mahama Adams, Wing Commander Samuel J.A. Allotey, Courage Akanwunge Asabagna, and Abdul Nasir M. Saani.
The leadership shakeup comes amid increasing calls from stakeholders and development partners for ADB to fulfill its specialized role in financing agriculture and supporting inclusive growth.
With Ghana positioning agriculture at the center of its post-crisis recovery strategy, the new board is expected to lead a bold turnaround—making ADB a cornerstone institution for the nation’s agro-industrial future.
