In a demonstration of unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector, the Agricultural Development Bank PLC (ADB) has once again proven itself a beacon of support for farmers and fishers across Ghana.

On a vibrant day at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in Accra, the bank proudly presented a cheque worth GH¢1 million to Madam Charity Akortia, the esteemed recipient of the 2023 National Best Farmer award hailing from the Agona West Municipality in the Central Region.

This generous contribution solidifies ADB’s position as the lead sponsor of the prestigious Farmers’ Day celebrations, a role the bank has embraced with zeal and dedication. Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, the Managing Director of ADB, emphasized the institution’s enduring commitment to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable efforts of farmers and fishers who form the backbone of Ghana’s agricultural landscape.

Speaking at the ceremony, Alhaji Yakubu-Tali underscored ADB’s overarching mission of enhancing livelihoods and ensuring food security while driving economic prosperity. He commended Madam Akortia for her visionary proposal to invest the prize money in expanding Greenworth Farms, a testament to her dedication to sustainable agriculture and community development.

Madam Akortia’s initiatives, which include capacity-building for youth and females, investment in solar-powered facilities, and support for young farmers, resonate deeply with ADB’s objectives. The bank, in alignment with its core mandate, expressed delight in supporting Madam Akortia’s proposal and pledged to provide her with a dedicated relationship manager to ensure the efficient utilization of funds.

Alhaji Yakubu-Tali reiterated ADB’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the agriculture sector remains a cornerstone of wealth creation and national development. He emphasized the bank’s dedication to rolling out farmer-friendly products and programs rooted in climate-friendly principles, underlining ADB’s proactive stance towards sustainable agricultural practices.

ADB’s Commitment to Collaborating with Government

The managing director exprtessed ADB’s commitment to collaborating with government and the private sector for the implementation of viable projects and programmes in the agricultural sector, such as the Planting for Food and Jobs phase II, among others, as part of efforts to promote agribusiness for wealth creation.

“On behalf of the board, management, and staff of ADB, I take this opportunity to once again state the bank’s readiness in working with the MoFA and Fisheries and Agriculture Development to elevate Ghana’s agriculture on the world stage,” Alhaji Yakubu-Tali added.

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Bryan Acheampong, commended ADB for consistently sponsoring Farmers’ Day and motivating farmers in the development of agriculture, especially through partnerships with the ministry that were strategically designed to deliver solutions to problems in the sector.

Mr Bryan Acheampong announced the opening of the registration of Planting for Food and Jobs phase two (PJF 2.0) which aimed at enhancing agricultural development, food security, productivity and job creation particularly for the youth.

Mr Bryan Acheampong noted that out of the two million targeted farmers, 200,000 farmers had registered so far, saying last year, the private sector invested about 11million day-old chicks into the agricultural sector and this year alone, the government was committed to investing 18million.

The minister iterated government’s commitment to making Ghana food self-sufficient in the next five years by increasing it from 15 per cent to 23 per cent this year and 45 per cent next year. He congratulated Madam Akortia for winning the 2023 National Best Farmer, and assured of the ministry’s support to expand her farm while working closely with other farmers to ensure socio-economic development.

As Ghana charts its course towards agricultural resilience and prosperity, partnerships like the one between ADB and exemplary farmers such as Madam Charity Akortia serve as catalysts for transformation. Through collaborative efforts and strategic investments, the agricultural sector can thrive, contributing not only to food security but also to the holistic development of communities across the nation.