The Agricultural Development Bank PLC (ABD) has capped a challenging but rewarding year with an interdenominational Thanksgiving Service, expressing gratitude to God for a successful 2025 and seeking divine guidance for the year ahead.
The service, held at the Head Office of the Bank in Accra, brought together Management, staff, and invited clergy in a solemn atmosphere of praise, worship, and reflection.
The thanksgiving event formed part of ADB’s broader effort to reflect on its journey over the past year and to recommit itself to the strategic path it has charted for long-term growth and sustainability. It also provided an opportunity for leadership to acknowledge the dedication and resilience of staff who played a key role in the Bank’s recent turnaround.
Morning Service at Head Office
The Christian Thanksgiving Service took place in the morning on the fourth floor of ADB’s Head Office in Accra. Staff and Management gathered in unity to give thanks for what leadership described as a year marked by discipline, diligence, and recovery. The service was officiated by Bishop James Saah, who urged staff to remain grateful, resilient, and purposeful in the discharge of their duties.
Bishop Saah encouraged employees to see their work as a calling and reminded them that consistency, integrity, and faith were essential ingredients for sustained success. His message resonated strongly with staff, many of whom have witnessed firsthand the Bank’s steady return to growth after a period of operational and financial strain.
Inclusive Prayers at the Police Mosque
In the afternoon, Management continued the thanksgiving activities with a fellowship session at the Police Mosque in Cantonments. The visit underscored ADB’s commitment to inclusivity and unity across faiths. Prayers were offered for the Bank’s leadership, staff, customers, shareholders, and all stakeholders, with a focus on sustained peace, stability, and success in the coming years.
The mosque session reflected the Bank’s recognition that its growth and impact extend beyond balance sheets to the broader national and social fabric. Management emphasized the importance of collective goodwill and spiritual grounding as the institution pursues ambitious strategic goals.
Managing Director Reflects on the Journey
In his remarks, the Managing Director of ADB, Edward Ato Sarpong, described the thanksgiving as a heartfelt expression of appreciation to God for the Bank’s progress over the past year. Reflecting on his first year in office, he noted that the period had been both demanding and rewarding.
“I have been with the Bank for a year now as the Managing Director, and I can say that good Lord has been merciful to us over the year. We have been able to overcome challenges, and ADB is now on the path of growth and prosperity.”
Edward Ato Sarpong
Mr Sarpong highlighted that the Bank’s improved performance did not happen by chance, but was the result of deliberate efforts by Management and staff to stabilize operations and rebuild confidence.
Strategy Delivers Measurable Results
According to the Managing Director, ADB’s recent performance reflects focused execution of its medium-term strategy.
“Our performance for the period reflects ADB’s deliberate efforts over the past 9 months to stabilize our operations, strengthen our balance sheet, enhance profitability, and deliver long-term value to our diverse stakeholders while continuing to support key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture. We are on course, on our 3 and half-year strategy, to deliver sustainable value and growth for everyone.”
Edward Ato Sarpong
These efforts have translated into impressive financial results. ADB posted a strong performance for the third quarter of 2025, recording profit before tax of GH¢447.49 million. This represents a 153.66 percent increase compared to GH¢176.41 million recorded during the same period in 2024.
The Bank also demonstrated robust liquidity, with a liquid ratio of 130 percent in the third quarter of 2025, well above the regulatory requirement. Total assets grew by 17 percent, rising from GH¢13.87 billion in September 2024 to GH¢16.22 billion as of September 2025. This growth was driven largely by increased investment securities and deposits, with net investment securities climbing to GH¢6.45 billion from GH¢4.71 billion in the previous year.
Staff Commitment and Shared Success
Mr Sarpong was emphatic that the turnaround would not have been possible without the commitment of ADB’s workforce.
“This success could not have happened without the unwavering support and commitment of staff, and I wish to express our profound gratitude to them for their respective contributions in moving the Bank forward. I believe that together we will achieve greater heights.”
Edward Ato Sarpong
The thanksgiving service allowed staff and Management to collectively reflect on these achievements and to renew their commitment to the Bank’s mission. Many employees described the event as both uplifting and motivating, particularly as the institution prepares for the next phase of its strategic journey.
With momentum building, ADB is now focused on sustaining its recovery and delivering on its vision of becoming one of the top three banks in Ghana, globally admired for its people, processes, and performance. Management indicated that, in line with regulatory requirements, the Bank will publish its 2025 end-of-year financial results within the first quarter of this year.
As ADB steps into 2026, leadership believes that gratitude, discipline, and unity will remain central to achieving its strategic ambitions. The thanksgiving service, therefore, was a reaffirmation of purpose as the Bank positions itself for sustained growth and national impact.
