Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, promoting national unity and supporting sustainable community development through sponsorship and participation in this year’s Hogbetsotso Za celebration in the Volta Region, climaxed on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The Bank’s high-level delegation to the colourful festival was led by its Deputy Managing Director in charge of Services, Professor Ferdinand Makafui Ahiakpor. It included the Area Manager in charge of Volta and Eastern regions, Mrs. Martha C. Lamptey, and the Group Head of Sales, Retail Banking, Mr. Johnson Koffie Kporha.
The Bank’s continued support for the annual celebration of the Anlo people underscored its commitment to strengthening relationships with traditional authorities, customers and communities, while reinforcing its brand promise of Beyond Banking.
Speaking in connection with the celebration, Professor Ahiakpor emphasised that cultural festivals such as Hogbetsotso Za provide important opportunities to celebrate shared heritage, strengthen communal bonds and promote the socioeconomic advancement of communities.
He noted that beyond their cultural significance, traditional festivals create opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and local communities to strengthen economic relationships and explore new avenues for development.
“At ADB, we believe that sustainable development must be anchored in strong communities, shared values and economic opportunities. Our support for Hogbetsotso Za reflects our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage, promoting unity and contributing meaningfully to the development of the communities we serve.”
Professor Ferdinand Makafui Ahiakpor
The DMD Services further welcomed the Government’s commitment to addressing coastal erosion and its devastating effects on vulnerable communities within the Anlo area.
He described the planned coastal protection interventions as critical to safeguarding livelihoods, protecting economic activities and strengthening the resilience of communities whose homes, businesses and sources of income remain threatened by coastal erosion.
At the festival, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to addressing coastal erosion through significant investments in coastal protection interventions under the West African Coastal Areas Resilience Investment Project (WACA), as well as the continuation and completion of Phase Two of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project. These initiatives are expected to safeguard vulnerable communities, protect livelihoods and promote sustainable economic development in the area.
Professor Ahiakpor noted that coastal protection should be viewed not only as an environmental necessity but also as an essential investment in economic stability and sustainable development.
“Protecting our coastal communities is fundamental to protecting livelihoods, sustaining businesses and securing the economic future of affected populations. We welcome interventions that strengthen community resilience and create opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.”
Professor Ferdinand Makafui Ahiakpor
He further said that meaningful collaboration among government, traditional authorities, financial institutions and the private sector would be essential to translating development commitments into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Professor Ahiakpor reiterated ADB’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development through financial solutions that empower individuals, strengthen businesses and expand economic opportunities.
“Our Beyond Banking positioning represents our belief that the role of a bank extends beyond providing financial services. It is about building lasting relationships, nurturing communities and contributing to initiatives that create meaningful and sustainable value for society.”
Professor Ferdinand Makafui Ahiakpor
For her part, the Area Manager, Mrs. Martha C. Lamptey, highlighted the importance of the Bank’s continued engagement with communities across the Volta Region.
She noted that ADB’s participation in Hogbetsotso Za provided an opportunity to deepen relationships with traditional authorities, customers, businesses and other stakeholders while demonstrating the Bank’s appreciation of the region’s cultural heritage.
“Hogbetsotso Za represents the rich cultural identity, unity and resilience of the Anlo people. As a Bank committed to the development of communities, we are proud to associate with this important celebration and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the financial and economic aspirations of the people.”
Mrs. Martha C. Lamptey
She further emphasised the Bank’s development-oriented mandate and its commitment to promoting financial inclusion, enterprise development and access to banking services. “We recognise the important role that businesses, entrepreneurs and households play in driving local economic development,” she said, adding, “Our commitment is to strengthen our relationships with these stakeholders and provide financial solutions that support their growth and long-term prosperity.”
The Group Head of Sales, Retail Banking, Mr. Johnson Koffie Kporha, was also part of the Bank’s delegation, reinforcing the importance ADB attaches to customer relationships, market engagement and the development of business opportunities within the region.
ADB’s sponsorship and participation in the festival reflect its broader commitment to supporting initiatives that celebrate Ghana’s cultural diversity, strengthen community relationships and promote inclusive economic development.
The Bank continues to demonstrate that its commitment to national development extends beyond conventional banking to embracing the heritage, aspirations, and wellbeing of the communities it serves.
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