The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) has hosted a special welcome cocktail in honour and celebration of the 2019 National Best Farmers Award winners. The Welcome Cocktail which has become part of the National Farmers’ Day celebration for the past ten years is organized by ADB to welcome the National Best Farmers to the host region and also an appreciation of the hard work of the farmers. Organized at the Residency of the Volta Regional Minister in Ho, the Managing Director of ADB, Dr John Kofi Mensah congratulated the Awardees for coming tops at their respective regions to be given the national recognition. Dr Kofi Mensah said the Bank aside sponsoring the ultimate prize package of $100,000.00 and the National Farmer’s Forum, the welcome cocktail has also become a key sponsorship package for the National Farmers’ Day celebration to give the National Heroes the opportunity to interact with each other. “The Welcome Cocktail affords the Winners the opportunity to interact with each other, government officials and Executives of the Bank for a better healthy relationship,” he said. The ADB Managing Director said the unwavering support of this event is a further indication of our desire to remain focused on our founding mandate as the Best Bank in agricultural financing in the country. He further stated that as part of efforts to deepen its commitment to the Agricultural sector, ADB has set an ambitious target of increasing its loan portfolio to 50% of its total loan portfolio by the year 2022.  “Currently the bank’s portfolio stands at 39% which remains the highest within the Banking Sector,” he added.  Dr Mensah reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to supporting farmers and fishers with tailored-made products and services which will make banking easier and better for them.  “ADB remains the only Bank with full commitment to the growth of your business with products such as overdraft, short and medium-term loan facilities,” he added. The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa welcomed the award winners to the Volta region and congratulated them for their hard work adding that they were all winners regardless of who would be adjudged the National Best Farmer at the grand ceremony. He also commended ADB for its support towards the National Farmers’ Day Celebration over the past 17 years as well as their commitment to fulfilling the promise of giving the cedi equivalent of $100,000 to the ultimate winner.  The Minister of State at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and also the National Planning Committee Chairman, Dr Gyiele Nurah commended ADB for their commitment towards the National Farmers Day Celebration. “ADB has exhibited much commitment towards the celebration of the National Farmers Day Celebration since its inception and remains a trusted partner in the welfare of the Ghanaian Farmer,” he said.