The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) PLC has applauded the government’s agricultural initiatives aimed at strengthening food security and accelerating national development.

The bank reiterated its unwavering commitment to providing the needed support to ensure successful implementation.

The statement was made by the Deputy Managing Director (DMD Services) of ADB, Professor Ferdinand Ahiakpor, on behalf of the Managing Director, Edward Ato Sarpong, at the 16th National Farmers’ Forum on Thursday, December 4, 2025, as part of this year’s National Farmers’ Day celebrations in Ho, Volta Region.

This year’s forum featured presentations from ADB, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFA).

In his statement, Prof. Ferdinand Ahiakpor underscored ADB’s readiness to collaborate closely with the government for the implementation of several strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating the economic transformation of the country.

He highlighted some of the key programmes, including the Oil Palm Development Finance Window, the establishment of Farmers’ Service Centres, and the Women and Youth in Aquaculture Programme.

He added that ADB will also reinforce government’s efforts through enhanced financing for the National Food Buffer Stock Company to enable the mopping up of excess produce from farmers across the country.

“These interventions are designed to boost production, expand agribusiness opportunities, and safeguard national food systems,” the ADB DMD services noted.

“In addition, the Bank is set to increase investments in essential agricultural inputs and infrastructure, ranging from fertilisers, seeds, and agrochemicals to warehouses, agro-processing facilities, and irrigation systems, all geared toward improving productivity and creating a more resilient agricultural sector,” Prof Ahiakpor added.

To advance these commitments, Prof. Ahiakpor announced that ADB’s Agribusiness Division has been tasked to deepen engagement with the Ministry of Food & Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries & Aquaculture Development, and other key outfits.

The objective, he explained, is to develop workable collaborative frameworks that will ensure smooth, effective, and timely implementation of these interventions.

“Our readiness to partner government forms part of ADB’s broader mission to enhance agricultural productivity and improve food security,” he stressed.  

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, launched the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP) Policy Document at the farmers' forum as part of the farmers' day celebrations.

The 'Feed Ghana Programme' is the flagship initiative of the broader Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), which is aimed at modernising agriculture.

The FGP seeks to create jobs, reduce food inflation, and foster agro-industrial development.

Highlights of the policy programme include prioritising key agricultural commodities such as maize, rice, and cocoa, as well as implementing targeted interventions to promote smart farming practices across the country.

The introduction of Farmers’ Service Centres, aimed at providing mechanisation services and technical support, is one of the cornerstone strategies set to empower local farmers.

The ADB General Manager in charge of Agribusiness, Kwame Asiedu Attrams, in his presentation, took participants through sustainable financing as a driving force for transforming the agricultural sector.

Present at the forum were the Bank’s Deputy Managing Director in charge of Operations, Sylvia Naa Kwakai Nyante; the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu; award winners; representatives from ADB, MOFA, and MoFA; as well as other key stakeholders and captains of industry.