The Agricultural Development Bank of Ghana (ADB), a cornerstone of agribusiness financing since 1965, has launched its 60th anniversary campaign, unveiling a clean and forward-thinking new tagline: “Beyond Banking.”

Founded by Act of Parliament in 1965 as the Agricultural Credit and Cooperative Bank—later renamed ADB in 1967—the institution was created to meet Ghana’s agricultural banking needs. Over the decades, ADB has expanded beyond lending to support the full agricultural value chain, financing farming, processing, and trade.

The bank has also revised its vision, aiming to rank among the top three banks in Ghana and to be globally admired for its people, processes, and performance.

Managing Director, Edward Ato Sarpong, stated that the bank will intensify its investment in artificial intelligence and technology to better serve its customers. He added that ADB is set to open its 90th branch in the coming weeks as part of its expansion strategy.

Its role today reaches far beyond simple credit provision:

• By April 2023, ADB had disbursed over GH₵1 billion in agricultural loans, funding government initiatives like Planting for Food and Jobs, Rearing for Food and Jobs, and One District One Factory.
  
  
• The bank also extended GH₵460 million to buffer stock facilities and subsidized farm equipment, including tractors and outboard motors.
  
  
• In 2024, its agriloan portfolio rose to GH₵1.41 billion, supplemented by structured letters of credit, guarantees, and trade services.

These efforts, paired with its sponsorship of the National Best Farmer Awards since 1987, emphasize ADB’s role in securing Ghana’s food supply and rural livelihoods.

“Beyond Banking” — A strategic rebrand

Aligned with its new 60th anniversary tagline, “Beyond Banking”, ADB aims to:

• Reinforce its identity as more than a lender, highlighting its advisory, trade facilitation, and technical support services.
• Build on its 2023–2026 corporate roadmap—theme: “Going Above and Beyond the Predictable”—which prioritizes agribusiness financing, risk management, and digital banking expansion.
• Showcase its leadership in innovative financial mechanisms, evidenced by its 2022 GIRSAL award for top-value guaranteed agricultural lending.

At the breakfast meeting to launch the anniversary, ADB also celebrated some of its staff as they celebrated their birthdays.

Leveraging partnerships and innovation

ADB’s milestone anniversary also celebrates fruitful collaborations:

• A 2024 partnership with the Ghana‑Nebraska Agribusiness Chamber connects local producers with global networks and smart agriculture practices
• Technological innovations, including improved digital tools like instant GH‑Link card issuance and upgraded internet banking, underline ADB’s push into fintech-enabled agriculture.

By enhancing process efficiency, customer service, and financial inclusion, ADB continues to evolve as a modern development bank.

Looking ahead at 60 and beyond

As it marks six decades, ADB’s “Beyond Banking” positioning reflects its transformation from a credit institution to an agribusiness catalyst—launching initiatives, spearheading partnerships, and promoting climate-resilient farming.

With its historic legacy—covering agricultural lending from financing pineapple processors to supporting climate-smart farming—ADB stands poised to continue shaping Ghana’s agricultural landscape for decades to come.