The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) has reiterated its support to farmers across the country with the setting up of dedicated desks to deal with issues related to agriculture in all ten regions of the country.

Managing Director of ADB, Dr. John Kofi Mensah, speaking at the recent National Farmers’ Day celebration which came off in Kumasi on 1 December, said the bank has created a special agricultural desk in 36 of the 78 branches nationwide.

“The setting up of the desk is to dedicate a staff to deal with issues of agriculture from our farmers who need all the needed advice on agricultural related matters,” he said.

Dr. Mensah added that the initiative was part of efforts by the bank to bring banking closer to the farmers.

“From next year, the bank will also begin the process of tailor-made loan facilities for farmers. We will have special interest on loans for specific sectors within the agriculture sector," he said.

Dr. Mensah indicated that the bank will continue to support the sector as the major backbone of the economy and ensure the country becomes food sufficient within the shortest possible time.

"The government has shown a strong commitment towards the agriculture sector and as a bank, we are going to ensure that we provide the necessary financial packages to make the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme and other agriculture-related initiatives successful," he said.

According to Dr. John Kofi Mensah, ADB remains the only bank in Ghana that is fully committed to the agricultural value chain and will continue to give the sector the necessary support to make it grow.

The bank was adjudged the Best Bank in Agricultural Financing in the country in the 2016 National Banking Awards.

Over the past five years, the bank has committed more than GHS500 million to the growth of the sector and remains the platinum sponsor of the National Farmers’ Day celebration.


Source: ClassFMonline.com