The Agricultural Development Bank PLC (ADB) has congratulated gallant farmers and fishers on the occasion of the 39th National Farmers’ Day celebrations.
At a brief visit to the Agrifest 2023 exhibition area, Managing Director-ADB, Alhaji Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, lauded the efforts of farmers and fishers in pushing the growth agenda of the agricultural sector and economy as a whole.
Alhaji Yakubu-Tali extended a warm ‘Ayekoo’ to all participants, especially the award winners who are poised to receive honours for their remarkable contributions to agriculture. “In these challenging times marked by global crises, our farmers and fishers have shown extraordinary resilience in ensuring our nation’s food security,” he stated
Highlighting ADB’s pivotal role in this celebration, the Managing Director remarked: “ADB, as the People’s Bank, is not only lead-sponsor of the annual Farmers Day but also the driving force behind the National Farmers Forum and exclusive sponsorship of the Welcome Cocktail. Our efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector”.
The Managing Director also touched on significant impacts from the current economic challenges, emphasising the need for increased investment in agriculture. “ADB has taken significant strides in this direction,” he said, revealing that the bank’s agricultural loan stock had seen a substantial increase from GH¢453.20million in 2016 to GH¢1.14billion in 2023. The figure excludes huge volumes of non-funded facilities – such as letters of credit and guarantees granted for the purchase of agricultural inputs, machinery, equipment and raw materials.
ADB’s alignment with government’s vision for agriculture was also highlighted by the Managing Director. “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in advancing the Planting for Food and Jobs campaign and the One District, One Factory initiatives are a reflection of our commitment to enhancing food security and agricultural prosperity,” Alhaji Yakubu-Tali said.
Alhaji Yakubu-Tali commended government, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development for their relentless work. His final words were of congratulations to the award winners, and a reiteration of ADB’s role as a steadfast and strategic partner in agribusiness for wealth creation and national development.
The 2023 National Farmers’ Day celebration is taking place in Accra and will be climaxed by an awards and dinner night at Tarkwa in the Western Region.
