Renowned financial expert, Kenneth Kwamina Thompson has been appointed as the new Board Chairman of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), following an official inauguration by the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

At the swearing-in ceremony in Accra in July 9, 2025, Dr Forson charged the newly constituted board to stay true to the bank’s founding vision of driving Ghana’s agricultural transformation.

“The Agricultural Development Bank was established to support Ghana’s farmers and agribusinesses. I have therefore tasked the new board to remain focused and guided by their primary mandate, serving Ghana’s agricultural sector,” the finance minister emphasised.

He reiterated the vital role of agriculture in the nation’s economy, adding that sustainable national growth is impossible without a resilient and well-financed agricultural sector.

Dr Forson also announced government plans to recapitalise ADB in 2026. He explained that the move would position the bank to better serve the needs of farmers, agribusinesses, and the broader agricultural value chain.

“ADB must be financially strong and operationally sound to drive Ghana’s agricultural revolution. That is why government is committed to recapitalizing the bank next year,” he stated.

Ken Thompson, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to government for the confidence reposed in him and promised to work diligently with his fellow board members to reposition ADB as a true partner to Ghana’s farmers.

“I am honoured to serve in this capacity at such a critical time. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and ADB must become the go-to bank for every farmer and agribusiness in Ghana,” Ken Thompson said.

Ken Thompson is the former CEO of Dalex Finance. He is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is also a graduate of the University of Ghana Business School and has over 17 years of experience in senior executive roles in finance and risk management.

The newly inaugurated board also includes:

Edward Ato Sarpong – Managing Director

Hon. Andrew Dari Chiwitey

Siisi Essuman-Ocran

Hon. Dr. E. Prince Arhin

Hon. Misbahu Mahama Adams

Wing Commander Samuel J.A. Allotey

Courage Akanwunge Asabagna

Abdul Nasir M. Saani

The board is expected to bring renewed direction to the bank, with a strategic focus on boosting lending to agriculture and aligning ADB with the country's long-term food security and agro-industrialiSation targets.