Otumfuo calls for collaboration between adb and Asantemen

Accra, Dec 19, -The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called for deeper collaboration between the Agricultural Development Bank and Asanteman to strengthen the development of Agriculture in the Ashanti region.

According to the Asantehene, access to credit by farmers in the region was a major hindrance to the interest of many of his people to venture into agriculture.

"The inability of my people and Ghanaians in general to access loans from Banks like ADB is a major contribution to people giving their lands out for other non-agricultural related ventures".

The Asantehene made the call when the Board and Management of the Bank called on him to commiserate with the Asanteman during the final funeral rites of the Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

The Asantehene thanked the Bank for the visit and their long time presence in the region adding that the Bank had done well in the region but loans for farmers were yet to make inroads.

Dr John Kofi Mensah, Managing Director of the Bank pledged the commitment of the Bank to the wish of the Asantehene and indicated that the Bank was working to bring banking closer to farmers.

"We have set up specialised agricultural desks in 36 out of our 78 branches to address the needs of our farmers".

Dr Mensah said the Bank would in the coming years introduce more innovative products and services that would make banking easily accessible to farmers.

He said the Bank had shown commitment to government by supporting it with GHC 200 million Cedis for the one district one factory programme.

“We are working to ensure that in 2018 we bring banking closer to our farmers,” he said.

The other members of the ADB delegation were; Prof David Abdulai ,Board Member, Madam Nana Serwa Bonsu, Board Member ,Mr Alhassan Yakubu-Tali, Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Maxwell Amoakoehene, General Counsel and other Executive Management Members of the Bank.

GNA