Stanbic Bank ready to support Ghanaian farmers – Official
Mr Douglas Turkson, Stanbic Bank Agricultural Relationship Manager has given the assurance that the Bank would support both commercial and small holder farmers to step up their production levels for both domestic and international consumption.
The support, he explained would be available to all farmers based on their strength and viability, and it would be carried out by the Agricultural financing unit of the bank that was established a couple of years ago to mitigate the risks of Ghanaian farmers.
Mr Turkson who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at the sidelines of the 27th National Best Farmer’s Award celebration at Agona Nsaba in the Central Region, explained that his outfit has decided to invest in Agriculture, because their mother Bank, Standard Bank in South Africa was set up as an Agricultural Bank.
“Stanbic bank has a huge appetite for financing agriculture and that is why we set up the financing unit to support our farmers to put up their best in increasing production levels for both local consumption and for export.” He added.
Mr Turkson said the Bank had no limit to the provision of loans to farmers since they could rely on other branches in 18 other countries to procure more funds for the farmers and urged them to take advantage of the facility to increase production in their localities.
“Farmers in Ghana and Africa for that matter encounter a lot of risks, and we at Stanbic believe that the only way to ameliorate their plight is to provide loans for them to feel comfortable in their farming activity.” He emphasised.
On sponsorship, the Relationship Manager said apart from providing a double-cabin Nissan pick-up for this year’s National third place Best farmer, the Bank had over the years provided sponsorship and prizes for second and third positions for winners.
“We promise to keep supporting farmers and other ventures to grow businesses and enterprises with our flexible loan facilities.” Mr Turkson concluded.
Source: GNA