The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) of Ghana is currently navigating a period of internal unrest following the recent dismissal of several senior staff members.
These terminations, which came as a surprise to many within the institution, have raised concerns about the bank’s internal dynamics.
Several senior executives, including Chief Compliance Officer Da Costa Owusu Doudu, Deputy Chief Audit Executive Ahmed Osman, Head of Collateral and Documentation Michael Agyei Baah, and Due Diligence Officer Paul Fynn, were reportedly dismissed shortly after Ghana’s December 2024 general elections. The rapid execution of these dismissals-within three days
-deviated from the bank’s typical process, where such decisions are usually announced at the end of the month or quarter.
While the reasons for the terminations have not been officially disclosed, sources within ADB have raised questions about the manner in which these decisions
were handled. Some employees have expressed concerns about a lack of transparency in the process and have speculated that personal or political factors may have played a role. However, there has been no confirmation of these speculations, and the bank has not provided any official explanation for the dismissals.
The decision to label the terminations as such, rather than using the more neutral term “exits.” has further fueled uncertainty within the organization. Staff members have expressed discomfort at what they perceive as an effort to tarnish the reputations of those dismissed.
As the situation continues to unfold, there are ongoing discussions about the broader implications of these developments. Some insiders have suggested that tensions may have been exacerbated by internal power struggles or differences in management style.
However, these are currently unsubstantiated claims.
Eno Ofori-Atta, the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of the bank, has been a focal point in these discussions.
Reports indicate that she holds significant influence within the bank, and there are claims that her leadership style and actions have sparked disagreements with some senior staff members. These claims have vet to be verified and should be viewed with caution until more information is made available.
In the meantime, there are concerns among staff and stakeholders about the potential impact of these events on morale and the future stability of the institution. The lack of clarity surrounding the dismissals has left many awaiting further details, as they hope for a transparent resolution that will help restore confidence in the bank’s management and its governance.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Agricultural Development Bank will address these internal challenges and the questions surrounding the recent staff changes.
