Astute business executive and executive coach, Edward Ato Sarpong, has been named the acting Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).
This appointment is seen as a great moment for the bank, as it seeks to leverage Ato Sarpong’s extensive experience and leadership skills to drive growth and innovation.
Ato Sarpong, a seasoned chartered accountant and business leader, brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.
His distinguished career includes significant contributions to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, where he served as Managing Director of AfricaOnline and Chief Operating Officer of K-Net Limited.
His deep understanding of technology and innovation is expected to play a key role in modernizing ADB’s operations and enhancing its competitive edge in the banking industry.
In addition to his private sector achievements, Ato Sarpong has a strong track record in public service. He previously held the position of Deputy Minister for Communications under the John Mahama administration first regime, where he was instrumental in shaping Ghana’s ICT policies and driving digital transformation initiatives.
His experience in both the public and private sectors positions him as a versatile leader capable of navigating complex challenges and delivering impactful results.
As Acting Managing Director of ADB, Ato Sarpong will oversee the bank’s strategic direction and operational activities.
His leadership will be critical in advancing ADB’s mission to support Ghana’s agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.
Under his guidance, the bank is expected to strengthen its role in fostering agricultural development, empowering farmers, and contributing to the country’s broader economic growth.
Profile of Edward Ato Sarpong
Ato Sarpong is a venerable business leader with over two decades cross-functional experience in
telecommunications, broadcasting, finance, and general management.
He was a founding staff and Senior Auditor at Ernst & Young Ghana (formerly Fiadjoe & Associates) and was involved in Business Planning and Audit of several multinational companies including Goldfields Ghana, Golden Rule Resources Limited, Geomechanik, and Construction Pioneers.
Out of his passion for developing people, Ato finds time to develop Business and Leadership curriculums and serves as a Business and Leadership Trainer and Coach on Personal Development and Growth.
He is the author of three books – “Living Beyond Today”, “Appetite for Wealth” and “Eyewitness to Leadership”.
He was the Chief Operating Officer at K-Net Limited between 2009 and 2011. Prior to that, he was the Regional Managing Director of Africa Online responsible for the group’s strategy and expansion initiatives in West Africa between 2008 and 2009. Before his elevation as Regional Managing Director of Africa Online, he was the Managing Director for Africa Online Ghana. He was also a member of the Group’s Executive Committee on Finance.
He is into private consultancy specializing in helping businesses in telecommunications, broadcasting, and Information and Communication Technology restructure for growth, long-term viability, and ultimate business success. He is the Co-founder and Lead Consultant at Edge Capital Partners.
Ato has been instrumental in shaping a number of businesses, including TV3, where he served as a Business Consultant and Director of Commercial and Operations. He also worked as a Business Consultant to the Multimedia Group Limited, where he helped shape internal structures, guided strategic initiatives and led the company’s international expansion into Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Ato Sarpong was also very instrumental in corporate re-engineering of other organizations including British Airways, Greenview Limited, and Cape-Coast Quarry. He led the team that carried out major reconciliation of various accounts at Ghana Commercial Bank in preparation of the bank’s Initial Public Offer [IPO when it sought to get listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange [GSE].
Ato played a major role in shaping the direction of internet service provision in Ghana and West Africa.
He served as the Managing Director of the Ignite Media Group – owners of Metro TV, Original 91.9 FM and Original TV.
Ato Sarpong sits on the Boards of many organizations and is a partner at NatEdwards & Associates. He was a two-term President of the Ghana Internet Service Providers Associations (GISPA) during the most turbulent times of the Internet revolution in Ghana. He led the Association’s negotiations with Government and Vodafone on internet pricing that significantly brought international fiber prices down by 67%.
He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana [ICAG] and an alumnus of the University of Professional Studies [UPSA], where he studied for his Professional Accountancy certifications. Ato also attended the University of Ghana Business School [UGBS], where he studied for an Executive Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship. He is an alumnus of the Manchester Business School Leadership Development Programme and holds an Executive Certificate in Leadership.
Ato Sarpong is a graduate of the prestigious world number one ranked business school China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), where he earned full honour’s graduating amongst the top of the 2018 GEMBA class.
