Succession Planning Strategies in Business Entities for Sustainable Growth and Operational Continuity Framework: The Case of Agricultural Development Bank Ltd. in Ghana

Succession planning is an essential strategy for ensuring leadership continuity, talent
development, and sustainable growth within organizations. In the financial sector,
particularly banking institutions, succession planning plays a critical role in
maintaining operational stability and addressing leadership transitions. This study
examines the effectiveness of succession planning strategies at Agricultural
Development Bank (ADB) Ghana, assessing the influence of demographic factors,
budget and funding availability, and leadership commitment on succession planning
outcomes. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data was collected from
employees across multiple branches of ADB Ghana through structured
questionnaires. The findings reveal that while the bank has implemented succession
planning policies and procedures, gaps exist in strategic execution, financial support,
and leadership involvement. Statistical analyses confirm that budget allocation and
leadership commitment significantly moderate succession planning effectiveness,
operational continuity, and sustainable growth. Moreover, demographic factors such
as age, gender, education, and tenure influence employee perceptions of succession
planning initiatives. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing
succession planning through improved policy implementation, increased funding,
leadership engagement, and inclusive career development strategies. The proposed
framework serves as a model for strengthening succession planning efforts in
financial institutions, ensuring long-term business sustainability and leadership
continuity.