AGP Executive Report

Belarus State Visit: President Mahama arrived in Minsk, laid a wreath at the Victory Monument, and toured Belagro 2026, signalling deeper agricultural cooperation with Belarus. Governance & Accountability: The state’s rejection of Chairman Wontumi’s plea deal is framed as a turning point in Ghana’s fight against financial crime and illegal mining. Health Sector Crisis: KATH’s CEO suspension has triggered a standoff—GMA demands reinstatement while doctors announce an indefinite withdrawal of services, escalating pressure on the Health Ministry. Agriculture Push: Ghana launched the $3.5bn AgriConnect Compact to boost food security and jobs, while a dispute between MOFA and Finance over budget releases adds political heat. Public Speech & Rights: MFWA says arrests over false news and offensive speech have surged under Mahama, while debate continues over the LGBTQ+ bill and porn age-verification proposals. Security & Migration: Ghana’s evacuation of citizens from xenophobic attacks in South Africa is said to be funded from the contingency budget, with promises of full accountability. Economy & Industry: Takoradi Floating Dock (Shiprite) secured $9.7m financing, and small-scale miners reportedly overtook large-scale operators in 2025 gold output. Sports & National Mood: Black Stars landed in the US for World Cup preparations as calls for cohesion and belief grow.

Finance vs Agriculture: Ghana’s Finance Ministry and Food & Agriculture Ministry are publicly trading claims over whether over GH¢1bn was released—raising fresh questions about internal coordination and accountability in government. Accra Floods: Flooding continues to worsen with even short downpours trapping residents and disrupting daily life, as critics renew calls for real enforcement and long-term drainage solutions. Galamsey Economy Shift: Small-scale miners produced 3.11m ounces of gold in 2025—52.4% of national output—overtaking large-scale mining for the first time in over a century. US–Ghana Security Support: The US handed over three Freightliner trucks to the Ghana Armed Forces to support engineering and construction operations. Digital Rights & Morality Policy: Communications Minister Sam George proposes mandatory ID/driver’s licence checks before accessing porn sites, to keep minors off explicit content. Migration Tensions (SA): South Africa’s government insists there will be no “shutdown” amid protests ahead of the June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave. Health System Pressure: Health Minister Akandoh suspends KATH CEO over emergency admission decisions amid congestion concerns. Digital Laws Review: The Communications Ministry reviews draft digital bills on cybersecurity and data protection ahead of cabinet processes. Para Sports Milestone: Promise Wonder Atsu Aheto becomes Ghana’s first para swimmer to qualify for Glasgow 2026, with rewards for Team Ghana athletes.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: South Africa’s presidency says there will be no “national shutdown” despite anti-immigration threats, as it rolls out a National Action Plan to manage migration. Regional Xenophobia Fallout: Nigeria has started screening for a voluntary repatriation of over 1,000 citizens from South Africa, following Ghana’s recent evacuation of hundreds amid rising attacks. Health Sector Safety: Ghana’s midwife assault case in Tema is set for court on June 8, after NARM-GAR and GRNMA condemned the violence and demanded stronger security for nurses and midwives. Hospital Governance: KATH CEO is suspended for two weeks after emergency admissions were halted, with the Health Minister saying the move contradicted President Mahama’s directives. National ID Drive: NIA begins a one-month mop-up Ghana Card registration for children aged 6–14 in Volta and Oti. Sports & Unity: Ghana launches the Black Star Balloon Tour to boost patriotism and tourism ahead of the World Cup. Media Leadership: NMC appoints Dr Isaac Okpoti Nai as Managing Director of New Times Corporation. Agriculture Funding Fight: NPP challenges government’s “85% budget release” claim to MoFA, saying the calculation is misleading.

Economy Outlook: Afreximbank projects Ghana’s 2026 growth at 5.9%, citing gold-led export gains, stronger cedi trends, and infrastructure spending under President Mahama’s Big Push, with inflation expected to ease sharply. Mining & Jobs: Gold Fields pledges over US$1 billion to extend the Tarkwa mine and keep local investment flowing, as host communities back lease renewal amid wider debate on Ghana’s mineral sovereignty. Agriculture Jobs Plan: Government’s AgriConnect Compact targets US$3.5bn and 2.6m jobs across rice, maize, cocoa, oil palm and poultry, pushing a supply-chain approach rather than slogans. Finance Inclusion: Rebranded community banks are hailed as Ghana’s best tool for reaching the unbanked, even as Bank of Ghana capital rules tighten. Parliament & Family Values: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George urges Parliament to transmit the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill to the President, while Minority and rights groups warn of constitutional and rights concerns. Public Safety: Accra’s flooding is framed as a human-made crisis tied to indiscipline and weak enforcement, as authorities push building and drainage audits. Sports & National Unity: Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew calls for patience and support as Ghana begins a new World Cup chapter under Carlos Queiroz. Health Alert: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh urges Ghanaians to avoid handshakes and follow hygiene steps as Ebola screening ramps up at the airport.

World Cup & Sports Diplomacy: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana will be more “consistent and efficient” after a 1-1 Wales friendly, while David Accam argues the team must build cohesion beyond individual brilliance; Ghana’s World Cup squad also includes uncapped Augustine Boakye, a WAFA product, and the GFAF has partnered with Ghana’s Washington embassy to boost the Black Stars’ campaign. Digital Rights & Morality: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George says government is considering mandatory ID checks for access to porn sites, but Security consultant Richard Kumadoe urges lawmakers to design the framework carefully to protect children without turning it into surveillance. Parliament & Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill: Samuel George rejects calls for Parliament to reconsider the anti-LGBTQ+ law, while legal and religious voices warn against partisan gridlock and demand airtight, dignified legislation. Governance & Accountability: Ashanti and Bono ministers hail the Right to Information Commission’s regional rollout; PRAAD marks International Archives Week to push transparency and records management. Economy & Jobs: Accra’s new plastic recycling plant targets 1,500 jobs; MultiChoice Ghana launches the most affordable World Cup access at GH¢50 and vows action against pirates. Security & Borders: Police deny arrests over the Accra Central Police Barracks fire; Interior-linked concerns over unauthorised border routes in Volta raise fresh security questions. Health & Humanitarian: Ghana activates Ebola response support in DRC and Uganda via Direct Relief, and the Health Ministry inducts the first cohort of mortuary attendants for dignity and safety.

Commonwealth Games: Ghana confirms Team Ghana’s participation in Glasgow 2026, targeting gold with a lean squad of about 40 athletes across nine disciplines. World Cup build-up: Black Stars have arrived in the U.S. after the Wales friendly, with Caleb Yirenkyi praised for his standout display and Ghana aiming to reach the knockout stages. Investment & economy: President Mahama and Finance Minister Ato Forson tell investors Africa’s debt is “mispriced” and Ghana is targeting investment-grade status by 2029, while also pushing a 24-hour economy and value addition. Health security: Ghana activates and updates its Ebola response plan as outbreaks surge in DRC and Uganda, strengthening surveillance and case management. Agriculture: John Dumelo urges FAO to ensure agrifood programmes deliver tangible benefits, while Ghana pushes long-term investment to end rice import dependence. Governance & rights: Parliament is urged to back GSA for stronger standards enforcement; TI Ghana highlights RTI enforcement gaps; and Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ law continues to trigger scrutiny and debate. Business & industry: GIPC launches the InvestGhana podcast to boost investor storytelling, and Hyundai plans a West Africa automotive plant in Ghana. Public safety: June 3 disaster victims demand justice and compensation as they mark 11 years since the flood and fire tragedy.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars have left Wales for the United States, heading to Providence/Rhode Island for final preparations after a 1-1 Cardiff friendly with Wales; Caleb Yirenkyi scored, but Lewis Koumas equalised late as Carlos Queiroz fine-tunes his 26-man squad for Group L against Panama, England and Croatia. Climate & Investment: Forestry Commission Deputy CEO Elikem Kotoko told the Ghana-UK Business Summit that forests should be treated as “climate assets” and “investment assets” to unlock climate finance, stressing governance, transparency and ESG safeguards. Economy Watch: Ghana’s inflation rose to 3.7% in May, driven mainly by higher food prices, after easing earlier in the year. Parliament & Policy: Parliament’s Finance Committee Chairman Isaac Adongo says the 0.75% wallet-to-bank transfer levy was approved by the Bank of Ghana under the Akufo-Addo era, challenging claims it was introduced by the Mahama government. Human Rights: Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ law has been approved by Parliament and is awaiting President Mahama’s signature, with rights groups warning of severe penalties and fear across communities. Sports Governance: Hearts of Oak face FIFA threat over unpaid hotel debt in Togo, with Liberty Sports Hotel demanding payment or sanctions. Press Freedom: GJA will honour Ghana News Agency and others on World Press Freedom Day, with an awards event in Accra on June 6. Local Governance: Obuasi West MP Kwaku Kwarteng renews calls for direct election of MMDCEs, arguing it would improve accountability and help assemblies resist deductions from the DACF.

Free PHC Programme: The Omanhene of Lower Dixcove, Nana Akwasi Agyeman IX, has warned against central bottlenecks that could derail Ghana’s flagship Free Primary Health Care rollout, urging smooth funding and administration. Ghana–UK Investment Push: President Mahama’s UK trip is driving major deals, including a £215m Growth Partnership and a London Stock Exchange market-opening ceremony, while he also visited Ghanaian-owned businesses in Tottenham to spotlight diaspora enterprise. Macroeconomy & Cedi: Bank of Ghana officials urged businesses to avoid currency speculation as they work to sustain cedi stability, with the Money Summit stressing discipline to protect inflation gains. Health & Tobacco: The Ministry of Health says new nicotine products threaten tobacco-control progress, as Ghana also faces a staffing paradox with hundreds of nurses leaving while many trained health workers remain unemployed. Food Security & Agriculture: The Vice President opened an ECOWAS rice roundtable, and government mapped 515,000 hectares for rice to attract investment and cut imports. Cocoa Enforcement: COCOBOD proposes up to 10 years’ jail for cocoa smuggling to strengthen compliance and deter illegal trade. LGBTQ+ Law: President Mahama says the anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed by Parliament will be scrutinised before approval, with procedural lapses being addressed. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana temporarily suspended repatriation registration after 1,500+ applications, amid ongoing regional tensions and evacuations.

Parliament & Rights Debate: Speaker Bagbin has urged MPs to revisit the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, saying the process lacked consensus and procedural integrity, while President Mahama signals he will not assent until legal review is complete. Security & Identity: Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak warned of Ghanaians fraudulently registering foreigners on the national ID database, citing security risks and trafficking routes. Local Governance & Land: A Volta assembly member issued a 21-day ultimatum to Fulani herders to vacate farmlands in Monome-Dzrakate or face legal action. SME Funding: Ark Group International launched a digital SME Funding Database to connect businesses with grants, loans and investors. Foreign Affairs: Keta residents praised Ghana’s swift evacuation of xenophobic attack victims from South Africa, as more Ghanaians register to leave. Health & Development: FAWE pushed for stronger action on period poverty and menstrual stigma, while MTN Ghana launched 1,000 beds under Y’ello Care to tackle the “no-bed syndrome.” Economy & Investment: Ghana and the UK are set to showcase a £215m growth partnership aimed at jobs, infrastructure and skills. Sports: Black Stars begin Wales friendly preparations in Cardiff with a strong lineup led by Jordan Ayew.

World Cup Squad: Ghana has named its 26-man Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Pat’s goalkeeper Joseph Anang included as coach Carlos Queiroz finalised selection late amid injuries. Alexander Djiku is ruled out and replaced by Dutch-born Derrick Luckassen, while Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu also miss out. Sports & Nationhood: Queiroz says the team will go in with a “winning mentality,” and Jordan Ayew backs the squad’s drive to surprise at Group L against Panama, England and Croatia. Xenophobia & Diaspora Support: Ghana has warned citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following xenophobic attacks, while repatriation continues—1,500 have registered for evacuation and the Foreign Affairs Ministry says it has secured 120 jobs for returnees. UN Reform Push: President Mahama renewed calls for UN Security Council reform, arguing Africa’s exclusion is a “historical injustice,” and linked governance reform to broader financial architecture changes. Economy & Policy: Bank of Ghana denies reports it is considering selling its new $260m headquarters, calling the claims false and misleading. Ghana-UK Deal: Mahama and UK officials signed a £215m Growth Partnership aimed at jobs, trade, industrial growth and education, including a £101m Takoradi dry dock project. Governance & Rights: President Mahama says the anti-LGBTQ+ bill still faces constitutional steps before becoming law, as procedural concerns are raised.

World Cup Build-Up: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz insists Thomas Partey’s inclusion is guided by the presumption of innocence as Ghana fine-tunes for the Wales friendly in Cardiff, while also confirming Alexander Djiku is ruled out of the 2026 World Cup and replaced by Derrick Luckassen. Match Coverage: Wales vs Ghana is set for Tuesday, June 2 at 7:45pm, broadcast on BBC One, BBC Three and S4C. Travel & Security: Ghana warns citizens against non-essential travel to South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, citing injuries, looting and business closures, and says evacuation and diplomatic steps are underway. Politics & Governance: The NDC Council of Elders orders members to stop premature presidential campaign activities, stressing NEC control of timelines. LGBTQ+ Law Fallout: President Mahama says the anti-LGBTQ+ bill still has “quite a while to go” before becoming law, pointing to procedural and quorum concerns. Women’s Inclusion: The Gender Minister calls for disability-friendly sanitation and menstrual health support so girls with disabilities can stay in school and participate fully. Education & Standards: GTEC lists 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, including 14 in Ghana, warning the public to verify certificates. Diplomacy: Ghana and South Korea sign a visa waiver for diplomatic and service passport holders, with talks continuing for ordinary passports.

World Cup & Sports Funding: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says Black Stars players will get $100,000 appearance fees, but the GH¢150m World Cup budget is still awaiting Finance Ministry release; he also confirms the squad will be cut from 28 to 26, with two likely goalkeepers dropped. Ghana-UK Diplomacy: President Mahama is in London for high-level talks and a royal audience with King Charles III, opening the Ghana-UK Investment Summit and telling diaspora Ghanaians Ghana is “working again” after completing the IMF programme. Visa & Foreign Policy: Ghana signed its first visa waiver with South Korea for diplomatic and service passport holders, with talks to extend to ordinary passports; Ghana also began visa waiver discussions with the Czech Republic. Economy & Infrastructure: World Bank approved $500m for rural roads and agriculture connectivity; ECG started a GH¢34m transformer upgrade at Batsonaa to improve power reliability. Energy & Cost of Living: Fuel prices are set for a mixed move—petrol and LPG up, diesel slightly down—while transport fares are expected to rise. Politics & Rights: NPP accuses the NDC of passing a watered-down anti-LGBTQ bill after Parliament amended exemptions. Entertainment & Culture: Mr. Beautiful alleges Agya Koo influenced casting decisions in Kumawood; OliveTheBoy’s father claims Mark Okraku-Mantey discarded his music CD. Regional Security: South Africa xenophobia tensions continue to dominate debate as Ghana and other countries push for safer conditions and evacuations.

World Cup Funding & Squad Pay: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says Ghana’s GH¢150m World Cup allocation is still awaiting Finance Ministry release, even as the Black Stars prepare in Cardiff; he also confirmed players’ $100,000 appearance fee each and said the 28-man camp will be trimmed to 26 before June 1, with the final list due soon. World Cup Fan Support: President Mahama told the London diaspora the state can’t bankroll mass travel from Ghana (about $11,000 per fan), but will procure match tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora. Ghana–Jamaica Health Deal: Ghana and Jamaica signed a bilateral agreement to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to Jamaica after the PJCC revival, alongside cooperation in defence, tourism and planned teacher exchanges. Xenophobia Fallout in South Africa: Mahama condemned xenophobic attacks as a setback to African unity and said Ghana is evacuating affected citizens; the Tijjaniya Muslim Movement and ACCP also urged AU/AfCFTA action as tensions and online hate rise. Ghana–UK Investment Push: Blue Rose Estate will pitch Ghana’s real estate opportunities at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit in London, hosted under Mahama’s patronage. Public Finance Watch: Bank of Ghana data shows the latest T-bills auction was 16% undersubscribed and interest rates rose on parts of the yield curve.

Xenophobia Fallout: Ex‑British soldier NTK blasts the African Union as “toothless and useless” over South Africa’s xenophobic attacks, warning Ghana–South Africa ties could sour if authorities don’t act fast. Immigration & Deportations: A US lawyer says another group of West Africans has been sent to Ghana under Trump’s “third country” deportation approach, including at least one person with deportation protections. Anti‑LGBTQ+ Law: Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill again, criminalising homosexuality and LGBTQ+ promotion; legal experts are now raising questions about quorum and constitutional compliance ahead of President Mahama’s assent. Energy & Power: Ghana’s energy sector is still digesting the Akosombo substation fire’s impact as officials highlight recovery efforts. Governance & Public Safety: Tema’s fire service warns ageing tenders, missing hydrants and bad roads are weakening emergency response. Economy & Jobs: At the 10th Ghana CEO Summit, Fidelity Bank founder Edward Effah calls for stronger business–government partnership to drive industrialisation and jobs. Sports & Talent: Ghana FA launches a UK talent identification programme for dual-nationality players. Humanitarian & Health: IOM reports 496 migrants returned from Libya on voluntary return flights; MTN’s Y’ello Care campaign readies healthcare support from June 1.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Law: Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, criminalising homosexuality and the “promotion” of LGBTQ+ activities, with prison terms up to three years for same-sex acts and longer penalties for advocacy or support; it now awaits President John Dramani Mahama’s assent, with exemptions for journalists, lawyers and healthcare workers. Mobile Money Charges: The Minority in Parliament is pushing for a permanent ban on mobile money transfer fees, arguing Bank of Ghana’s suspension of a proposed 0.75% charge still leaves a constitutional problem and demanding clearer parliamentary approval. SIM Re-registration: The National Identification Authority backs a fresh SIM re-registration drive, saying the last process failed to properly match subscribers against Ghana Card biometric records, and will now verify identity before capturing biometrics. Cost of Living: Transport fares are set to rise 20% from June 2 after fuel and spare-part costs squeezed operators. Communications Pressure: The Communications Minister warns DStv could be shut down unless MultiChoice engages to cut subscription fees. Accra Street Order: Greater Accra RCC denies authorising livestock sales on the Kanda Highway and says it is moving to address the roadside trade. Economy & Business: GN Savings and Loans licence revocation is blamed for the collapse of a $20m US financing deal meant for small businesses. Gender & Health: A GIZ-led INNOWASTE initiative is launched to create jobs and tackle plastic waste through recycling training and collection points. World Cup Camp: Ernest Nuamah returns to the Black Stars after ACL recovery as Ghana prepares for a June 2 friendly against Wales.

Anti-LGBTQ Law: Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, criminalising the “promotion” of LGBTQ activities with prison terms up to 10 years, while also approving exemptions for legal practice, media reporting, and medical/psychological counselling—setting up President John Mahama’s assent. Immigration Court Fight: In the US, a federal judge ordered the release of Ghanaian pregnant woman Anabella Gyasi and her son from Dulles Airport detention, directing they either board a flight home or be moved to another facility after more than a week in harsh holding conditions. Education & Schools: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says the shift system in public schools is being phased out, while Parliament hears government plans to recruit 7,000 teachers and 3,000 lecturers to tackle staffing gaps. Public Finance & Taxes: GRA targets GH¢310bn tax revenue by 2028, citing digital enforcement to improve compliance. Sports & Youth: GFA and TECNO seal a sponsorship deal, while BetPawa pledges GH¢3.5m for the Black Stars and Black Queens ahead of major tournaments. Human Trafficking Watch: Journalists are urged to get more support to help fight trafficking, with fresh focus on sports trafficking schemes.