AGP Executive Report

Child Protection & Peacebuilding: Environment Minister Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings urged stronger systems to prevent children’s recruitment and use in armed conflict as Ghana moves to implement the Vancouver Principles through a new multi-stakeholder working group. Judiciary Neutrality Debate: PNP flagbearer hopeful Janet Nabla questioned Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s neutrality after his public appearances with NDC-linked events, while calls for restraint and impartiality continue. Parliament & Cocoa Law Package: President Mahama signed ten bills into law, including major reforms touching courts, maritime offences and cocoa—promising local processing and a 70% world market price guarantee for farmers. Rural Connectivity Push: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George says rural telephony sites will be upgraded to at least 4G by the first quarter of 2027 to cut costs and improve access. Public Health & Sanitation: Zoomlion and assemblies intensified fumigation/disinfection across North East public facilities, while Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga vowed to evacuate the Agbogbloshie waste heap. Education & Admissions: UG reopened its admissions portal for applicants to review entries after WASSCE results. Youth, Reparations & Sovereignty: Youth forums in Accra amplified calls for debt cancellation, reparations and African economic independence. Sports: Kofi Adams backed Ghana’s Black Princesses to reach the U-20 Women’s World Cup final; Ghana also lost CAF Women’s Champions League qualification after a penalty shootout defeat.

FIFA Politics: African football leaders are rallying behind Gianni Infantino ahead of FIFA elections, arguing his decade of investment in African and women’s football should outweigh personal controversy. Road Safety Policy: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says a mandatory towing regime will start in 2027, requiring vehicle owners to subscribe to towing services via insurance, to tackle crashes linked to broken-down vehicles. Governance & SOEs: IMANI’s Kofi Bentil and Deloitte’s Yaw Appiah Lartey weigh in on President Mahama’s dissolution of nine SOE boards, with calls for restraint and clearer separation between commercial entities and public-service bodies. Anti-Corruption Probe: OSP investigations into an alleged GH¢70,000 payment tied to parliamentary vetting continue, with academics and civil society urging findings be published. Security & Extremism: Experts warn northern poverty and unemployment are feeding extremist recruitment, urging root-cause solutions beyond militarised responses. Digital Life & Fraud Prevention: Ghana launches Marrify to verify partners’ marital status and check licensed wedding officiants. Public Health Regulation: TMPC reports fewer than 15% of over 100,000 traditional medicine practitioners are registered, with inspections shutting down risky premises. Diaspora & Economy: A push grows to tap diaspora expertise and networks for investment and innovation.

Green Transition Debate: Prof Fatima Denton tells Accra that Africa’s green shift must be its own path—expanding electricity access, jobs and development, not just chasing net-zero. State Enterprise Performance: SIGA reports GPHA’s 2025 net profit hit GH¢2.82bn, up 17.18%, as revenue and returns improved. South Africa Evacuation: Ghana ends evacuation after the final 41 returnees arrive; nearly 1,900 citizens have been brought home amid xenophobic attacks, with bodies repatriated too. Appointments Committee Bribery Row: OSP probes an alleged GH¢70,000 memo tied to Patricia Appiagyei’s vetting role; she denies authoring it, while TI-Ghana and GACC demand full disclosure. Judiciary Independence: Judicial Service says CJ’s SOE remarks were made in good faith, as CDD-Ghana and others push for restraint. Infrastructure Watch: Residents in Somanya ask for asphalt overlays; Finance Minister says Dunkwa-Ayanfuri road starts in 2027 and Accra-Kumasi Expressway funding is set by end-2026. Digital Marriage Verification: Marrify app launched to verify marriage/divorce records and officiants. Economy & Politics: NDC can be voted out after one term—Miracles Aboagye argues voters will judge delivery, not incumbency.

Judiciary Under Fire: CDD-Ghana and Prof. Isaac Boadi say Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s remarks praising current SOE performance and contrasting it with the “past eight years” risk creating a perception of political bias, urging restraint to protect judicial neutrality. Anti-Corruption Probe: The Office of the Special Prosecutor has opened a preliminary investigation into an alleged GH¢70,000 payment linked to Parliament’s vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees, after Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei returned the money over unclear source and alleged extortion. Education Integrity: Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John orders investigations into Ghana School Feeding Programme irregularities, including caterers serving fewer days and inflated beneficiary figures. Local Governance & Digital Push: Local Government Service signs an MoU with Celltel Networks to boost IT infrastructure and support smart-city delivery under the 24-hour economy agenda. Economy & Jobs: Government unveils a five-pillar strategy to sustain macroeconomic gains; meanwhile, BOSTenergies pays its first-ever dividend of GH¢34.2m to government after strong 2025 growth. Food Prices: Fresh tomatoes drive August inflation, contributing 23.1% to the 5.0% rate. Sports & Youth: GFA President Kurt Okraku urges Black Princesses to start strong at the U-20 Women’s World Cup; he also backs youth economic opportunities in a renewed call for jobs and entrepreneurship. Security: Majority Leader James Agalga says over 300 people were arrested for alleged extremist recruitment attempts along the northern border between 2023 and 2025.

Diplomacy: Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa met Serbia’s Marko Đurić in Belgrade during the Non-Aligned Movement’s 65th anniversary, with both sides pledging deeper political dialogue and Africa-focused cooperation. NDC Politics: Alhaji Alhassan Adams (Chairman Randy) launches his second bid for Upper West NDC regional chairmanship, promising a decentralised party structure and a regional development agenda. Cybersecurity & Finance: The Cyber Security Authority launched the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month, warning of rising cyber-enabled fraud as digital finance expands. Football Governance: GFA president Kurt Okraku says Carlos Queiroz needed more time to scout and build Ghana’s World Cup squad, while Ghana’s Black Princesses are urged to reach the knockout stage in Poland. Gold & Industry Policy: Ghana tightens gold exports by requiring local refining of dore before shipment, aiming to keep more value in-country. Roads & Works: Works Minister Ahmed Ibrahim pushes for shorter timelines and stronger traffic management for drainage-driven road closures, including Kaneshie–Pamprom to First Light. Judiciary Tensions: NPP figures and governance voices intensify criticism of Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s public comments and visits, arguing they threaten judicial neutrality. Environment & Sanitation: Government moves to redevelop the Korle Lagoon enclave without mass displacement, while AMA schedules a post-Homowo clean-up across Accra. Transport Costs: GPRTU says the GH¢2 diesel absorption is not enough to stop fare reviews as operating costs remain high. Road Safety Campaign: Somoco Ghana and NRSA launch “Safe Journey 2026,” urging trained riders and protective gear.

Sanitation & Urban Redevelopment: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says Korle Lagoon’s decades of waste will be cleared using a military-assisted operation, with over 100 trucks and 16 state excavators, and waste moved to Adepa in Nsawam; he also flags dredging and high-rise container housing for the enclave after evacuation. Cybersecurity & Fraud: The Cyber Security Authority reports online fraud made up 47% of Ghana’s 3,876 cyber incidents from January–July 2026, urging banks and businesses to treat cyber risk as core governance. Customs Enforcement: GRA warns travellers bringing more than two phones may face duties if customs suspects commercial importation. Education Access: Private SHS providers say 85 schools have vacancies for 54,985 BECE candidates, calling on the Education Ministry to use the existing Free SHS MoU. Judiciary Tensions: NPP demands Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie resign over remarks seen as politically partisan; IMANI and others defend his right to speak. Healthcare & Community Support: GMR logs 12,172 patient touchpoints in a Ho West free medical mission, while Bawumia meets nurses and midwives on policy and welfare. Party Politics: NDC’s Deputy National Organizer race heats up as “De Accra Mayor” David Selassie Anthony joins the contest.

Health Staffing Gap: Oti Regional Health Directorate says it needs 3,592 additional health workers in the right professional mix to run facilities optimally and cut pressure on existing staff. Local Government & Sanitation: New Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga takes over, pledging results on sanitation and local governance, and pushes stronger collaboration with MMDAs after inspecting waste facilities in Greater Accra. Constitution Review Pushback: The Institute of Economic Affairs warns constitutional changes could weaken judicial independence and wants MPs, ministers and deputies barred from SOE boards, plus a binding long-term national development plan. Digital Security: Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority reports nearly half of 2026 cyber incidents (47%) are online fraud, as it launches National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Economy & FX: GoldBod projects $1.4bn FX inflow for September, with half for market stabilisation and half for reserves. Sports Politics: Carlos Queiroz is reappointed as Black Stars coach, with calls for a more attacking style. Education & Jobs: World Bank secures $300m for TVET and secondary education under STAR-J, aiming to align skills with labour needs.

State Shake-Up: President Mahama dissolved the boards of nine state institutions, including GNPC, VALCO, BOST, CBG, Ghana Post, Road Maintenance Trust Fund, TDC Ghana and the National Sports Authority, with reconstitution promised. GoldBod Scrutiny: NPP Volta is pushing for a full parliamentary probe into reported GoldBod $1.7bn losses and wants action against GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi; NPP also demands disclosure of foreign gold buyers and contract terms. Central Bank Warning: BoG and SEC warned the public about a crypto scam using a deepfake video of Mahama promoting “Daily Wealth Guide”. Constitution Review Caution: IEA urged government not to rush the constitutional review, calling for broad consultation and public education. Sanitation Push: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga plans emergency evacuation of Jamestown waste to Adipa landfill and called for a major overhaul of waste management. Energy & Bills: ECG customers in Ketu South protested alleged overbilling and demanded accurate, verifiable bills. Gender & Children: Women’s Manifesto marks 22 years, calling for full implementation; Gender Ministry urged safe spaces for children to speak about abuse. Agriculture Insurance: GAIP and AgroT Hub launched a pilot sensitisation for farmers in Bono East on insurance against drought, floods, pests and livestock disease.

Railway Workers’ Pay Relief: The Railway Workers Union says government has cleared 20 months of GRCL salary arrears (Oct 2024–May 2026), bringing relief to workers and families. Regional Development Pressure: Wa Naa renews demands at the 2026 Dumba Festival—power supply, a non-functional oxygen plant, and the Wa-Bole-Bamboi road—plus calls for metropolitan elevation and legal community mining. GoldBod Political Firestorm: NDC chair Johnson Asiedu Nketia dismisses NPP GoldBod criticism as distraction, while Volta NPP demands removal of GoldBod acting CEO Sammy Gyamfi over alleged disrespect to Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin. Violence in New Winneba: Police report three dead and about 15 injured in clashes linked to a land dispute; seven suspects arrested as investigations continue. ECG Overbilling Protest: Ketu South residents protest alleged inaccurate electricity bills and petition ECG management for a review. Constitution Reform Politics: Oliver Barker-Vormawor says constitutional reform can’t be a one-party project and needs broad consensus. Youth & Party Politics: NPP youth organiser race heats up as a petition challenges “POPE” over age eligibility; another candidate urges delegates to “elevate” him. Football Diplomacy: FIFA chief Infantino praises Ghana’s grassroots and infrastructure push after talks with GFA president Kurt Okraku. State Enterprise Turnaround: SIGA highlights TOR’s return to profit—GH¢1.093bn net profit in 2025 after losses in 2024. Sanitation & Health: Zoomlion launches a regionwide disinfection exercise in the Upper West after floods to curb outbreak risks.

Local Sanitation Push: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga toured Accra waste sites and announced a nationwide “war against indiscipline,” promising a full overhaul of the waste chain and pushing waste separation at source. Transport & Fuel Costs: GPRTU says it will announce new transport fares this week after another petroleum price hike, citing rising operating costs. Power Sector Pressure: Engineers warn rapid urban growth is overloading transformers, worsening technical losses and reliability. GoldBod & Forex Debate: NPP questions whether GoldBod has legal authority to run forex sales/auctions; Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin’s defamation case against GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi moves forward as lawyers accept service. GoldBod Programme Fallout: Dr Mohammed Amin Adam says Ghana “bought gold, sold gold and lost money” despite record prices, calling for reconciliation of reported losses. SOEs Profit Claims Under Scrutiny: Bright Simons challenges SIGA’s GH¢19.8bn SOE profit figure, arguing currency revaluations distort the real picture. Cocoa Debt Settled: COCOBOD pays GH¢2.3bn DDEP obligations for 2026. Roads Cost Ghana: World Bank flags a transport infrastructure gap, with only 27% of roads paved and high road safety costs. Reparations Momentum: Ghana’s slavery reparations campaign gains fresh UN legal backing via CERD guidance. NAM Diplomacy: President Mahama uses the Non-Aligned Movement anniversary in Belgrade to push climate finance, renewable energy, and stronger South-South coordination. Police Accountability: IGP summons Volta police over alleged extortion and harassment of traders on the Aflao–Accra route. Gold Coast Fund Protest: Locked-up investors plan a demonstration over delayed payments.

Galamsey Crackdown Debate: Finance professor Godfred Bokpin tells President Mahama to show stronger leadership after the Asaman Tamfoe pit collapse killed seven illegal miners, while Lands Ministry says NAIMOS results are already delivering more than a “state of emergency” would. Teachers Promotions Standstill: Teacher unions suspend planned strike after talks with the Education Minister over delays in placing about 80,000 teachers on correct salary scales; NAGRAT urges government to communicate early if the September deadline slips. Anti-Corruption Institutions: CDD-Ghana calls for constitutional protection for the Office of the Special Prosecutor to safeguard independence as public scrutiny grows. Fuel Prices & Transport: COPEC pushes for long-term solutions to fuel hikes beyond short-term relief; GPRTU warns fares may rise again if pump prices increase. Economy & Debt: Government to issue a four-year Treasury bond on Sept 1 to build buffers ahead of major repayments; SIGA reports SOEs swung from GH¢2.2bn loss to GH¢19.8bn profit in 2025. Maritime Accountability: Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku demands GMA disclose why it waived a US$1m penalty over MV Sankofa. Security & Safety: GNFS contains a 50,000-litre LPG tanker fire on the Tema Motorway, averting disaster. International Diplomacy: Mahama arrives in Belgrade for NAM’s 65th anniversary, reaffirming Ghana’s non-alignment legacy.

Ministerial Reshuffle Scrutiny: GFL’s Abraham Koomson says presidents should explain ministerial reassignments in advance, warning that reshuffles announced through the media can damage reputations and weaken stability. MahamaCares Accountability: After his son’s death, Koomson questions who is in charge of MahamaCares (GMTF) and calls for tighter monitoring so beneficiaries get support before it’s too late. Security & Media Freedom: Presidential Spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu argues media freedom is a preventive security tool, urging timely, coordinated communication between government and security institutions. State-Owned Enterprises Watch: SIGA proposes restructuring the railway sector, including possible liquidation of Ghana Railway Company and staff absorption into GRDA, while also flagging persistent risks from loss-making SOEs. GoldBod/IMF Debate: A fresh push continues over claims of a US$1.7b loss tied to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, with political and official narratives clashing. Sports Infrastructure Warning: A Berekum West MP warns Ghana could lose CAF goodwill over the deteriorating Accra Sports Stadium, urging urgent demolition/rebuild plans. Public Health Enforcement: FDA and National Security seize unregistered “cigarette-shaped” lollipops, warning the product could push children toward smoking habits. Jobs & Industry: President Mahama commissions Northshore Apparel in Savelugu, promising major job creation under the 24-hour economy drive. Railway/Power Financial Signals: SIGA says ECG could return to profit if Ghana’s economic stability holds and management stays prudent, while VRA reports a 2025 profit turnaround. Education & Training: Accra Technical University launches an HND in Paramedical Trichology to professionalise hair and scalp care.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: NAIMOS, with the Ghana Army and Police, arrested 10 suspected illegal miners at Kpali in Savannah, seizing guns, live rounds, two excavators and other equipment, after reports of serious environmental damage. Galamsey & Security: The arrests add a security layer to Ghana’s ongoing fight against illegal mining and its impact on land and livelihoods. AU Peace & Financing: President Mahama, in Luanda, backed AU reforms pushing early warning to become early action, and called for sustainable, predictable African-owned financing for peace and security. Local Government Leadership: Mahama Ayariga and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings were sworn in after Parliament approval, with Ayariga promising to deliver on the government’s “reset” commitments. 24-Hour Economy Push: The 24-Hour Economy Secretariat brokered a $270m poultry deal to cut chicken imports, while government also plans a 150-acre air cargo hub at Tamale for high-value exports. Economy Signals: BoG reports job advertisements rose 45% year-on-year in June, and treasury bills were oversubscribed as yields eased. Media & National Security: CSA boss urged journalists to collaborate with security institutions while protecting press freedom and the public’s right to know. Ports & Digital Reliability: IEAG asked GRA to strengthen digital systems at ports after reported platform breakdowns disrupted customs transactions. Xenophobia Support Row: MC Yaa Yeboah backed government’s rejection of MTN’s GH¢20m offer for xenophobia victims, saying it sends the right message. Health & Lifestyle: A physician assistant warned Ghanaian youth about hypertension and poor eating habits linked to ulcers and other health risks. Sports: Ghana booked Africa Volleyball Nations Cup quarterfinals after beating Zambia, and Ampem Darkoa Ladies advanced in WAFU B qualifiers. In Memoriam: Former Agriculture Minister and RTU-linked MP Ibrahim Adam has reportedly died.

Immigration Crackdown: Ghana Immigration Service says it removed 1,055 migrant street beggars from Accra and Kumasi, with undocumented people processed for repatriation after a directive from Interior Minister Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka. Cedi & Debt Markets: Bank of Ghana announced a new four-year cedi-denominated Treasury bond for September 2026, with pricing guidance opening Sept 1 and maturity in 2030. FX Pressure Update: BoG’s Monetary Policy Report says the cedi depreciated 7.9% against the US dollar in H1 2026, with renewed domestic forex pressure despite a weaker global dollar. Local Transport Boost: Road improvements on the Tumu–Bolgatanga and Tumu–Tamale routes are bringing more vehicle options, including Voxy, Sprinter and Urvan buses. Security & Media: Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim warned journalists against sensational, unverified security reporting that could inflame ethnic and religious tensions. Health & Social Services: Litina Travel says it is offering diaspora “Reconnect with your roots” support for Ghana’s @70 celebrations, including heritage tours and relocation guidance. State Sector Performance: SIGA released the 2025 State Ownership Report, saying state enterprises returned to consolidated profitability in 2025.

Ministerial Swearing-In: President Mahama swore in Mahama Ayariga (Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs) and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Environment, Science and Technology), urging integrity, accountability, and a jobs-and-environment balance, with Ayariga tasked to make decentralisation meaningful and restore order in cities. Constitution Reform Push: The AG inaugurated an 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee to turn approved constitutional reform proposals into an actionable framework. BoG Border Crackdown: The Bank of Ghana set up a preliminary committee to investigate seized undeclared foreign currency at airports and borders, warning it fuels money laundering and weakens the formal forex market. GoldBod Court Tangle: Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin’s lawyers rejected claims of delay in serving a writ in a defamation suit involving Sammy Gyamfi. NPP Party Politics: Over 35 aspirants have filed for NPP executive elections on Oct 3, 2026, including contests for chair and vice-chair roles. Economy Signals: BoG reported public debt rising to GH¢719.52bn by June 2026, while job advertisements rose 45% year-on-year in June. Public Services & Accountability: BoG and officials moved on forex controls; meanwhile, ECG customers in Ketu South plan a Sept 1 protest over over-billing and faulty meters. Culture & Youth: Tourism Society launched YOTOFEST 2026 to boost domestic tourism, while the Ghana International Book Fair opened amid warnings about piracy and high production costs threatening reading culture.

Ministerial Swearing-In: President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Mahama Ayariga (Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs) and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Environment, Science and Technology), urging them to be accessible, humble, and results-driven. Galamsey Crackdown: At the same ceremony, Mahama tasked Zanetor with decisive action against illegal mining, stressing the link between environmental damage and public health. Anti-Corruption Institutions: The OSP says it is not in a strained relationship with the Attorney-General, while MPs and the public debate how the two offices should collaborate in corruption cases. Constitution Reform: Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine inaugurated an 11-member committee to implement 1992 Constitution reforms, with Oliver Barker-Vormawor named Secretary. Education Equity: CSOs demand fairer education financing, especially better teacher deployment and infrastructure for deprived communities. Fuel Prices: NPA raised petrol and diesel price floors from September 1. Virtual Assets: BoG targets full operationalisation of the virtual asset law by 2027. Flood Relief: GMM donated relief items to NADMO for June 29 flood victims. Sports: Asante Kotoko beat Hearts on penalties to win the 2026 Democracy Cup; Kotoko-Hearts also headlines the Democracy Cup tourney.