AGP Executive Report

World Cup Visa Probe: The Minority is demanding the dismissal of Sports Minister Kofi Adams and the Ghana Tourism Authority chief over alleged visa fees and fabricated public-sector job titles linked to World Cup travel. The claims remain unverified, and an MP has urged politicians to let the CID investigate independently. India and BRICS: Mahama met India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss wider cooperation, as Ghana prepares a formal BRICS membership application and seeks India’s support. Teachers’ Strike: GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG are in a second week of industrial action over promotion arrears, pay and deprived-area allowances. Government says upgraded salaries and arrears payments are expected from October, but classrooms remain disrupted. Economic Pressures: September inflation rose to 5.2%, while the World Bank reported the cedi had depreciated more than other African currencies in its comparison amid Middle East tensions. Housing: Mahama announced a GH¢1 billion allocation for a revolving National Housing Fund and proposed loans to help owners complete unfinished homes.

Housing and Safety: President Mahama directed the Finance Minister to include GH¢1 billion in the 2027 Budget for a revolving National Housing Fund and called for officials who fail to enforce building safety rules to face sanctions. Economy: Inflation edged up to 5.2% in September from 5.0% in August, though it was well below 9.4% a year earlier; services inflation remained higher than goods inflation. Foreign Policy: Cabinet has approved Ghana’s bid to join BRICS, and Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Accra has sought India’s support. Mahama also urged Indian firms to invest in pharmaceuticals and vaccine production, as the two countries signed an agricultural research agreement. National Cathedral: Government says it will put no more public funds into the project; the contractor has been told to hand over the site while the Attorney-General reviews a forensic audit. World Cup Visa Probe: The Minority wants the Sports Minister and Ghana Tourism Authority chief removed over alleged visa-payment irregularities; the President has suspended the National Sports Authority director pending investigations. Party Politics: NPP figures are defending Kojo Bamba’s election as first vice-chair, while a United Party spokesperson says it could weaken the NPP’s appeal to middle-class voters. Illegal Mining: The Minority is urging tougher action against galamsey, including targeting financiers and politically connected networks.

Banking & Economy: Fitch says Attijariwafa Bank’s planned 55.2% acquisition of Société Générale Ghana won’t hurt its BB+ credit rating, calling the deal largely ratings-neutral. Local Governance & Sanitation: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says Ghana will see visible results in the waste management fight within a year, and has ordered MMDCEs to identify one-acre plots for waste transfer stations within 30 days. Politics & Party Unity: NPP Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin urges party members to stop attacking critics and be more tolerant toward civil society ahead of 2028. Foreign Affairs: India’s EAM S. Jaishankar met Ghana’s FM Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and President Mahama to deepen trade, investment, defence, technology and pharmaceuticals, including MoUs on research and agriculture. Regional Strategy: Cabinet has approved Ghana’s formal application to join BRICS, framed as widening options for development partners. Public Finance Oversight: Parliament’s PAC flags recurring GH¢5.2bn financial irregularities in 2025 MDAs, demanding explanations on what has changed. Health & Development: World Bank keeps Ghana’s 2026 growth forecast at 4.8% and warns the cedi was Africa’s worst-performing currency in Q2 2026. Security & Society: VAG launches the 2026 Poppy Appeal to build district offices for veterans, while Sissala East reports seven yellow fever deaths with samples sent for testing.

NPP Leadership Fallout: Controversy swirls after Kojo Bamba was cleared and elected NPP First National Vice Chairman, with critics citing his past links to the Delta Force vigilante group and questioning the party’s vetting process. Local Governance & Planning: Parliament’s Local Government Committee grilled Ayawaso West over unauthorised containers and structures in East Legon, warning enforcement gaps could harm orderly development. Constitutional Review Debate: Prof. Mike Oquaye urged keeping partisan politics out of local government, while Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye warned proposed reforms could dilute that principle. Social Protection Push: Government will launch new legal instruments—Social Protection Act and Regulations plus gender equity regulations—to strengthen protection and accountability. Security & Crime: EOCO is accused of silence over cocaine trafficking, as officials and politicians warn Ghana must not let drug networks grow. Economy & Finance: Investors showed strong demand for Ghana’s 364-day Treasury bill, while BoG urged more business restructuring over liquidation for viable firms. Energy & Infrastructure: Asharami Ghana commissioned a 6,000MT LPG storage facility at Tema, boosting national storage capacity by about 10%. International Diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar begins a visit to advance cooperation in pharma, agriculture and scholarships. Public Health & Rights: Ghana’s legal framework on rape faces renewed calls for reform to recognise male victims, alongside warnings about fake Zambia job offers after cybercrime arrests.

Presidential Mercy: President Mahama has pardoned 863 convicted persons ahead of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary, including 819 first offenders, 13 aged 70+, and commutations for death-row and life inmates. National Cathedral: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says the National Cathedral site has been handed back to government pending the Attorney-General’s forensic review, with no new public funding for now. Courtroom Drama: Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah pleaded not guilty to charges over an alleged GH¢9.85m SIC Life loss, while Salomey Awiti Baffoe in the “Ghana Jollof” case was granted GH¢100,000 bail. Security Upgrade: Government plans 50 anti-ballistic cabins and 15 military forward operating bases in northern Ghana, plus more armoured vehicles and fire tenders. Local Governance Funding: Ayariga announced GH¢9.1bn covering six quarters of DACF to MMDAs, highlighting a sharp rise in disbursements. Party Politics: NDC says NPP’s new executives won’t affect its 2028 plans; NDC also confirms Dzifa Gunu’s disqualification for failing to resign six months before filing. Science & Policy: Cabinet approval moves Ghana toward establishing a Space Agency to coordinate space activities and applications for development. Health & Research: Africa CDC assesses Ghana’s viral hepatitis control progress; CSIR warns encroachers are shrinking its land holdings. Education & Labour: TUTAG says its strike is tied to unresolved teacher demands beyond promotion arrears, while PRETAG insists arrears alone won’t end the teachers’ strike. Economy & Trade: BoG pilots a cedi-based payment route for eligible importers to pay Chinese suppliers in yuan, reducing reliance on the US dollar.

NPP Leadership Shake-up: Kojo Bamba (Kwadwo Fosu Boadu) wins NPP First Vice Chairman at the Kumasi delegates conference, with Prof Mike Ocquaye backing the choice and warning the party must protect votes if police fail. Party Politics & Security: Prof Oquaye and others push back against “machoism” and vigilante-style parallel security, while NDC women’s wing condemns alleged violence around the NPP executive polls. NDC Constituency Elections: In Effutu (C/R), 50 aspirants are vetted for NDC executive posts ahead of Oct 24–25 elections. Transport Policy: President Mahama is set to review the Ayalolo contra-flow trial on Oct 8, after initial peak-hour gains. Education & Labour: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu assures teachers promotion arrears will be paid by Oct 30; SLTF introduces upfront fee advances for first-year students. AI Governance: Government will require central technical review for public-sector AI purchases to protect data sovereignty. Economy & Finance: Investors favour the 364-day Treasury bill in the latest auction; BoG clears Attijariwafa’s takeover of Société Générale Ghana. Public Safety: Police arrest Abubakar Latif over jewellery theft during a Koforidua fire. Ghana Football: GFA leadership faces pressure after Black Stars’ AFCON qualifier start; meanwhile, Aduana FC says the GH¢1m club support is a GFA loan, not a grant.

UN Leadership Question: As Antonio Guterres exits, an AP report asks what the next UN secretary-general must deliver amid wars, US funding strain and a sidelined UN. Teachers’ Strike Fallout: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says promoted teachers’ data must be submitted to the Controller by Monday, with government promising supplementary payments and insisting arrears be honoured by Oct 30. NPP Power Shift: John Boadu wins NPP national chairman with 2,888 votes as the party completes reorganisation ahead of 2028; Edward Boateng urges reconciliation and rebuilding trust. Black Stars Coaching Reset: GFA and Sports Ministry form a five-man search committee after Carlos Queiroz’s exit, aiming for a transparent process to appoint a new head coach. Health Investment Push: President Mahama launches HINGE in Egypt to streamline Africa’s pharmaceutical regulation and speed up health manufacturing investment. SSNIT La Pleasure Beach Row: SSNIT admits it sought National Security Council intervention over alleged unlawful encroachment at La Pleasure Beach hotels. Transport Pressure in the North: Upper East Regional Minister demands answers from STC over ticket shortages, bus breakdowns and reduced services. Economy Debate: Dr Sulemana claims NDC has restored confidence, while a consultant challenges Finance Minister Ato Forson’s lottery dividend figures. Energy & Inflation Watch: Fitch forecasts inflation rising to 11.3% in 2027 and keeps the policy rate outlook at 14% by year-end.

NPP Leadership Reset: John Boadu has been elected National Chairman and Justin Kodua Frimpong retained as General Secretary as the NPP completes its national executive elections ahead of 2028, with Titus Glover (National Organiser), Mavis Hawa Koomson (Women’s Organiser), Abanga Fuseini Yakubu (Youth Organiser), Alfred Kwadwo Thompson (Treasurer) and others also sworn in—while Boadu urged unity and warned “political victory is never an entitlement.” NDC Election Timetable: The NDC says its national executive team elected in 2022 is nearing the end of its mandate, with constituency elections set for Oct 24–25, regional polls Nov 14–15 and a national congress Dec 19, 2026. Local Governance Debate: A development practitioner urged government to reconsider non-partisan District Assembly elections, arguing parties already influence local polls and should be regulated instead of banned. Teachers’ Strike: Talks between government and pre-tertiary unions ended without agreement, with unions expected to meet Monday after government tabled improved proposals, as classrooms remain empty nationwide. Health Investment Push: President Mahama unveiled the H-Enabler platform to help health innovators and investors navigate regulation and commercialisation across Africa, tying it to health sovereignty and local manufacturing. Road Safety Crackdown: Ghana has begun enforcing a ban on preaching or hawking on buses while in motion, with offenders facing jail terms or fines. Black Stars Fallout: Calls for GFA boss Kurt Okraku to resign are growing after Ghana’s poor AFCON qualifying start, while a five-member committee has been set up to find a new head coach. Business & Energy: Ghana won a $393m tax dispute with Tullow Oil at arbitration, and visa-waiver talks with Luxembourg are underway.

Parliament vs EOCO: Speaker Bagbin and Parliament raised serious concern over the continued detention of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, after he voluntarily presented himself to EOCO; the High Court later granted him GH¢10m bail while investigations continue. NPP 2028 push: At the NPP National Delegates Conference in Kumasi, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia attacked the NDC’s “scam” promises on jobs and the 24-hour economy, while Akufo-Addo urged unity behind new leadership for a 2028 return. Party reforms: NPP delegates approved constitutional amendments, including giving the flagbearer party leadership when in government, and reinstating the president on NEC. Cocaine scrutiny: Bawumia demanded a bipartisan parliamentary probe into who finances Ghana-linked cocaine shipments, saying arrests of couriers are not enough. Healthcare sovereignty: President Mahama urged African leaders to treat health as an investable sector, calling for local manufacturing and regional value chains at the Alamein Africa Forum. Environment & science: Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie warned “If we stop preserving nature, we die,” while CSIR research must be turned into commercially viable products. Transport & telecom disruption: Telecel services were hit by double fibre cuts affecting 72,754 subscribers in parts of the Central Region. Sports governance: Stephen Appiah joined a five-member committee to find a new Black Stars coach after Carlos Queiroz’s exit. Public order law: Ghana’s new rules target preaching and hawking on moving vehicles, with penalties for offenders.

NPP Politics: NPP delegates in Kumasi approved all 14 motions to amend the party constitution, including a proposal that the flag-bearer leads the party when it wins and becomes President. EOCO & Parliament: Parliament condemned EOCO’s continued detention of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah and called for his immediate release, even as he was granted GH¢10m bail on alleged financial offences. GFA/Black Stars Crisis: Calls for GFA President Kurt Okraku to resign intensified after Ghana’s poor AFCON 2027 qualifier start; Sports Ministry and GFA reforms are underway, including a five-member technical search committee led by Stephen Appiah to recommend a new Black Stars coach by Oct 9. Teachers & Health: GNAT renewed demands for improved pay and conditions for teachers, while GRNMA warned free primary healthcare will strain nurses unless more staff and resources are provided. Disaster & Community Support: Ghana Red Cross launched relief for 350 flood-affected households in Ketu South. Energy/Tech Policy: Government moves to establish a Ghana Space Agency and to deepen use of space tech for environmental monitoring; Energy Commission urged certified electricians to embrace EV, solar and battery storage.

Black Stars Coaching Overhaul: Ghana’s Sports Ministry and GFA set up a five-member search committee to replace Carlos Queiroz, chaired by former GFA VP Fred Pappoe, with Stephen Appiah, Anthony Baffoe, Faisal Chibsah and Agbesi Dzakpasu on the panel, after Ghana’s poor AFCON 2027 qualifying start. Teacher Unrest: Talks between government and pre-tertiary teacher unions ended without a deal, with unions studying new proposals; Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says up to 51,000 teachers’ promotion arrears are being validated for October payment. EOCO vs Opposition: Ashanti NPP condemns EOCO’s overnight detention of Manhyia South MP Baffour Awuah as an affront to rule of law, while constituents in Manhyia South question why he was held despite voluntarily reporting. Local Governance Push: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga engages development partners and agencies to strengthen decentralisation, local revenue, sanitation and service delivery. Digital & Security Policy: Government introduces a centralised technical review for public-sector AI purchases to protect data sovereignty; Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak urges intelligence-led prevention under Act 1168. Health & Jobs: Interior Minister commissions Ayigya Polyclinic; nurses’ groups warn the Free Primary Healthcare plan needs more staff and better conditions. Tech for Girls: GIFEC targets training 500 girls in coding in 2027 after a pilot reached 150 girls. Flood Relief: President Mahama visits Hohoe flood victims and provides livelihood support.

Black Stars Reset: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says government won’t dissolve the GFA after the Black Stars’ poor 2027 AFCON qualifiers start; instead, a technical search committee with government reps will help pick Carlos Queiroz’s successor, while youth pathways and coach accommodation are also on the agenda. Teacher Strike: Brong Ahafo unions (GNAT, NAGRAT, PRETAG) say strike action stays until “concrete commitments” and timelines are given; NUGS also urges urgent settlement to protect classroom learning. WAEC Leadership: WAEC appoints Nigerian Dr Amos Dangut as Registrar/CEO for five years (Oct 2026–Sept 2031). Finance & Lottery: Finance Minister Ato Forson pushes NLA to deliver higher returns after a GH¢10m dividend; Dr Razak Opoku disputes the claims, citing larger lottery payments to GRA. Port & Security: Importers petition GRA over alleged unauthorised removal of 28 containers from Tema Port; Minority demands suspension of Ghana-Colombia port/visa deals over cocaine concerns. Local Governance: AMA orders shop closures for Oct 3 National Cleanup Day; Interior Minister Muntaka urges MMDCEs to take more responsibility for local security. Health & Education: Mercy Ships mission targets 2,400+ surgeries and training; Ho launches breast cancer awareness month; Salaga North MP calls for a senior high school.

NPP National Officers Elections: The NPP has set October 3 at Baba Yara Stadium for its national officers’ vote, with constitutional amendments starting 9:00am and elections from 12:00pm; EC will supervise, verify delegates, and voting will use 31 polling stations—delegates must be on the register and present valid ID (Ghana Card, Voter ID, or NPP part). Constitutional Reforms: Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh urges broad consensus on Ghana’s constitutional reform process, warning against implementing only politically popular parts. Ports, Drugs, Security: Parliament’s Minority demands Ghana suspend its visa-waiver and maritime cooperation with Colombia, citing cocaine-linked seizures and calling for a full national-security review. Sports Governance: SWAG calls for a complete overhaul of Ghana football after Black Stars’ poor AFCON qualifiers start, while President Mahama has relieved NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and named Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong acting DG. Economy & Energy: Finance Minister Ato Forson unveils a “New Economy” blueprint to cut import dependence and boost local production; COMAC CEO warns fuel pricing deregulation is unfinished as government extends diesel subsidy. Justice & Rule of Law: GRA welcomed an ICC tribunal ruling upholding its US$393m tax assessment against Tullow, and EOCO investigations continue after Manhyia South MP Baffour Awuah reports to EOCO.

Black Stars Coaching Shake-up: Carlos Queiroz has left Ghana’s Black Stars for the second time this year after a disastrous start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, including a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia; the GFA says the contract was mutually terminated. Sports Governance: President Mahama suspended NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah over alleged World Cup visa facilitation payments, appointing Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong as Acting NSA Director-General. Anti-Corruption/Parliament: EOCO is seeking the arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, with a court warrant and search orders tied to alleged unauthorised transactions at SIC Life. Health & Women: Deputy Health Minister Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah urged faster breast cancer diagnosis and treatment as Ghana marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Vice President Opoku-Agyemang said institutions and public policy must remove barriers facing women. Economy & Trade: Ghana’s trade surplus fell 70% to US$1.3bn in Q2 2026 as imports surged; Finance Minister Ato Forson pushes procurement reforms to prioritise local farmers for school feeding. Digital Security: Ghana recorded 3,876 cybersecurity incidents in seven months, with online fraud leading. Agriculture & Jobs: Feed Ghana reports rising maize, rice and poultry sufficiency; Norway backs a €3m soybean market-access programme for farmers, especially women. Energy/Industry: Star Oil rejoined COMAC but wants reforms to its governance structure.

US Voter Fraud Crackdown: A federal grand jury indicted 10 foreign nationals in Minnesota for illegal voting and falsely claiming citizenship, including a Ghanaian accused of voting in August’s primary. Energy & Industry: Ghana commissioned a 6,000MT LPG storage terminal at Tema Oil Jetty after Asharami Ghana’s first 5,000MT cargo, as government pushes cleaner cooking and energy security. Banking Stability: S&P says Ghana’s banks’ NPL ratio of 16.1% (June 2026) remains too high, citing past debt exchange fallout and ongoing credit risk. Crypto Oversight: The IMF warns Ghana’s crypto rules lack comprehensive coverage and urges activity-based licensing and stronger transitional arrangements. Food & Agriculture: Deputy Trade Minister inaugurated the new Yoo Rice Factory board in Savelugu, with a push to boost local rice processing and jobs. Constitution & Environment: CSOs want environmental rights and community participation entrenched in Ghana’s constitution. Justice & Politics: EOCO’s Manhyia South MP arrest warrant sparks debate on MPs’ protections from arrest. Sports & Governance: Black Stars’ AFCON qualifier collapse fuels calls for GFA changes, while Parliament’s sports committee moves to summon the GFA. Health & Safety: SEND-Ghana and UCC campaign for mandatory front-of-pack warning labels; IMaH launches Pink October breast cancer early-detection drive.

NPP Party Politics: The NPP has set the programme and voter ID rules for its Oct 3 national officers conference, with constitutional amendments at 9:00am and elections at 12:00pm across 31 polling stations, supervised by the EC; delegates must be on the register and present a Ghana Card, Voter ID or NPP party card. Judiciary & Governance: Martin Amidu claims Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is Mahama’s surrogate in a long game to control the judiciary, warning of growing polarization. Housing Finance: Mahama will open the NHF national conference on housing finance (Oct 7–8) aimed at unlocking affordable housing through innovative financing. Local Government Reform: Former Accra Mayor Mohammed Nii Adjei Sowah argues MMDCE elections won’t change much unless the system gives elected leaders real control over staffing and administration. Economy & Investment: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson tells industry to invest as government prepares a 2027 blueprint, including a proposed $10bn investment push in strategic sectors. Tullow Tax Battle: Ghana says it has won at ICC arbitration, upholding a $393m tax assessment against Tullow; Tullow says it’s disappointed and will consider next steps. Sports Governance: After Ghana’s 4-2 loss to The Gambia, MPs and football figures renew calls for accountability, including possible dissolution/restructuring of the GFA, while Carlos Queiroz’s appointment process faces fresh scrutiny. Public Services & Transport: CPCG warns transport operators against overcharging, citing offences under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026. Energy & Culture: Ghana launches the 10th Ghana Energy Awards in Accra and prepares the maiden Black Star Fashion Week to spotlight the creative economy.