AGP Executive Report

World Cup Shock: FIFA confirmed Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss the Black Stars’ opening match against Panama in Toronto after Canada refused his visa. Partey, facing rape and sexual assault charges in the UK (he denies them), will remain with the squad in the US and is expected to be available for Ghana’s England and Croatia games. Government Support for Black Stars: Finance Ministry released GH¢76m for the campaign—GH¢58m as an advance for preparations and group-stage costs, plus GH¢17m to settle outstanding qualification bonuses. Sanitation Push: Environmental Service Providers Association says private waste firms are ready to help, but want urgent government support and better public attitude to tackle Accra’s landfill and waste challenges. Local Governance & Accountability: Bolgatanga Technical University faces turmoil as GTEC reportedly rejects a Director of Finance appointment over background verification concerns. Heritage & Culture: Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie met the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool to push for the return of Ghanaian heritage items loaned in 2005. Health Crisis: Salaga Municipal Hospital newborn disappearance sparks national concern as investigations continue after a nurse was detained.

World Cup 2026: GFA boss Kurt Okraku tells Ghanaians the Black Stars are “not here to be counted” but to fight for the title, as the team completes preparations in Rhode Island for Group L clashes with Panama (June 17), England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27). Sports & Justice: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says he’s not aware Thomas Partey was denied a Canada visa, despite reports linked to his ongoing rape case. Environment & Accountability: A Rocha Ghana condemns an attack on Forestry Commission staff in Kintampo, warning of growing impunity; CEIA also urges government to stop de-gazetting forest reserves and to halt mining in protected areas. Security & Anti-Galamsey: Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak says NAIMOS has handed seized illegal firearms for documentation and destruction. Economy & Industry: Ghana’s mining output outlook for 2026 points to stronger gold and other minerals, while the Chamber of Mines warns targets depend on policy certainty and governance. Agriculture Policy: President Mahama announces a bill to guarantee cocoa farmers 70% of world prices and push 50% local processing. Climate & Conflict: Germany-backed Climate Talks 2026 in Tamale links climate stress to peace and security risks in Northern Ghana. Governance & Planning: NDPC chair Nii Moi Thompson blames Ghana’s slow progress on weak institutions and poor long-term planning.

Constitutional Showdown at Supreme Court: Civil society groups are set to argue Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor Act after the Supreme Court fixed 29 July for judgment on whether parts of the law violate the Constitution. Parliament vs Judiciary: Speaker Bagbin urged tighter Parliament–Judiciary ties as the Supreme Court marks 150 years, calling for shared understanding of processes. Economy Watch: Ghana’s GDP grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, with services and industry driving the rebound, while a separate spending report shows real expenditure accelerating despite public complaints of “no money.” Democracy Under Pressure: A fresh push to curb big-money politics is gaining traction, with calls to stop election monetisation from turning public office into a profit scheme. AfCFTA Trade Push: Ghana called for shared production and regional value chains, while the Trade Ministry screened 1,000 SMEs for AfCFTA market opportunities and urged removal of non-tariff barriers. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Nigeria began repatriating citizens from South Africa after attacks, and protests in Accra targeted MTN Ghana under the “South Africa Must Go” banner. Food Security Measures: Government says it has distributed 1.7 million poultry birds and registered 45 licensed buying companies to buy grains at guaranteed minimum prices. Youth Jobs Alarm: An MP warned youth unemployment is worsening, citing NEET figures and high joblessness rates in Greater Accra. Education Inclusion: Free SHS expansion reached Saint Anne’s Girls SHS in Damongo, boosting access for less privileged girls. Business & Governance: Ghana International Bank’s CEO was sacked and a new CEO named; Minority MPs also demanded a probe into the “Ministers of State Excellence” awards controversy.

Economy Watch: Ghana’s GDP grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, driven by services (7.1%) and industry, with ICT surging 25.2%, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. Education & Social Policy: The Education Ministry says GH¢4bn has been allocated for Free SHS feeding, with schools reporting improved food supply, while government seeks World Bank support for upgrading selected schools. Governance & Accountability: A University of Ghana political science study urges stronger accountability institutions and more transparent political party financing, including an Elections Fund idea. Parliament & Party Politics: NDC stakeholders are pushing GIPC board chair Akwasi Opong-Fosu to take a leadership role as consultations for a “reset agenda” continue. Local Development: Korle-Klottey launches a Business and Investment Guide and Voluntary Local Review report to attract investors and track SDG progress. Transport & Safety: Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza requests 1,000 more staff for road agencies, while Transport Deputy Dorcas Affo-Toffey backs inland water safety with life jackets and safety officers. Energy & Industry: Tullow and the Energy Ministry facilitate Ghanaian crude supply to Sentuo Oil Refinery to boost local refining and energy security. Sports: Ghana confirms participation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a medal-targeting team. Public Integrity: MP Edem Agbana calls for stricter ethics in awards, warning against sponsored honours involving institutions supervised by award recipients. Regional Human Security: Reports describe thousands of Malawians fleeing xenophobic threats in South Africa, highlighting the wider migration crisis affecting the region.

Flood Response & Sanitation: Interior Minister announces 70 seized excavators will be handed to NADMO for nationwide desilting, while MPs push for flood-resilient national planning and stricter urban enforcement as Accra’s drainage woes remain a recurring flashpoint. Local Governance & Waste Management: Local Government Minister pledges attention to delayed payments for sanitation service providers; in Savelugu, the MCE leads a Ghana–Italy waste-to-energy partnership aimed at turning waste into gas and electricity. Economy & Jobs: GSS reports Ghana’s real GDP grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, led by services and ICT, as Deputy Finance Minister stresses inclusion of women and youth through the GWYESCO programme. Parliament & Foreign Affairs: NPP MP Patrick Boamah demands the Foreign Affairs Minister brief Parliament on Ghanaians in South Africa, warning against relying on social media for urgent diplomacy. Health & UHC: Health Summit highlights the need for a resilient, equitably distributed health workforce, with stakeholders calling for stronger investment and governance. Sports & Media: GBC secures exclusive free-to-air World Cup 2026 broadcast rights via a national consortium, with strict rules against unauthorized transmissions. Public Opinion: UG study finds 43% of Ghanaians say military rule can be justified in some cases, even as democracy remains the preferred system.

Flood Governance: President Mahama has ordered NADMO and other agencies to present a comprehensive flood assessment after Accra’s recent deluge, with focus on restricted waterways and accountability over building permits. Central Banking & Inflation: Bank of Ghana absorbed GH¢17.24bn from banks via 14-day bills to keep liquidity tight and support FX and inflation stability. Presidency Staffing: Parliament has received the Office of the President’s 2025 staffing report showing 808 workers—233 political appointees and 575 civil/public officers. Energy & Regional Integration: Ghana is pushing expansion of the West African Gas Pipeline and cross-border gas infrastructure to deepen energy security and industrialisation. Digital Economy: GSS told Parliament that data is key to implementing the 24-Hour Economy, while Education Deputy Minister urged African governments to fund digital infrastructure with 1–2% of GDP. Sports Administration: GFA president Kurt Okraku hinted he may not seek a third term. Mining & Policy: Ghana Chamber of Mines renewed calls to remove the Growth and Sustainability Levy, arguing it hurts investment. Health & Preparedness: Government activated surveillance and isolation systems at border posts to counter Ebola risks. World Cup Politics: Minority MPs allege covert state sponsorship of World Cup travel for NDC loyalists, despite presidential assurances.

KATH Crisis: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh’s suspension of KATH CEO Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo has triggered an indefinite strike, with doctors and nurses saying patients are being left stranded while Prof. Titus Beyuo insists the suspension aligns with a presidential emergency-care directive. Flood Accountability: President Mahama orders NADMO and a national taskforce to map restricted waterways in Accra and demands action against assemblies that issued permits for developments in protected areas, as Titus Glover calls the flood report directive “a waste of energy.” Justice & Corruption: Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu has been extradited from the US to begin a 10-year sentence over MASLOC fraud, while legal voices stress due process and the start of the term. Ghana–Belarus Push: Mahama returns from UK/Belarus and says Ghana has secured 1,840 agricultural equipment units from Belarus, with Belarus manufacturers set to visit next week. Health Workforce: Government plans to recruit 16,000 health workers in 2026, including nurse-tutor PhD scholarships. Mining & Taxes: Chamber of Mines urges full removal of the Growth and Sustainability Levy by 2028; mining law overhaul is cleared for Parliament. Digital Security: Samuel Nartey George warns West Africa risks digital dependence without stronger cyber defences. Agriculture & Cocoa: Farmer Service Centres remain a hope for Upper West farmers; Fairtrade Africa launches phased cocoa rehabilitation to boost yields and curb deforestation.

Ghana–Belarus Deal: President Mahama secured a procurement pact for 1,840 agricultural equipment pieces in Minsk, pitching deeper trade and agro-tech ties. Budget Accountability: Ghana’s budget transparency score fell to 22% in the 2025 Open Budget Survey, with delays in publishing key budget documents blamed. Agri Jobs Push: Government launched the $3.5bn AgriConnect Compact to boost food production and target 2.6m jobs by 2035, supported by the World Bank and partners. Oil Value Addition: Jubilee crude has started arriving at the Sentuo refinery in Tema for local processing, a shift aimed at reducing reliance on imported fuel. Flood Response & Safety: GARCC warned prank calls and fake flood videos are disrupting rescue efforts; meanwhile Stanbic Bank donated GH¢400,000 relief items to NADMO. Governance Integrity: Mahama directed ministers and state CEOs to stop accepting private awards without presidential approval. Healthcare: The Emergency Medicine Society Ghana criticised the suspension of KATH’s CEO, saying patient safety requires open risk communication. Trade Systems: Ghana Link rejected claims that ICUMS is dysfunctional, saying no verified system-wide downtime has been recorded since January 2026. Sports Administration: GFA set Aug 20, 2026 for its 32nd Ordinary Congress.

Diaspora & Sports: Ghana’s High Commission in Canada says the Sports Ministry has started collecting details from Ghanaians who want tickets for the Black Stars’ June 17 opener vs Panama in Toronto, with submissions due June 10. Energy & Industry: Sentuo Oil Refinery in Tema begins refining Jubilee crude locally, with Phase Two expansion expected after a June 24 sod-cutting by President Mahama. Media Freedom: The Ghana Journalists Association warns that “false news” provisions under the Electronic Communications Act are being used to charge journalists, risking fear and self-censorship. Governance & Integrity: Jubilee House orders Ministers, CEOs and political appointees to avoid private “best-performing” awards without presidential clearance. Mining Reform: Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah launches a cooperative mining scheme in Akyem Kotoku and signals an end to unlimited renewals of mining concessions. Local Development: Vice President Opoku-Agyemang will launch the revised National Cultural Policy on Tuesday. Public Health & Safety: Ghana Fire Service rolls out a digital compliance platform for fire safety systems, moving beyond manual inspections. Sanitation & Waste: Stakeholders call for a shift from landfill dependence in Accra as waste volumes rise. Women Leadership: SWIDA-Ghana launches EMPOWERHER in Northern Ghana to strengthen women, girls, youth and persons with disabilities in decision-making. World Stage: UN Secretary-General appoints Ghana’s Edem Wosornu as Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at UNHCR.

KATH Crisis: Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene says an agreement has been reached between KATH management and striking health unions after the suspension of the CEO and emergency congestion concerns, with unions to brief members and the outcome to be sent to the Health Minister. Building Safety: Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak says 16 unsafe buildings across Greater Accra have been flagged for demolition following the Avenor collapse that killed two and left three injured, with evacuations underway. South Africa Migration Row: President Cyril Ramaphosa rejects claims of xenophobia in a televised address, while Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Ablakwa’s claims are challenged by Ronald Lamola as “misinformation,” as repatriations continue. Ebola Preparedness: Deputy Health Minister Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah says isolation protocols and surveillance have been strengthened at border points like Elubo and Aflao. Governance & Media: Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin warns of arrests linked to political speech and misuse of communications and criminal laws, as President Mahama reiterates commitment to press freedom. Ports Reform Debate: MCGG pushes back on CSO allegations about ICUMS and port disinfection, saying claims lack technical reports and could derail health-and-trade reforms.

World Cup Security: A mass shooting near England’s Kansas City World Cup base left nine adults wounded, with no suspects in custody as the team prepares to relocate to Swope Soccer Village. Cocoa Politics: NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says he’ll soon present a costed policy alternative after cocoa producer price cuts sparked backlash and Minority-led community consultations. Floods & Enforcement: Accra floods again as questions grow over delayed demolition of illegal waterway structures; Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak also urged MMDAs to tighten building regulation enforcement after the Avenor collapse. Building Collapse: Avenor’s three-storey collapse killed at least one and trapped others; Melcom denies ownership of the affected building while rescue teams continue. Power Supply: ECG announced scheduled outages across Ashanti, Tema, Accra East and West on Monday, June 8, citing maintenance and a technical fault. Health Crisis at KATH: KATH CEO suspension is met with pushback—Nurses and midwives threaten strike, while the Minority calls it kneejerk and says systemic capacity issues remain. South Africa Xenophobia: Ghana’s evacuation drive ends with the arrival of the final 342 returnees, bringing total evacuees to 979, as Ghana pursues compensation and reintegration support. Press Freedom: Government reiterates commitment to press freedom and urges journalists to verify amid disinformation. Environment & Climate: Ghana marks World Environment Day with renewed focus on tree planting and ecosystem protection, including post-planting care. Economy & Finance: Kasapreko’s IPO draws over GH¢1.4bn in bids, while a study warns billions in remittances may be escaping official records and weakening the cedi.

Ghana–Belarus Agro Deal: President John Dramani Mahama toured Brest’s advanced dairy and agro-processing facilities, pushing partnerships to help Ghana move from smallholder farming to food self-sufficiency. South Africa Evacuation Fallout: Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa welcomed a second batch of 345 evacuees from xenophobic attacks, insisting returnees are “treasures,” promising reintegration support, and saying Ghana will pursue compensation for destroyed businesses and property. Healthcare Labour Crisis: Nurses and midwives at KATH joined a strike over the suspension of the CEO, arguing the two-week move won’t fix overcrowding, logistics gaps, and resource shortages; a separate Tema Community 22 Polyclinic assault reignited calls for stronger protection for health workers. Digital Governance Push: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George reviewed 10 draft digital bills with agencies and legal stakeholders, including IMANI Ghana, ahead of legislative reforms. Infrastructure Safety Alert: Avenor building collapse in Adenta/ North Kaneshie area has triggered rescue efforts and renewed construction safety concerns. Tourism Policy: Ghana’s e-Visa rollout gets praise but tourism groups warn high fees for non-Africans could hurt arrivals. Business & Economy: Kasapreko’s IPO closed heavily oversubscribed, while Absa’s CEO pay sparked shareholder revolt in South Africa—both underscoring governance and capital-market pressure across the region.

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.