AGP Executive Report

Accra–Kumasi Expressway: Ghana Armed Forces engineers have cleared 170km of the 176km corridor for the expressway, leaving just 6km to complete right-of-way work ahead of major construction. Cybersecurity & Fraud: The Cyber Security Authority says online fraud made up 47% of Ghana’s 3,876 cybersecurity incidents between January and July 2026, warning that digital finance growth is widening opportunities for criminals. Customs Crackdown: GRA Customs warns travellers bringing more than two mobile phones may be charged duties if officers deem them commercial imports, especially when multiple phones are carried for friends and relatives. Sports—Black Stars: Carlos Queiroz is back as head coach after agreeing new terms with the GFA, with the GFA saying he will lead Ghana into the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Economy & Jobs: The 24-Hour Economy Secretariat and Bank of Ghana are working on a $500m facility for affordable, patient capital for SMEs and manufacturers to boost exports. Health—HIV: Western Region recorded about 23,000 people living with HIV and around three new infections daily, as stakeholders review progress. Environment: PRESED urges communities to tackle air pollution through shared responsibility, including better waste handling and stopping open burning. Road Safety: A major crash on the Sege–Tema highway left 13 dead and 5 critically injured.

Sports Administration Shake-Up: President Mahama has dissolved the Governing Board of the National Sports Authority (NSA) with immediate effect, ending the tenure of the board chaired by Dr Fred Awaah and signalling wider board reforms across state institutions. Governance & Accountability: Prof Isaac Boadi of UPSA says conflicting figures in a SIGA report on State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) raise serious questions about credibility, with concerns extending to entities including ECG and GoldBod. Digital Safety: The Cyber Security Authority warns that misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and deepfakes threaten Ghana’s democracy, as it launches the 2026 National Cyber Security Awareness Month; CSA says online fraud made up about 47% of reported cyber incidents between January and July 2026. Economy & FX: GoldBod projects $1.4bn foreign exchange inflow in September under GANRAP, with half earmarked for stabilising the market and reserves. Football: Carlos Queiroz has been reappointed to lead the Black Stars into the next phase, with AFCON qualifiers starting in September. Local Development: Work on the new Wa Airport has entered the site-survey stage as the contractor begins technical surveys for the runway and terminal. Energy & Power Reliability: PURC urges ECG to tackle persistent outages and meter delays, citing complaints from Greater Accra. Public Health & Security: Suame Municipal Assembly commissions a new police station at Maakro to bring justice and security closer to residents. Human Interest: Veteran gospel musician Bernice Offei has been found safe after being reported missing in Accra.

Missing Person Alert: Veteran gospel musician Bernice Offei, 63, has been reported missing in Accra. She was last seen on September 1 around Nyaho-Tamakloe Street, Agbogba, and her family is appealing for help to locate her via 024 878 1971 / 024 755 3431 or the nearest police station. Sports Governance: President John Dramani Mahama has dissolved the National Sports Authority (NSA) governing board with immediate effect, as part of a wider shake-up of boards across state institutions; management will run day-to-day affairs while new boards are reconstituted. Inflation Watch: Ghana’s inflation rose to 5.0% in August 2026 from 4.6% in July, driven mainly by non-food prices (70.9% of inflation), with services inflation climbing to 8.6%. Financial Integrity: BoG and SEC warn the public about a crypto scam using a doctored video of President Mahama promoting “Daily Wealth Guide,” saying it is not licensed and could lead to prosecution. Road Safety: A deadly crash at Sege-Ada on the Accra–east corridor killed 13 and left five critically injured, according to the Ghana National Fire Service. National Service Deadline: The NSA says students with biodata discrepancies must regularise by September 4 or risk missing 2026 national service. Economy & Trade: Government plans to turn Tamale International Airport into an export cargo hub to cut logistics costs and boost exports of high-value farm products.

Energy & Investment: Africa Oil Week in Accra hears warnings that over 150 oil and gas projects across the continent are stalled as global capital retreats, while IPPG chairman Adegbite Falade says Africa needs more than $200bn yearly to close the energy investment gap. Oil & Gas Ambition: Seplat targets 500,000bpd and $1bn dividends in four to five years, as Shell and Chevron sign an MoU for Ghana’s South Deepwater Tano Block. Transport & Jobs: Railway workers welcome government’s payment of 20 months’ salary arrears. Governance & Accountability: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga vows a full overhaul of waste management in Accra, backing the polluter-pays principle and stronger rate enforcement. Public Safety: VAST Ghana urges nationwide enforcement and lab testing after “cigarette rod” lollipop seizures. Business & Connectivity: AWA restores direct Accra–Abidjan flights; Telecel launches SME Month 2026; UPSA begins a GHS500m ICT campus fundraising drive. Security: Court grants GH¢100,000 bail to an EOCO staff threat suspect; IGP summons Volta police over alleged trader extortion. Regional Development: Wa Naa uses Dumba 2026 to renew demands on power, hospital oxygen, and the Wa-Bamboi road.

GoldBod Forex Row: Former Finance Minister Dr Mohammed Amin Adams says the Ghana Gold Board is operating like a forex bureau without legal mandate or a Bank of Ghana licence, challenging the central bank to explain its authority. Right to Information Month: The RTI Commission has declared September as RTI Month, with public education activities across Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani and Bolgatanga under a theme on information integrity in the digital age. Non-Interest Banking Framework: Bank of Ghana officials met the Ecumenical Community to explain the non-interest banking and finance rules, stressing regulation is institutional—not religious. Reparations Push Gains Legal Weight: Ghana welcomed a UN CERD report reinforcing states’ obligations to consider reparatory justice for transatlantic slavery, as President Mahama advances the agenda at AU and UN levels. Sanitation Overhaul: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga toured waste sites and announced a nationwide “war against indiscipline,” calling for a full rethink of waste collection, separation at source and better treatment systems. Human Trafficking Crackdown: Ghana Immigration Service arrested 1,055 West Africans in an intelligence-led operation targeting forced begging networks, including 662 children. Transport Disruption in Kumasi: Urban Roads announced a temporary half-day closure of the Kumasi Inner Ring Road on Sept 6 for GRIDCo works. AFCON Stadium Update: Accra Sports Stadium will stay closed for competitive matches until Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against Gambia on Sept 27. Economy & Jobs: A US$270m poultry transformation deal signed under the 24-Hour Economy aims to cut chicken imports and create 12,000 jobs.

Tema Port Congestion: Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) wants GPHA to convert some private spaces at Tema Port into modern container-handling facilities to expand capacity and cut delays, warning congestion could raise business costs. 24-Hour Economy Jobs Push: 24H+ and partners sign a US$270m National Poultry Transformation Programme to grow local chicken production, create 12,000 jobs and reduce imports. Northern Industry Boost: President Mahama inaugurates Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited in Savelugu, a solar-powered garment factory under the 24-hour economy initiative. Banking Access in Savannah: Bank of Ghana approves three new National Investment Bank branches in Savannah to ease the region’s shortage of banking services. Energy and Gold Pressure: Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin urges government to plug ECG revenue leakages and tighten GoldBod operations instead of adding burdens on Ghanaians. Public Safety Alert: Fire Service contains a 50,000-litre LPG tanker fire on the Accra Motorway, but motorists face delays. Community Support Against Extremism: CAPECS/UNDP backs livelihood and solar irrigation for women and youth in Fatchu, Upper West, as part of violent extremism prevention. Sports Youth Spotlight: MTN Elite U-19 Matchday 5 sees standout MVPs Juresh and Evans Ibrahim. Democracy Online Threat: NCCE warns misinformation, deepfakes and hate speech are undermining Ghana’s democratic stability.

Reparations Push: President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana will host a high-level UN General Assembly side event in September to advance Africa’s reparatory justice agenda, with updates from panels on political, legal, historical and cultural dimensions. Public Finance: Government will issue a four-year Treasury bond on September 1, 2026, to raise domestic funds as debt rises to GH¢719.5bn by end-June 2026. State of SOEs: SIGA reports Ghana’s state-owned enterprises returned to profit in 2025 with a consolidated net gain of GH¢19.8bn after four years of losses, though liabilities remain concentrated in firms like ECG. Jobs and Tax Debate: Finance Ministry rejects Accra Brewery’s claim that beer excise changes could threaten 2,000 jobs, saying most local output already benefits from the top concession band. Cocoa Income Gap: Fairtrade Africa urges stronger collaboration to close the cocoa farmers’ income gap, citing a new Ghana living income reference price of GH¢45.40/kg. Security and Justice: An Accra Circuit Court granted GH¢100,000 bail to an EOCO threat suspect, while police in Kumasi arrested six alleged armed robbery syndicate members. Sports Venue Update: NSA clarifies Accra Sports Stadium is not closed—only the main pitch is unavailable—amid preparations for AFCON qualifiers. Skills and Youth: DTI and Mastercard Foundation graduate 2,647 master craft persons and SMEs in Ashanti, and VTF calls for quality-focused TVET reforms as equipment gaps threaten competency-based training. Digital Fraud Alert: TrustGH flags 6,000+ suspected scam numbers, with TikTok leading reported sources of fraud in Accra.

EV Charging Regulation: Ghana is preparing legislation to regulate electric vehicle charging stations, requiring operators to get Energy Commission approval to protect local power networks as fast-charging can overload transformers. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: NDLEA says it seized over ₦6.2bn worth of “Jihadi drug” captagon and millions of opioid tablets at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport, arresting a suspected kingpin who arrived from Accra; the captagon was allegedly hidden in “Ghana soap.” Anti-Human Trafficking Sweep: Ghana Immigration Service launched an intelligence-led operation across Accra and Kumasi, arresting 1,055 people (including 662 children) linked to exploitative street-begging networks. 24-Hour Economy Push: The 24-Hour Economy Secretariat brokered a US$270m poultry investment deal to expand Ghana’s poultry value chain and cut chicken imports. Northern Logistics Plan: Government plans a 150-acre air cargo hub at Tamale Airport to move high-value produce from northern Ghana to international markets. Environment Policy: EPA says the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a wider crackdown on non-biodegradable single-use plastics. Sports & Youth: Samba Stars, backed by Michail Antonio, is helping Ghanaian academy teens chase Premier League trials after months in England.

Drug Bust: NDLEA says it intercepted “Jihadi drug” Captagon and opioid pills worth over ₦6.2bn at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, after arresting a 49-year-old cross-border kingpin who arrived from Accra with Captagon hidden inside “Ghana Soap”; the agency also recovered millions of Tramaking and Tapentadol tablets in separate raids. Immigration Crackdown: Ghana Immigration Service removed 1,055 migrant street beggars from Accra and Kumasi for processing and repatriation, as part of efforts to tackle undocumented migration and trafficking. Public Health Enforcement: FDA arrested traders at Makola Market over alleged sale of “cigarette toffee” and also ran a tobacco and shisha awareness drive on Accra streets, warning products and exposure harm public health. Education & Standards: GTEC cautioned the public against enrolling in 100 unrecognised universities, urging checks before accepting certificates. Economy & Transport: Bank of Ghana reports the cedi depreciated 7.9% against the US dollar in H1 2026; meanwhile improved Tumu–Bolgatanga and Tumu–Tamale roads are bringing more vehicle options for commuters. Governance & Investors: GIPA set up a Focal Persons Network to help investors resolve issues with MDAs. Culture & Tourism: Ghana Tourism Authority partnered to publish “Ama Ghana,” a children’s tourism book to spark early interest in Ghana’s heritage.

Public Health Push: The FDA has launched a fresh Accra street campaign to warn residents about the dangers of tobacco and shisha, targeting pubs, clubs and event centres where shisha is increasingly popular. Roads & Rural Development: A new feature argues Ghana must give more political will to rural and inter-community roads, saying bad feeder routes keep farmers from getting goods to markets, health facilities and schools. Local Business Spotlight: The This Is Ghana Exhibition opened at the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, drawing crowds to made-in-Ghana products and services, with organisers urging visitors to look beyond shopping into partnerships. Government & Appointments: President Mahama swore in Mahama Ayariga as Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Environment, Science and Technology Minister. Justice & Court Process: Lawyers in the defamation dispute involving GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi and Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin trade claims over whether writ service was avoided or properly effected. Safety & Regulation: The Fire Service has rolled out a digital platform for fire permits, certificates and tagging of fire equipment. Sports & National Pride: Mohammed Kudus returned to action for Tottenham after a long injury lay-off, a boost for Ghana ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Education & Data: GTEC released a list of 100 unrecognised universities, while the GSS says it is strengthening staff capacity to produce more credible data.

Media & Security: PRINPAG President David Tamakloe says “the madness on social media is not journalism,” urging private media to stick to professional standards while reporting responsibly on security issues at a workshop in Abokobi, Accra. Social Protection: Stakeholders in Ghana’s social protection sector have validated a new roadmap to improve coordination among government, donors and civil society, with clearer roles and stronger accountability. Data Quality: The Ghana Statistical Service says it is prioritising staff capacity, welfare and better people management to produce credible national data, including plans to recruit more staff. Local Governance Oversight: Internal Audit Agency officials tell MMDAs that audit committees are partners in good governance, stressing independence and professionalism as committees take office. Political Finance Reform: CDD-Ghana calls for comprehensive changes to regulate political party financing, including defined campaign periods, contribution and spending limits, and stronger disclosure and oversight; journalists are urged to intensify scrutiny. Ghana–Korea Ties: Ghana and South Korea seek deeper development cooperation ahead of their 50th anniversary, focusing on projects that build local capability and people-to-people links. Water & Infrastructure: Ghana Water Ltd restores supply to Western Accra after a damaged 500mm pipeline burst, though some areas may still face low pressure. Digital Assets: Bank of Ghana says Ghana targets full operationalisation of the virtual assets regulatory framework by 2027, with guidelines and coordinated oversight. Sports: Asante Kotoko win the 2026 Democracy Cup on penalties over Hearts of Oak; in MTN Elite U-19, Central Region and Brong Ahafo record big Group B wins. Tourism & Culture: GTA extends the “December in GH” 2026 event proposal deadline to September 7, while Pegasus Publishing showcases African learning at the Ghana International Book Fair.

Airport Crackdown: President Mahama backs a crackdown on airport workers soliciting tips from visitors, saying it damages Ghana’s image; the move comes as he launches a new Accra International Airport development with hotels, 2,000+ parking spaces, shops and offices. Poultry Push: The 24-Hour Economy Secretariat signs a US$270m poultry investment deal to build an integrated value chain—feed, hatcheries, farming, processing and cold-chain—to cut chicken imports and boost local jobs. DVLA Number Plates: DVLA begins building a local number plate manufacturing centre in Accra to end reliance on third parties and imported plates, with RFID-embedded plates aimed at curbing counterfeits. Local Governance Controls: New audit committees are inaugurated for MMDAs in the five northern regions, tasked with strengthening accountability and internal controls. Port Security for 24-Hour Economy: IEAG urges stronger security at Tema and other ports to protect port users and sustain round-the-clock operations. Flood Health Support: WHO hands NADMO emergency health supplies to strengthen post-flood public health response, focusing on WASH and disease surveillance. Democracy Cup: Asante Kotoko beat Hearts of Oak 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw to win the 2026 Democracy Cup, with Danlad Ibrahim saving two spots. NSMQ Drama: Accra Academy, University Practice and Bishop Herman College book NSMQ quarter-final spots after tight late comebacks and tie-break heartbreaks. Tourism & Culture: MTN supports the Yagbon Damba festival with cash and refreshments, while the Tourism Minister urges AWA to share destination info to grow domestic tourism.

Maternal Health & Accountability: A grieving husband accuses Ridge Hospital of negligence after his 31-year-old wife died following a scheduled C-section, days before her burial, as he vows the “full truth” will be told. Energy Reliability: Government says battery energy storage procurement will strengthen Ghana’s grid, improve frequency stability and help recover faster after disturbances. Education & Child Protection: Rights advocates in Kumasi call for teachers who sexually abuse students to face the full rigours of the law, urging prompt handling of cases. State Assets & Jobs: ICU-Ghana demands a halt to talks over transferring a controlling stake in VALCO to a private investor, warning it could amount to privatisation. Heritage & Climate Resilience: Ghana and Korea launch a $4m heritage project to protect forts and castles in Greater Accra from coastal erosion and climate change. Business & Digital Growth: SEC admits WeWire into its virtual assets sandbox to pilot tokenisation of trade finance instruments; mNotify also launches an AI/digital drive for 14 SMEs. Transport & Safety: World Bank says only 27% of Ghana’s roads are paved and road accidents cost about US$4.55bn annually. Governance & Aviation: Mahama announces duty-free aircraft spare parts for domestic airlines and cuts sod for major Accra Airport car park and hotel projects.

Aviation Expansion: President Mahama has cut sod for a seven-storey, multi-purpose car park and airport hotels complex at Accra International Airport, adding 2,000+ parking bays, hotels, retail, a sky lounge and observatory to ease congestion. Road Safety Clampdown: Police have ordered a three-day ban on concrete mixer trucks on Accra and Tema roads (Aug 28–30) over spillage, hazards and road damage. Judiciary Update: Parliament approved three Supreme Court nominees despite a Minority boycott over a fast-tracked vetting timetable; Anthony Forson Jr. also opposed capping the number of justices. Health Funding Worry: US aid cuts are threatening Ghana’s child immunisation gains, with a reported $156m gap affecting health programmes and vaccine delivery systems. Money & Trade: Stanbic is offering direct yuan settlement via China’s CIPS, as Ghana deepens China trade ties and debates whether this increases monetary dependence. Environment Policy: Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings urged strict enforcement of the Jan 1, 2027 Styrofoam ban. Sports & Schools: NSMQ 2026 continues with big upsets and quarter-final spots, including Presby SHS Bompata and Mfantsipim’s progress.

Prisons & Justice Welfare: Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has presented a 33-seater Eicher bus to the Ghana Prisons Service to boost operations, while the Labour Minister reiterated government plans to improve welfare for Judicial Service staff—covering safe working conditions, tools, training, career growth and job security. Transparency Push: The Right to Information Commission has declared September 2026 as RTI Month, with activities from September 1–28 across major cities and a stakeholder conference on September 24. Anti-Corruption/Legal Moves: The Office of the Special Prosecutor says its Aksa Enerji bribery probe in Ghana is ongoing, naming former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor and others as persons of interest; meanwhile, the High Court ordered the continuation of Wontumi’s EXIM Bank fraud case after plea-bargaining talks collapsed. Economy & Debt Confidence: Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiamah says improving macro conditions are reopening the door for investor confidence in the debt capital market, but stresses sustained policy credibility. Environment & Public Health: Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings backs the January 1, 2027 Styrofoam ban deadline, and the military is stepping up dredging and lagoon restoration across Accra to tackle recurring flooding. Sports & Culture: NSA chair Prof Fred Awaah calls Accra Sports Stadium “a death trap,” while Asante Kotoko continues its rebuild with new signings Emmanuel Mamah and Isaac Opoku Agyemang; Real Madrid also announced Ghana defender Oscar Naasei Oppong’s three-year deal. Business & Services: Accra International Airport’s new car park will run fully cashless and ticketless, and SIC Insurance approved a GH¢20m dividend after strong 2025 results.

Tourism & Youth: Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto partners Adwinsa Publications and the Ghana Library Authority to publish “Ama Ghana,” a children’s tourism book to be unveiled at the 2026 Ghana International Book Fair in Accra. Energy & Growth: Africa’s solar push takes centre stage as the International Solar Alliance targets at least 200 gigawatts of solar expansion in five years. Digital Economy: MTN Ghana’s Masterclass urges businesses to use AI and digital tools with discipline and partnerships to stay competitive in a digital-first world. Public Health Preparedness: GHS launches five strategic documents and a national roadmap to operationalise Public Health Emergency Operations Centres nationwide. Health Gaps in Free Primary Care: Savannah Regional Health Directorate flags low childhood immunisation, stillbirths, anaemia and weak family planning as free primary healthcare begins. Local Governance Oversight: Northern Region inaugurates audit committees for RCC and MMDAs to tighten oversight of public funds. Sports & Democracy Cup: Charles Bulu set to officiate the Kotoko–Hearts of Oak Democracy Cup on Aug 28, while NSA warns Accra Sports Stadium is a “death trap.” Bawku Peace & Development: President Mahama unveils a five-member Bawku Revitalisation Fund Committee to manage a one billion cedis fund. Justice & Accountability: Police interdict an officer over alleged Accra Race Course demolition at Borteyman; meanwhile, OSP flags former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor as a person of interest in the Berko/Aksa bribery probe.