AGP Executive Report

Media Freedom: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is warning that “false news” provisions under Ghana’s Electronic Communications Act are being used to intimidate journalists, with cases of police charging media practitioners and fears of self-censorship. Culture & Governance: Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang will launch the Revised Ghana National Cultural Policy on Tuesday, June 9, to strengthen cultural heritage, the creative economy and cultural tourism. Power & Infrastructure: ECG has announced planned outages for Tuesday, June 9 across parts of the Eastern, Tema, Accra East, Accra West, Volta and Ashanti regions, with specific communities listed. Public Safety: The Accra Mayor confirms three deaths after the Avenor four-storey building collapse, and says engineers are inspecting other weak structures for possible demolition. Tax & Business: GRA says ITAS will not introduce new taxes and targets a September 2026 nationwide rollout after an Accra pilot, aiming to simplify compliance for businesses. Economy & Industry: Ghana’s gold output rose 23.41% in 2025 to 5.94m ounces, driven mainly by small-scale mining gains. Mining Reforms: Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah says unlimited renewals of mining concessions will end, with stricter accountability. Sports: Asante Kotoko’s new Director of Football Stanley Menzo sends a message to supporters as the club restructures ahead of the new season.

Accra Flood Response: Works Minister Kenneth Adjei orders occupants of buildings along waterways and unauthorised sites to evacuate ahead of demolition to restore drainage and curb recurring floods. Building Safety Crisis: The Avenor collapse death toll rises to three as engineers cite weak concrete and possible lack of permits; separate probes also allege developers ignored stop-work orders in Adenta. KATH Strike Talks: Ashanti Regional Minister says an agreement has been reached between KATH management and striking unions after CEO suspension, aiming to prevent further disruption to care. South Africa Returnees: Over 700 Ghanaians arrive from South Africa in second and third batches; Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa says government will pursue compensation for lost businesses and properties. Health & Food Safety: Accra Metro Health officials mark World Food Safety Day, urging action against foodborne diseases. Digital Governance & Media: A new piece warns how misinformation spreads via smartphones; government also steps up press freedom commitments. Business & Relief: Stanbic Bank donates GH¢400,000 relief items to NADMO for flood and fire victims. AI Ethics Push: Ace Ankomah urges Africa to build ethical AI sovereignty frameworks now.

Press Freedom & Misinformation: Ghana’s media watchdogs and government officials marked World Press Freedom Day with a clear message: freedom must come with responsibility. The US Embassy warned against censorship as a fix for misinformation, while Ghana’s GJA celebrated the country’s jump to 29th globally (4th in Africa) and urged leaders to stop attacks on journalists. KATH Crisis: The Ministry of Health defended the suspension of KATH CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo, saying it was an administrative step to protect patients and enable investigation, as doctors, nurses and midwives push back and threaten further action. Accra Floods & Illegal Structures: Accra flooded again, with authorities admitting delays in tackling illegal structures along waterways; Works Minister Kenneth Adjei ordered occupants to evacuate ahead of demolitions. Building Collapses: Rescue teams wrapped up at Avenor, North Kaneshie, confirming two deaths and two survivors after a three-storey collapse, while another Avenor collapse earlier left one dead. South Africa Xenophobia Returns: Ghana received the final batch of 342 evacuees, completing 979 total, with government pledging jobs, NHIS enrolment and legal moves to pursue compensation for lost businesses. ECG Power Cuts: ECG announced scheduled outages across Ashanti, Tema, Accra East and West on June 8.

Accra Building Tragedy: One person has been confirmed dead after a building collapse at North Industrial Area in Accra, with GNFS, Police and the Armed Forces continuing rescue efforts for others feared trapped. KATH Crisis: Parliament’s Minority Caucus says the suspension of KATH CEO Dr Paa Kwesi Baidoo is reactionary and won’t fix the “No Bed Syndrome,” urging action on infrastructure and the referral system as KATH doctors declare an indefinite strike. Floods and Drainage: NADMO’s inspectorate points to silted drainage, rising runoffs and sold wetlands, while calls grow for a full re-engineering of Accra’s drainage system instead of short-term fixes. Climate Warning: The EPA says the planet is “no longer negotiating,” blaming unsustainable human practices like dumping refuse into drains and building on waterways for worsening disasters. South Africa Evacuation: Ghana welcomed a second batch of 345 returnees from South Africa, with Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa promising jobs, reintegration support and compensation efforts for lost businesses and property. Telecom Disruption: Telecel Ghana warns fibre cuts and vandalism are costing telcos millions, with 3–9 deliberate cuts daily threatening connectivity. Mining Tax Pressure: The Chamber of Mines warns mining tax and royalties could push effective burdens to 58%, deterring investment. Fire Safety Push: GNFS urges industry players to support the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System to strengthen compliance nationwide. Women in Local Governance: A new project aims to close the women’s representation gap in district assemblies ahead of the 2027 elections.

Rule of Law Watch: Ghana’s prosecution of NPP Ashanti Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (“Chairman Wontumi”) moves forward after the state rejected his plea deal, keeping alive fraud and illegal mining cases tied to the Samreboi forest reserve. Health Crisis at KATH: Doctors at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital begin an indefinite strike over the Minister of Health’s two-week suspension of the KATH CEO, after A&E admissions were paused due to overcrowding. Flood Readiness: NADMO says June 6 rains have not triggered distress calls but teams are on full alert as saturated ground could bring flash floods, blaming blocked drainage, waste dumping and lost wetlands. Power Update: ECG announces planned outages on Sunday, June 7, affecting parts of Tema and Accra East for maintenance. Agriculture Push: Government launches the AgriConnect Compact, a $3.5bn plan to boost food security, jobs and investment across cocoa, oil palm, rice, maize and poultry. Gold Sector Shift: Ghana’s small-scale miners outproduced large-scale for the first time in over a century, with 2025 gold output rising 23.41% to 5.94m ounces. LGBTQ+ Bill Fallout: One Ghana Movement’s Senyo Hosi warns the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill could fuel intolerance, while NDC Zongo caucus leaders defend the Majority’s handling. World Cup Build-Up: US Embassy partners with Ghana’s tourism and sports bodies for World Cup watch parties across all 16 regions.

E-waste and livelihoods: A new report spotlights Agbogbloshie in Accra, where thousands dismantle and burn e-waste with little protection, while informal workers say they’re shortchanged as exporters profit from recycled metals. Mining lease push: A letter urges government to renew Gold Fields Ghana’s mining rights, citing jobs and local community support, including the company’s role in developing women in mining leadership. Court and fraud: An Accra court granted a self-styled travelling agent GH¢70,000 bail in an alleged Canadian visa fraud case, with the accused ordered to report weekly and return to court in July. Health workers under threat: Ghana Health Service and police confirm the arrest of a suspect over an assault on a midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic; the case is set for arraignment on June 8. KATH leadership shake-up: KATH’s CEO was suspended for breaching a presidential directive on emergency admissions, after the hospital announced suspension of emergency case intake. Accra floods pressure: Commentaries renew calls for accountability on recurring Accra flooding, arguing the problem is not just rain but weak leadership and drainage failures. Telecom reliability: Telecel Ghana urges public support as fibre cuts and theft disrupt services, saying vandalism is rising alongside road works. Water disruption: Barekese Water Treatment Plant will shut from June 9–11 for repairs, affecting Kumasi and nearby communities. Digital education: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says Ghana will introduce coding, AI and augmented reality from early school years and expand tablets to younger pupils. Agriculture funding row: Agriculture and Finance ministries clash publicly over whether GH¢1.677bn was released for farming, with MoFA questioning the figures. World Environment Day: Telecel Ghana plants 10,000 trees in the Greater Accra region as part of its Tree for Life push.

Accra Police Barracks Fire Relief: The Interior Ministry, with the Police, has given GH₵15,000 to each family affected by the June 3 Accra Central Police Barracks fire, while the Accra Metropolitan Assembly added GH₵120,000 to relief efforts. Health Workers Under Threat: Police arrested a suspect over the assault of a midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic; the case heads to court on June 8 as nurses and midwives demand stronger security at facilities. Kumasi Water Disruption: Ghana Water Limited will shut down the Barekese Water Treatment Plant from June 9 to 11 for critical pipeline repairs, urging residents to store water. KATH Emergency Admissions Row: The Health Minister has ordered KATH’s CEO suspended for two weeks after an emergency admissions suspension was announced contrary to President Mahama’s directive. Digital Ghana Push: Education and Communications officials say Ghana will introduce coding, AI and augmented reality from early school years, while draft digital bills on cybersecurity and data protection are being reviewed. Agriculture Funding Fight: The agriculture and finance ministries clash publicly over whether GH₵1.677bn released for MoFA is truly 85% of the approved budget. World Press Freedom: JoyNews’ Samson Anyenini is set for honours at the GJA Press Freedom Awards on June 6. Flood Awareness Drive: NADMO and Zoomlion launch a 12-week “No Do No Do” campaign to curb flooding by stopping waste dumping into drains.

WAFCON Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Queens will face Women’s Premier League champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies in a friendly at Accra Sports Stadium on Friday (3:30pm) as Coach Kim Lars Björkegren tests tactics ahead of WAFCON. Flood Response: NADMO and Zoomlion have launched a 12-week “No Do No Do” campaign urging proper waste disposal to cut flooding risks, as Accra continues to see roads and markets paralyzed by heavy rains. Public Health: The GHS says handwashing and early reporting are key to preventing Ebola spread, while the Ministry of Health has outdoored VAST-Ghana to strengthen public health advocacy, including tobacco control. Politics & Courts: Abronye DC has been remanded after failing to surrender his passport as ordered by court bail conditions. Economy & Investment: Afreximbank projects 5.9% growth for Ghana in 2026, with inflation easing, as Gold Fields pledges over $1bn to extend Tarkwa mine amid lease-renewal debate. Sports & Governance: Ghana Boxing Authority elections have been postponed as vetting continues. Digital & Family Values: Parliament faces pushback on a proposal to require ID before accessing porn sites, with concerns raised over feasibility and cost. Disaster Planning: A lawmaker calls for a National Disaster Risk Management Fund to finance flood and fire recovery beyond reactive measures.

SSNIT and Trust Hospital Scrutiny: Accra’s Circuit Court warned it may strike out the Mamprobi baby theft case if prosecutors fail to file disclosures on time, after delays in getting signed witness statements. Telecom Reliability: Telecel Ghana urged public support to curb fibre cuts and theft, saying vandalism and stolen covers are disrupting service nationwide. Digital Safety: The Communications Minister said government is studying identity checks before accessing porn sites, using national ID or driver’s licence to protect children. Accra Flood Fallout: Traders at Tiptoe Lane in Accra’s Nkrumah Circle reported heavy losses after torrential rains flooded shops and destroyed goods. Justice and Health System Strain: KATH doctors and the Komfo Anokye Doctors’ Association defended emergency care decisions amid congestion, as the hospital faces renewed scrutiny. Jobs and Environment: Accra’s plastic recycling push targets 1,500 jobs through a new 100-tonne-per-day plant. Sports Build-Up: Black Stars arrived in the U.S. for World Cup preparations after a Wales draw, while Ghana unveiled a five-athlete para team targeting medals at Glasgow 2026. Human Trafficking Case: GIS secured a seven-year jail term for a Nigerian trader convicted of trafficking women into prostitution in Ghana.

Police Fire Tragedy in Accra: The IGP is urgently seeking hotels and guest houses for 140 families after a blaze razed the Accra Central Police barracks; no human casualties were reported, but properties were destroyed and rescue/relief support continues. Health System Pressure at KATH: KATH temporarily suspended emergency admissions after its Emergency Centre overflowed, then resumed admissions after intervention by the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate. Education Probe Over Alleged Extortion: GES has ordered an investigation into reports of extortion at Terchire SHS, including alleged exam and hostel charges, with a committee due to report by June 5. Ebola Preparedness Boost: Ghana has intensified its Ebola response plan following outbreaks in DRC and Uganda, including updated case definitions and strengthened screening at airports and borders. June 3 Disaster Justice Push: Survivors marked 11 years since the flood-and-fire tragedy and renewed calls for President Mahama to ensure justice and compensation. Sports & National Pride: Team Ghana has confirmed participation in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with about 40 athletes; Asamoah Gyan also visited the Black Queens ahead of WAFCON 2026. Women in Local Governance: A project launched in Accra aims to strengthen women’s capacities for effective participation in local governance ahead of the 2027 District Assembly elections. Consumer Safety Campaign: “Verify Before You Buy” is set for nationwide rollout, urging shoppers to check expiry dates and supplier details.

Ebola Preparedness: Ghana has activated enhanced Ebola screening for travellers from high-risk regions at Accra International Airport and key land borders, with officials saying the country is ready to respond if any case is detected. Disaster Response: A three-storey building collapsed at Adenta New Site on June 3, killing one woman and trapping two children; rescue teams are still working at the scene. Road Safety: In the Peki–Tsame crash, 15 people died and 25 were injured; the Volta Regional Minister visited survivors at Peki Government Hospital. Inflation Watch: Ghana’s inflation rose to 3.7% in May, driven mainly by higher food prices, after months of easing. Health System Pressure: The Ministry of Health has summoned KATH’s CEO over reports that the emergency centre was full and allegedly turning away new emergency cases. Education & Skills: GES begins 2026 inter-regional and intra-district re-posting for teachers and administrators, while GTEC warns the public about 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions. Economy & Jobs: NDPC proposes a “3D Growth” model focused on GDP, employment, and wage growth, as Ghana pushes for long-term investment in sectors like rice. Business & Trade: At the Ghana–UK Investment Summit, UK-backed support is set to expand Takoradi Port with a ship repair facility, and investors are being courted for tree crops and rice value chains. Sports & National Pride: Black Queens start camp in Accra for the June international window, and Hearts of Oak face a FIFA threat over unpaid hotel bills in Togo. Public Safety Reminder: Burns Survivors Foundation urges June 3 to be marked as a National Fire Safety Awareness Day. Visa Policy Shock: The US plans to cut visa-processing embassies in Africa to 20 hubs, with Accra named among the remaining centres.

Immigration Crackdown: The US says 110 Nigerians are set for deportation in a West Africa-wide enforcement push, with Ghana listed among the countries affected. Flood Risk & Drainage: GhIE warns Accra’s flooding is now structural, calling for an overhaul of stormwater management, while engineers and GhIE urge stronger by-laws and rainwater storage. Health & Social Protection: SSNIT launches a Telehealth Service for pensioners, with 267,000 retirees expected to benefit, and the Ministry of Health warns nicotine products are threatening tobacco control gains. Economy & Currency: Bank of Ghana officials at the Money Summit defend cedi fundamentals and urge banks and traders to avoid speculation, as youth unemployment and cost pressures remain hot political issues. Food Security & Investment: The VP backs rice as a growth engine, while government maps 515,000 hectares for rice to attract investment and cut imports. Governance & Rights: President Mahama says Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ bill will face scrutiny before approval, and Cabinet moves toward electing MMDCEs to deepen decentralisation. Sports & Community: Black Stars held Wales to 1-1 in a friendly; SSNIT and other partners also expand community support, including clean water projects in Ga Mashie.

Economy & Finance: Bank of Ghana Deputy Governor Matilda Asante-Asiedu says Ghana’s credibility now hinges on policy discipline as the country exits its IMF programme, moving to a Policy Coordination Instrument that requires vigilance to sustain stability. SME Support: Ark Group International has launched an SME Funding Database to connect Ghanaian businesses with grants, loans and investment opportunities, tackling the “information gap” that keeps many entrepreneurs from capital. Public Health: Ghana has activated Ebola screening for passengers arriving from high-risk regions, with checks at Accra airport and land borders. Human Rights & Governance: Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill criminalising LGBTQ+ identification and “promotion,” while Speaker Bagbin urges MPs to reconsider the bill over procedural concerns. Foreign Affairs: Residents in Keta praised Ghana’s Foreign Ministry for the swift evacuation of nationals affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Road Safety: A fatal head-on crash on the Peki–Tsame road in the Volta Region killed 15 and injured 25. Power Update: Government says Kumasi power outages should ease as transformer upgrades are due for completion by June 5. Sports: GFA and JAC Motors sign a one-year deal to reward Ghana Premier League and Women’s Premier League champions with new cars.

UK-Ghana Ties: President John Mahama met Chatham House in London on Ghana’s strategic priorities, pushing UN Security Council reform for Africa and highlighting the Accra Reset Initiative for fairer global governance. World Cup Focus: Carlos Queiroz named Ghana’s 26-man 2026 World Cup squad; Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu miss out through injury, while Thomas Partey is included amid ongoing rape charges; Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare is Ghana’s only GPL player in the squad, with Solomon Agbasi kept as an unofficial 27th goalkeeper. US Visa Shock: The US plans to cut visa-processing embassies across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Accra, Lagos and others—expected to take effect in June. South Africa Advisory: Ghana warns citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa over xenophobic attacks, citing injuries, looting and business closures, and says it has raised concerns with Pretoria and the AU. Governance & Economy: Speaker Bagbin opened integrity training for Parliament staff; NDPC’s chair proposes a “3D Growth” model (GDP, jobs, wages). Environment & Infrastructure: EPA’s styrofoam ban from 2027 draws debate; GhIE calls for a radical overhaul of Accra’s flood and stormwater management. Business & Energy: Ghana and the UK signed a multi-million-pound growth partnership; TOR cleared a six-year audit backlog and returned to profit.

US Visa Crunch for Africans: The U.S. plans to cut the number of embassies and consulates that can process visas in Africa from nearly 50 to just 20 “hubs,” with the change expected in June, raising fresh concerns for Ghanaians and other travellers. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana has issued a warning to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, citing injuries, looting and business takeovers, while also pushing evacuations and diplomatic protests; activists have even filed a petition at the AU to remove the AfCFTA Secretary-General over the crisis. Health Jobs and Care: MTN Ghana launches its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign to tackle hospital bed shortages, while Ghana and Jamaica sign an agreement to deploy 400 Ghanaian nurses as unemployment among over 100,000 jobless health workers remains a growing worry. Economy and Credit: Bank of Ghana introduces a uniform 20% cash reserve ratio from June 4, aiming to curb inflation but potentially tightening bank lending. Power and Daily Life: ECG announces planned outages across Accra, Ashanti, Tema and Volta on June 2 for maintenance. Education Quality Alert: GTEC lists 70 unrecognised institutions, including 14 in Ghana, warning the public to verify certificates before enrolment.

Economic Policy: NDPC chairman Dr Nii Moi Thompson proposes a “3D Growth” yardstick for Ghana—measuring progress equally through GDP growth, job creation and wage growth. Entrepreneurship & Finance: Mobile Money Fintech LTD and partners launch “Wo Nkɔsoɔ” in Kumasi to train informal entrepreneurs, with rollouts planned for Accra, Takoradi and Tamale. Civic Education: NCCE inaugurates a Civic Education Club at UniMAC to deepen youth understanding of the Constitution, anti-corruption and accountability. Power & Infrastructure: ECG begins a GH¢34m transformer upgrade at Batsonaa substation and also flags planned maintenance outages in Accra East/West for June 1. Social Security: SSNIT assures contributors their investments benefit workers directly through premium housing options. Governance & Accountability: A forensic audit into the 13th African Games broadcasting issues implicates GBC in GH¢580m irregularities. Foreign Relations: Ghana and South Korea sign their first visa waiver deal for diplomatic and service passport holders; negotiations continue for ordinary passports. Diaspora & Politics: Mahama faces calls to curb ministers’ weekend TikTok party culture and to focus more on constituents. Environment & Flooding: Mahama warns that chiefs and officials who approved building permits in the Weija Dam spillway area risk dismissal.