AGP Executive Report

CAF Confederation Cup: Nations FC head into the second leg against FC Diarra at Accra Sports Stadium after a 1-0 first-leg loss, with defender Dennis Korsah insisting the defeat doesn’t reflect their work and urging a two-goal turnaround. Black Stars/AFCON 2027: The GFA says Carlos Queiroz will stay on as head coach, arguing results matter more than style as Ghana targets a return after missing AFCON 2025; Henry Asante Twum also points to Group C rivals Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, while Jordan Ayew is expected back in the squad for the qualifiers. Digital connectivity: Government plans to upgrade rural 2G/3G networks to 4G and 5G, and the NCA is set to complete a 5G spectrum assignment before end-2026, with deployment and customer remediation frameworks. Xenophobic violence/South Africa: Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Ghana spent GH¢49.7m to evacuate 1,964 citizens and reports four Ghanaians killed during the attacks, while a Diaspora Consular Fund is set to be created for emergencies abroad. Education/Youth: Ashanti Region won the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 title after a 4-3 final thriller, and a Hyundai-KOICA NextGen project was launched to train automotive youth skills. Telecom/Environment: Ghana recorded 8,578 fibre cuts in 2026, with road construction and galamsey among major causes, and six SHSs begin a clean-air and waste segregation pilot.

Ghana–Türkiye Fisheries Deal: Ghana and Türkiye are moving to set up a new technical cooperation framework for fisheries and aquaculture after talks in Rome, aiming to bring Turkish investment, technology and expertise into Ghana’s aquaculture value chain. South Africa Evacuation Costs: Government says it spent GH¢49.72m evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, with Ablakwa detailing flights, reintegration and repatriation costs and saying the bill is fully settled. Judiciary Neutrality Row: NPP figures and other critics are calling for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to resign or step aside after remarks comparing state performance across administrations, warning it could undermine public trust. Murder Case Breakthrough: Police say they arrested and deported to Ghana an errand boy, Abraham Awondok, linked to the March 2026 murder of Dr Jesse Amuah and his wife. Consumer Safety Warning: CDA Consult warns shoppers to avoid expired, counterfeit and substandard goods during Christmas promotions. Free Primary Healthcare: The programme has started in 135 districts with 4,574 facilities, letting residents access care without NHIS cards. SIM Registration Update: Government plans biometric verification for SIM registration before end-2026. Fire Response Upgrade: GNFS and Ghana Water inspected Makola Market hydrants to improve emergency readiness. Telecom Damage From Galamsey/Roads: Sam George says galamsey causes about 25% of fibre cuts, while road construction drives nearly half of damage. Health & Skills for Women: VP Opoku-Agyemang urged women to build digital, financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills. Education Placement Scam Alert: Education Minister warns SHS placement is free and urges parents to use official resolution centres.

Oil & Gas: Dangote’s upstream arm WAEP says it targets first sustained oil production in Nigeria within two years, aiming to unlock over 1.6 billion barrels in OML 71 and 72 while monetising about 1.9 trillion cubic feet of gas. Interfaith & Governance: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga calls Ghana’s National Chief Imam a “strongest symbol” of interfaith harmony, urging tolerance as he seeks blessings for his new role. Media Freedom: The Ghana Journalists Association condemns alleged assault on an Adom FM/TV reporter by military personnel during Nkwanta South NPP elections. Road Safety: NRSA reports 2,949 road deaths in 2025; Transport Minister launches the Safe Journey 2026 campaign targeting motorcycle and tricycle riders. Environment & Security: Forestry Commission arrests 12 illegal miners in Atewa Range Forest Reserve, seizing bikes and mining tools. Transport Infrastructure: Transport Minister inspects Mpakadan rail-port works and pushes VLTC to fast-track the Tema–Buipe container route via inland water. Business & Competition: CUTS warns a uniform GH¢12 cement demurrage surcharge could signal cartel behaviour. Sports: Hearts of Oak start the GPL with a 4-0 win over Berekum Chelsea; Asante Kotoko draw 2-2 with Debibi United. Education & Youth: Greater Accra wins the 2026 Literacy Challenge; Sarah Augusta Akosua Otoo is top student.

Galamsey Crackdown: Forestry Commission Rapid Response Unit arrested 12 suspected illegal miners at dawn in the Atewa Range Forest Reserve near Sagyimase, seizing motorbikes, shovels, hoses and petrol, with suspects handed to police for prosecution. Roads & Infrastructure: Ghana Armed Forces cleared the full 175.6km right-of-way for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway in 19 weeks—one week ahead—pushing the project closer to construction. Local Government & Environment: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says drones and AI will map the Agbogbloshie waste heap before a major clearance, with plans to move waste to an engineered landfill off Nsawam Road. Education Access: CHOPSS says private schools are ready to absorb 54,985 BECE candidates who missed public SHS placement under 2026. Youth & Jobs: IMANI challenges the Youth Ministry to align budget, skills and governance for Ghana’s next-gen workforce. Finance & Economy: SOEs’ dividend payments to government fell 45.5% in 2025; meanwhile, 24-Hour Economy mobilised over GHS1bn for poultry value-chain transformation. Media & Rights: GJA condemns the assault on an Adom FM reporter during Nkwanta South NPP elections. Aviation & Travel: Accra Airport VIP Lounge project will be completed this year without taxpayer funds, financed through corporate social responsibility.

Airline Deal Watch: Portugal’s TAP is in a final round of negotiations after two groups submitted similar bids for a 44.9% stake in the airline, with TAP’s Africa network including Accra and other key routes. Clean Air & Inclusion: PRESED is taking its clean air campaign to persons with disabilities in Accra and Kumasi, pushing community action to cut pollution exposure. Child Protection in Conflict: Environment Minister Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings urged stronger systems to prevent children’s recruitment or use in armed conflict, not just respond after harm. Business & Investment: Nigerian musician Mr Eazi bought a 17.31% stake in Ghana’s Intravenous Infusions Plc, linking the move to what he saw in hospitals during his mother’s illness. Youth, Debt & Reparations: Pan-African Progressive Front activists urged African youth to demand debt cancellation and reparations as a justice and economic independence agenda. Law & Governance: President Mahama signed ten bills into law, reshaping courts, cocoa policy and parts of the tax code. Local Government & Sanitation: Mahama Ayariga vowed a major operation to evacuate the Agbogbloshie waste heap, calling it a national emergency. Customs Reminder: GRA warned travellers that gifts bought abroad for family may attract customs duty depending on value and intent. Sports: Hearts of Oak kick off the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League title hunt against Berekum Chelsea, while GFA President Kurt Okraku says he welcomes constructive criticism. Health & Regulation: TMPC says fewer than 15% of traditional medicine practitioners are registered, urging the public to patronise licensed operators. Back-to-School Drive: Joy FM’s Back-to-School Discount Fair ends after two days of deals for families in Accra.

Women in Governance: Songtaba convened its Northern Women in Governance Conference in Tamale to boost women’s leadership and representation in local decision-making under the HEARD project. Interfaith Leadership: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga hailed Ghana’s National Chief Imam as a symbol of interfaith harmony after a courtesy call. Student Entrepreneurship: CAUC’s Prof. Kwaku Ahenkora urged universities, government and the private sector to move beyond classroom entrepreneurship and build practical support for student-led businesses. University Governance: UDS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mohammed Muniru Iddrisu pledged transparent governance, financial sustainability and infrastructure development. Utility Corridor Protection: Kumasi’s Nhyiaesohene Nana Osei Yaw Frimpong II assured ECG support to curb encroachment on electricity right-of-way lands. Debt & Reparations Push: African youth demanded debt cancellation and reparatory justice at an Accra forum. Back-to-School Rush: Joy FM’s Back-to-School Fair swelled with shoppers on Day 2 as families made final purchases ahead of reopening. Traditional Medicine Regulation: TMPC says fewer than 15% of over 100,000 traditional medicine practitioners are registered, urging the public to patronise licensed operators. Security & Drugs: Police arrested a mother and son in Dormaa Ahenkro over suspected narcotics, including Indian hemp and Tramadol. South Africa Evacuation: Ghana completed evacuation of nearly 1,900 citizens from South Africa, with the final 41 arriving in Accra. Digital Marriage Checks: Ghana launched Marrify, an app to verify marital status and licensed wedding officiants before marriage. Expressway Funding: Finance Minister Ato Forson says full funding for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway will be ready by year-end without borrowing. Sports: Asante Kotoko backed Medeama and Nations FC for CAF campaigns; Hearts of Oak urged fans to pack Legon for the Berekum Chelsea opener.

South Africa Xenophobia Response: Ghana has wrapped up its evacuation of nearly 1,900 citizens from South Africa, with the final 41 returnees arriving in Accra on Friday; Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the ministry will also provide a full account of evacuation spending after an RTI request. Repatriation: Government also repatriated the remains of a Ghanaian allegedly killed in a mob attack during the xenophobic violence, underscoring renewed safety fears for Ghanaians abroad. Premier League Kick-off: The 2026/27 Ghana Premier League starts Sunday with Hearts of Oak hosting Berekum Chelsea at Legon, while Asante Kotoko face newly promoted Debibi United—plus GFA begins distributing boots to clubs. Sports Youth Spotlight: Ashanti Region dominate the MTN Elite U-19 Championship Best XI and win the title after a dramatic final; Desmond Korlettey takes MVP honours. Digital Integrity: Ghana launches Marrify, a platform to verify marriage and divorce records and check licensed marriage officers, venues and Imams. Public Health: FDA orders recall of Arcan Bitters after undeclared sildenafil is found, while urologists stress early prostate cancer screening. Infrastructure & Roads: Residents in Somanya demand asphalt overlays as heavy trucks keep damaging roads, and officials reiterate Accra-Kumasi Expressway funding readiness by end-2026. Governance Debate: An NPP MP denies a fake memo alleging GH¢70,000 was received and returned over nominee vetting, as judiciary independence claims resurface.

Black Stars Coach Update: The Ghana Football Association has confirmed Carlos Queiroz will continue as head coach of the Black Stars, ending uncertainty after agreement on a new mandate for the next phase. CAF Football: Nigeria’s Shooting Stars (3SC) received a ₦10,000 per-goal incentive ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup clash with Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien. Economy & Energy: BOSTenergies posted GH¢683.96m profit after tax for 2025 and paid its first-ever dividend to government of GH¢34.2m; Ghana Gas says a second gas processing plant could ease electricity tariff pressure, with estimates of savings up to $500m a year by shifting from liquid fuels to gas. Governance & Rights: CDD-Ghana urged the Chief Justice to avoid partisan commentary after remarks linked to SSNIT and MIIF performance; the Right to Information Commission says inadequate funding is slowing expansion of offices beyond Accra. Education & Social Services: Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf ordered investigations into alleged irregularities in the School Feeding Programme; CEA enrolled 10,000 out-of-school children across four regions for transition into formal schooling. Security & Public Safety: Police intercepted a vehicle in Bono East carrying 321 boxes of foreign cigarettes and suspected sodium cyanide alongside food items; Ashanti Region recorded seven deaths after an illegal mining pit collapse. Transport Infrastructure: Finance Minister Ato Forson says full funding for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway will be secured by end-2026 without borrowing, as the corridor clearing nears completion. Sports Development: Ashanti Region won the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship in a 4-3 thriller; Ghana’s GOC inaugurated a central planning committee for Tour du Ghana 2026.

Black Stars Tactical Debate: Former midfielder Nii Odartey Lamptey says Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign was too defensive and lacked possession, arguing earlier Black Stars teams were far better on the ball. GFA on Preparation: GFA president Kurt Okraku adds that Carlos Queiroz may have picked a different squad if he had more scouting time, while high-performance coach John Paintsil credits Queiroz’s disciplined, structured approach. Roads & Jobs: In the Upper West, four Big Push road projects are progressing, with Tumu–Sissala–Navrongo leading at 43% completion. Flood Plan Shift: Government is considering capturing Burkina Faso’s Bagre Dam spillage in dugouts for dry-season farming, aiming to turn an annual flood threat into agriculture. Gold Value at Home: Ghana Gold Board rules from Sept 1 require local refining of gold dore before export to keep more value in-country. Cybersecurity Push: CSA launches National Cyber Security Awareness Month (Oct 1–31) to curb cyber fraud and build trust in digital finance. Environment & Health: Marine scientist Prof. Edem Mahu warns Ghana’s marine ecosystems face pollution, declining fisheries and habitat loss. Education & Skills: Hyundai and KOICA will invest 5 billion won to train auto mechanics in Ghana, including EV and hybrid maintenance. Local Governance: Mahama Ayariga says the government will mobilise resources to clear Jamestown’s waste backlog.

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.