AGP Executive Report

Economy: Ghana could have earned an extra US$6.56 billion from mining in 2025, the Institute for Fiscal Studies says, blaming weak revenue collection, leakages and tax exemptions. The IMF, meanwhile, has reached a staff-level deal on its first review of Ghana’s programme, citing 6.2 per cent growth in the first half of the year and October inflation of 5.5 per cent, while flagging falling reserves. Financial Security: Queen Máxima has urged Ghana to move beyond access to financial services and establish a Financial Health Council to strengthen savings, insurance and long-term security. Road Safety: President Mahama says monthly crash data will be used to assess TraffiTech, launched on November 1, and urges drivers to slow down. Infrastructure: GRIDCo expects to complete a fifth power feeder in Kumasi by December, aiming to improve supply. Education: Lawra schools received 460 desks and books, but still face a shortage of more than 1,600 desks. Local Affairs: Accra’s AMA has given traders occupying unauthorised bus stops 48 hours to leave, while a modern Odawna market has received Finance Ministry approval.

Economy: The IMF has reached a staff-level agreement with Ghana on the first review of its 36-month programme, citing strong growth and improving public finances but warning of pressure on foreign reserves. Inflation, however, rose for a third month to 5.5% in October, though food prices fell month to month. Drug Enforcement: NACOC destroyed seized drugs valued at about US$10.3 million. Separately, a 46.7kg cocaine seizure in Lebanon linked to a passenger from Accra has fuelled scrutiny of security at Kotoka and demands for accountability. Road Safety: President Mahama has urged patience with the TraffiTech system, saying its impact will be measured against accident figures; police warn motorists to verify notices through official channels before paying fines. Children’s Rights: UNICEF says only about 61% of Ghanaian children have birth certificates, leaving many uncounted in planning for health, education and social services. Water and Sanitation: Government says climate-resilient WASH services need stronger local assemblies, traditional authorities and civil society involvement, as experts warn public facilities remain vulnerable.

Accra Traffic: The AMA has given hawkers 48 hours to clear bus stops before enforcement, as transport operators warn that stalls force drivers to stop in unsafe places and risk traffic fines. Galamsey: Researchers are urging government to equip local assemblies with funding, legal powers and operational support before assigning them a bigger role in fighting illegal mining. Water Policy: The Ghana Water Justice Network wants a pause on new water-privatisation projects while the state reviews risks tied to the Teshie-Nungua desalination deal. Public Safety: Ghana is seeking justice for 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, fatally shot in New York; US police are investigating possible bullying, robbery and mistaken identity. National Security: A nationwide review of Ghana’s security strategy is gathering regional input, with Northern Region stakeholders consulted on emerging threats. Accountability: Speaker Alban Bagbin says audit institutions should report to Parliament, not the Executive, to strengthen their independence.

Cocaine Probe: The NPP is demanding the dismissal of the heads of NACOC, Ghana Airports Company, GPHA and National Security after a 46.7kg cocaine seizure in Beirut involving a passenger who travelled from Accra. The party says repeated seizures point to security failures; the government has described the latest case as a controlled delivery. Hamile Explosion: The Interior Minister has visited an injured immigration officer receiving treatment in Accra. At least three people have died after an explosion in the Upper West border town. Prices and Cybercrime: Inflation rose to 5.5% in October, its highest level in 11 months. Separately, the Cyber Security Authority says 4,938 incidents caused losses of more than GH¢209.7 million from January to September. Local Services: About 27 Kasseh Market sweepers have begun an indefinite strike over three months of unpaid salaries. Digital Finance: Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama says Ghana’s virtual-asset sector must balance innovation with financial stability and public trust.

Politics: NPP youth staged an Accra protest demanding answers over the GH¢49.7 million South Africa evacuation, including an independent audit of the spending. Drug Probe: A 46.7kg cocaine seizure in Lebanon linked to a flight from Accra has prompted fresh questions about NACOC’s “controlled delivery” account; the Minority is seeking Parliament’s review of a ruling that blocked an inquiry. Royal Visit: Queen Máxima is due at Manhyia Palace today to meet the Asantehene during her official Ghana visit focused on financial health. Justice: Judicial Service staff remain on strike, disrupting court proceedings; the Finance Ministry says salary arrears will be paid from November. Housing: State Housing showcased 195 homes at Amrahia and says its mortgage desk will help low- and middle-income buyers. Business: VALCO reported a US$1.4 million profit in the first nine months, while GCB Bank announced collateral-free loans of up to GH¢5 million for eligible businesses. Football: The GFA has activated US$500,000 in support for the Black Challenge ahead of the amputee World Cup in Mexico.

Cocaine Probe: A 46.7kg cocaine shipment allegedly flown from Accra and seized in Beirut has intensified scrutiny of Ghana’s airport security. NACOC says it was a controlled delivery, but the Jatikay Centre and other critics are demanding answers about how the suspect was allowed to leave. Health: Ghana has introduced Ebola screening and health declarations at its three international airports after an outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus abroad; no cases have been recorded in Ghana. Hamile Tensions: A dusk-to-dawn curfew and weapons ban are in force in the Upper West border town after unrest linked to a deadly explosion that killed two immigration officers and two suspected smugglers. Courts: JUSAG’s nationwide strike continues, disrupting court proceedings as staff demand signed revised conditions of service, despite government plans to pay salary arrears. Politics: The NPP says it will pursue parliamentary action to remove Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over the South Africa evacuation spending, following its Accra protest. Power Supply: GRIDCo says a fifth feeder for Kumasi is due by December, promising improved electricity reliability.

Black Stars: Assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko says Ghana must focus on the Somalia double-header as they try to revive their AFCON 2027 campaign after losing their first two qualifiers. The matches are scheduled for November 12 and 16. Court Strike: JUSAG says its nationwide strike continues despite talks with management. The Finance Ministry has approved 10 months of arrears, while the Chief Justice has ordered the Supreme Court to sit on Tuesday. Road Safety: On TraffiTech-GH’s first day, police recorded motorists travelling above 130km/h in 50km/h zones and issued electronic notices. Ghana Card: Biometric verification rules take effect today, but the NIA says existing cards remain valid and no new registration is needed. Illegal Mining: Environment Minister Zanetor Rawlings warns pollution of rivers shared with Côte d’Ivoire threatens regional relations and security. Cocaine Probe: Ghanaian officials say they tracked a 46.7kg shipment seized in Lebanon as a controlled delivery; critics are questioning NACOC’s account and the discrepancy in reported quantities.

Cocaine Probe: A Syrian passenger was arrested in Beirut with cocaine shipped from Accra. NACOC says it was a controlled delivery and is pursuing Ghanaian accomplices, but questions persist over how the shipment passed through the airport and whether Lebanese authorities coordinated with Ghana. Galamsey: Government has urged district leaders to step up the fight against illegal mining, which the Lands Minister calls a national security threat. The National House of Chiefs also says chiefs must protect their lands for future generations. Black Stars: Ghana’s interim coaches are expected to name their squad this week for crucial AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Somalia. Ghana sits bottom of its group after losing its opening two matches. Public Services: Judicial workers have begun an indefinite strike over a delayed salary review, disrupting court operations. Russia Deal: Moscow has agreed to stop recruiting Ghanaians to fight in Ukraine, following President Mahama’s appeal; Ghana says more than 270 citizens have fought and at least 62 have died. Water Access: CONIWAS says one in four rural Ghanaians lacks basic water, while government has raised the District Assemblies Common Fund allocation for water and sanitation to 20%. Airport Dividends: Ghana Airports Company has earmarked GH¢30 million for its first dividend payment to government since its establishment in 2007.

Cocaine Probe: A Syrian passenger was arrested in Beirut with 46.7kg of suspected cocaine after flying from Accra. NACOC says a controlled delivery with Lebanese authorities helped identify suspects at both ends; a security analyst says Ghana deliberately let the shipment leave, intensifying questions over airport screening. Public Services: Judicial Service staff began an indefinite nationwide strike on November 2 over salary arrears and a delayed pay review. Police: The key suspect in the Sakumono double murder has been arrested; police say investigations are continuing. Minerals and Reparations: President Mahama defended gold-export restrictions and reiterated a goal of processing Ghana’s minerals locally by 2030. He also welcomed the UK’s openness to a slavery apology and called for structured talks on reparatory justice. Energy: Russia has agreed to support Ghana’s proposed 2,000-megawatt nuclear power project. Football: Kotoko and league leaders Medeama drew 1-1 in Kumasi.

Drug Trafficking: NACOC is hunting suspected Ghanaian accomplices after a Syrian passenger arriving in Beirut from Accra was arrested with about 40kg of suspected cocaine. Ghanaian and Lebanese authorities say a joint operation is targeting the wider network. US-Ghana Relations: President Trump has agreed to facilitate a visa for the mother of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, killed in New York; Ghana is pressing for justice. Energy: Russia has agreed to support Ghana’s plan for a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power station, part of efforts to strengthen energy security and industrial growth. Reparatory Justice: President Mahama welcomed the UK’s openness to an apology and dialogue over the transatlantic slave trade, proposing priorities including the return of looted artefacts and investment in health, education and youth. Economy: Ghana’s economy grew to GH¢1.4 trillion in 2025, but official figures show growth has not delivered enough decent jobs. Public Safety: A fire destroyed more than 100 wooden structures in Taifa, while the Ghana Meteorological Agency warns of hotter, drier, dustier conditions ahead. Football: Asante Kotoko and Medeama drew 1-1 in Kumasi, leaving Medeama level on points at the top of the league.

Traffic Enforcement: As TRAFFITECH-GH goes fully live, the MTTD says motorists can view video of alleged offences and challenge incorrect tickets in person. Russia Partnership: Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says talks with President Putin produced a commitment to work with Ghana on a proposed 2,000-megawatt nuclear plant, alongside broader cooperation in defence, agriculture and security. Economy and Jobs: Ghana’s economy grew 6% to GH¢1.4 trillion in 2025, but the Ghana Statistical Service says growth has not delivered enough decent jobs. Public Sector Pay: Organised Labour’s 9% pay rise for 2027 is drawing criticism over workers’ purchasing power, while JUSAG plans an indefinite strike from November 2 over salary concerns. School Safety: GES is investigating an alleged assault on a final-year student by two Techiman SHS teachers; the student is receiving medical care. Crime: Two men have been arrested over the killing of a female tricycle rider in Bono East, with police investigations continuing. Galamsey: Commentators say arrests and equipment seizures alone have failed to stop illegal mining, calling for action against financiers and other root causes.

Justice for Javits: Ghana has pledged legal and consular support to the family of 15-year-old Javits Badu Kansah Frimpong, fatally shot on his way to school in New York. Galamsey: A University of Ghana law professor says gold-trading reforms may boost revenue, but environmental damage shows Ghana is still losing the fight against illegal mining. Jobs and Pay: Government plans a $10 billion, five-year investment drive focused on local production and jobs. Organised Labour’s 9% public-sector pay rise for 2027 has drawn criticism over workers’ purchasing power, while JUSAG plans an indefinite strike from November 2 over salary concerns. Breast Cancer Care: Screening costs have fallen to GH¢300–375 at selected Accra facilities, but broken mammogram machines at Korle-Bu and Ridge are limiting access. Kumasi Crime: Former Fabulous Ladies footballer Agartha Takyiwaa, 23, was reportedly stabbed during a robbery while working as a tricycle operator; two suspects have reportedly been arrested.

Sakumono Killings: Police have arrested a 47-year-old woman after two relatives were shot dead at NTHC Estate. The alleged gunman is wanted, with a GH¢100,000 reward offered for information leading to his arrest. Judicial Service Strike: JUSAG plans an indefinite nationwide strike from November 2 over unpaid salary increases and arrears, warning that court services will be disrupted. Police Operations: An intelligence-led crackdown netted 192 suspects and recovered suspected drugs, firearms and ammunition across several communities. Public Services: Savannah College of Education staff have withdrawn their services over their employment status; the regional minister says plans are under way to move all staff onto the government payroll in 2027. Kumasi Power Cuts: Residents face weekday outages from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 29 as GRIDCo and ECG complete a transmission-line upgrade. Healthcare: The new cardiothoracic centre at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is 85 per cent complete and expected to open in December, expanding access to specialist heart care.

Justice for Javits: Ghana says it will work with US authorities to seek justice after 15-year-old Ghanaian Javits Frimpong was fatally shot on his way to school in New York. The government has offered legal and consular support to his family. Court Strike: JUSAG has declared an indefinite strike from November 2 over delayed salary reviews, warning court users that staff will be unavailable. Jobs and Growth: Ghana’s economy grew 6% to GH¢1.4 trillion in 2025, but business growth has outpaced job creation, the Ghana Statistical Service says. Power Supply: President Mahama says the government has cleared about $1.7 billion in debts to independent power producers and ended “dumsor.” Separately, planned outages will affect parts of Kumasi on weekdays through November as GRIDCo upgrades a transmission line. Climate Priorities: Ghana’s COP31 negotiating team has been urged to press for national and African interests, including climate finance, adaptation and technology transfer.

Power and Industry: Kumasi residents face planned weekday power cuts through November 29 as ECG and GRIDCo finish a transmission-line upgrade. The project is 70% complete. Economic Priorities: The 2027 Budget is due November 12, with jobs and productivity in focus. Government statistics show 92% of Ghana’s 2.64 million businesses operate informally, while nearly two million young people are not in work, education or training. Health: Ghana has installed Ebola screening scanners at Accra airport and is preparing electronic health declarations. The Vice-President has also called for better access to cancer care beyond Accra, including satellite treatment centres. Local Production: A new pharmaceutical policy aims to double domestic medicine production and raise local supply from 30% to 60%, reducing reliance on imports. Energy: President Mahama says Ghana has begun talks with Russia’s Rosatom on a first nuclear power station to support industrial growth. Football: Asante Kotoko host league leaders Medeama in a key Matchday 9 fixture and are reportedly considering bringing back defender Imoro Ibrahim.

2027 Budget: The government will present its budget on November 12, promising to turn economic stability into productivity, jobs and higher incomes. The announcement comes as new statistics show nearly two million young people are not working, studying or in training, while only 7.7% of Ghana’s 2.64 million businesses are formal. Power Supply: Kumasi communities face planned weekday outages from October 30 to November 29 as GRIDCo and ECG complete a transmission upgrade, now 70% finished. Health: Government says it has tightened screening and response measures at entry points amid Ebola cases elsewhere in Africa; Ghana has no reported cases. Foreign Affairs and Energy: Russia has pledged to rally BRICS members behind Ghana’s partner-country bid. In Moscow, President Mahama also said Ghana is exploring nuclear power to meet the energy needs of industrialisation. Accident: Workers were reportedly trapped after a church construction site collapsed at Klagon; two people were injured, with rescue efforts underway.