AGP Executive Report

Aviation: Uganda Airlines has begun four weekly Entebbe–Lagos–Accra flights, and Ghana has granted it rights to carry passengers between Accra and Lagos. Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe says work on reviving Ghana Airways is nearing completion. Trade: Ghana became the first signatory to the UN’s Accra Convention on cargo documents, joined by 25 other countries. The agreement could help businesses secure financing against goods in transit, and Ghana plans to review its laws to implement it. Education: Allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi SHTS have prompted calls for senior education officials to step aside pending investigation. Parliament’s Education Committee was also told Northern Region schools face shortages of furniture, textbooks and other materials. Energy and oversight: President Mahama says Ghana is considering nuclear power to meet industrial energy needs. PIAC is seeking Finance Ministry data on petroleum revenue spending, including funds for the Big Push. Environment: Prosecutors have closed their case against Akonta Mining and two others in a trial over alleged illegal mining in the Tano-Nimire Forest Reserve. Power: ECG has scheduled outages from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in parts of Ashanti and Volta for upgrades and maintenance. Health: The Down Syndrome Association of Ghana is urging wider NHIS coverage for children’s therapy and specialist care.

Economic Strategy: Economist Godfred Bokpin says proposed BRICS membership cannot solve Ghana’s economic challenges without sound domestic policies and a clear plan to secure benefits. Trade and Energy: Ghana, the first signatory to the Accra Convention on negotiable cargo documents, plans legal reforms and early ratification to help businesses use goods in transit to obtain financing. Tema Oil Refinery says resumed operations have helped contain fuel prices, as Ghana targets meeting 70% of fuel demand through domestic refining by 2028. Minerals: President Mahama has set 2030 as the goal for ending exports of unprocessed mineral ores, aiming to expand local processing, jobs and value addition. Justice and Child Protection: The State has closed its case against Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Wontumi, in an illegal-mining trial; separately, his Exim Bank case was adjourned to November 2 and 3 over prosecution disclosures. Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says 19 students linked to sexual-abuse allegations at Obuasi SHTS will receive counselling, medical care and academic support.

Labour: Judicial Service staff threaten an indefinite strike from November 2 unless the government approves their salary review and pays arrears. Ebola Preparedness: A KNUST health expert says Ghana should track travellers and follow up after arrival, rather than rely on temperature checks; testing every passenger is not feasible. Energy: Tema Oil Refinery says it is refining Ghanaian crude and plans to raise capacity, with a longer-term target of 200,000 barrels per day under its four-year expansion agenda. Mining: Government has formalised 11 small-scale mining cooperatives, while a police detective has alleged in court that NPP’s Bernard Antwi Boasiako aided illegal mining. Northern Ashanti Mines is also challenging the termination of its Konongo lease, citing more than $110 million in investment at risk. Pensions: Government says it has paid GH¢4.45 billion to SSNIT and second-tier pension obligations for January to September. Trade: Ghana led 26 countries in signing the Accra Convention, which aims to help businesses use cargo documents to secure trade finance. Roads: Commuters on the unfinished Ofankor–Nsawam highway face heavy traffic, potholes and dust, with calls to open completed sections where safe.

Tema Oil Refinery: TOR says it has resumed crude processing, cut debt from $650 million to about $300 million and posted a GH¢1.24 billion pre-tax profit in 2025. The refinery says its turnaround repairs were funded internally. Public-sector Pay: Judicial Service staff have warned of an indefinite strike from November 2 unless government approves and pays their reviewed salaries. Household Costs: The government says DStv’s sports package will fall to GH¢250, down from as much as GH¢875, to ease pressure on subscribers. Food Production: Deputy Agriculture Minister John Dumelo says government is tackling poultry-sector challenges, including middlemen who can push prices from about GH¢80 at the farm to GH¢200 for consumers. Ghana imports about 80% of its poultry. Environment: The EPA is taking its Styrofoam-ban campaign to five northern regions ahead of the January 1, 2027, deadline.

Regional Security: President John Mahama has proposed a Sahel-Gulf of Guinea security accord, while Ghana’s envoy says the country is working to strengthen cooperation between the Alliance of Sahel States and ECOWAS. Politics: NDC constituency elections were largely peaceful, but violence in Accra’s Odododiodio constituency halted vote counting; party leaders have urged unity after the contests. Infrastructure: Rehabilitation has begun on the pothole-ridden McCarthy-Mallam stretch of the Accra-Cape Coast Highway, a key route where commuters have reported severe delays. Mining: Northern Ashanti Mines has asked the Accra High Court to block a government takeover of its Konongo concession, saying about $110 million in planned investment is at risk. Separately, Mahama says GoldBod is funding cleaner technologies for small-scale miners. Arts and Culture: Ghana is mourning actor and media personality Kwame Dzokoto, who died at 51 after collapsing during a live radio show. Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert drew a huge crowd to Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium despite heavy rain.

Regional Security: President John Mahama has called for a new West African security accord, saying the stalled Accra Initiative needs a stronger framework to tackle terrorism and insecurity. Women’s Football: Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Canada 2-0 to reach the U-17 World Cup round of 16; they face Argentina on Wednesday. Environment: The EPA is taking its Styrofoam-ban campaign to five northern regions ahead of the January 1, 2027 deadline, as food vendors weigh the cost of alternatives. Ghana’s Story: A documentary executive-produced by Barack and Michelle Obama will spotlight filmmaker Chris Hesse’s archive of more than 1,300 reels capturing Ghana’s independence struggle and Kwame Nkrumah’s leadership. Innovation: Four teams from the Northern Belt have qualified for the MoMo Fintech Lab finals, with each receiving GH¢5,000. Local Industry: UPSA plans to produce 30 per cent of its laptop components locally within three years through its new assembly plant.

Olympic Boxing: Ghana has won hosting rights for the 2028 Olympic African qualifier, provisionally scheduled for August 13–22, 2027. Galamsey Fight: President Mahama has earmarked GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget for anti-illegal-mining operations. GoldBod, meanwhile, says its CEO’s remarks on bringing eligible small-scale miners into a regulated system were misrepresented. Public Spending: PIAC wants more data from the Finance Ministry to assess petroleum revenue spending, including Big Push projects. The government plans to borrow GH¢15.38 billion domestically in the final quarter and buy back some 2027 bonds. Trade and Industry: The Transport Minister says faster, digital port services and stronger links to roads and rail are vital to making Ghana a regional trade hub. The Trade Minister is urging closer ties between laboratories and factories to boost local production. Public Health: Ghana has officially closed its type 2 polio outbreak after sustained vaccination and surveillance, but the Health Service says those efforts must continue. Football: Hearts of Oak beat Basake Holy Stars 1–0 to claim a third straight league win and move top of the table.

Pharmaceutical Industry: NPP flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia met Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana leaders to discuss expanding local drug manufacturing and positioning Ghana as a West African production hub. Economy: Government plans to borrow GH¢15.38 billion domestically in the fourth quarter, including a buyback of 2027 debt-exchange bonds. ISSER is urging affordable five-to-seven-year loans to help businesses grow and create jobs. Galamsey and Land: GoldBod says a video of its CEO’s remarks was misleading, and that he was discussing how eligible miners could formalise their operations. Mahama says about 800 acres of mined land have been reclaimed and GH¢200 million is allocated in the 2027 Budget for anti-illegal-mining operations and water protection. Party Politics: NDC constituency elections proceeded peacefully in many areas, with about 15,000 aspirants contesting posts across 276 constituencies. Northern Development: Government plans to redevelop Tamale’s Aboabo Market, completing unfinished structures and expanding trading space; the minister says traders will not be evicted. Digital Jobs: MTN and KNUST will offer Computer Science students industry training, internships and potential jobs.

Medical Mission: A Chinese naval hospital ship has arrived in Tema for a seven-day visit, its first to Ghana, bringing medical care and exchanges with local health workers. Accountability: A Tamale High Court convicted former Northern Development Authority chief Sumaila Abdul Rahman, two deputies and a contractor over procurement breaches, imposing fines instead of prison terms. Health and Child Protection: At the World Health Summit, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh called for country-led health systems backed by domestic funding. Ghana’s Paediatric Society also urged swift, impartial investigations into alleged abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. Mining and Industry: President Mahama’s plan to end raw mineral exports by 2030 is part of a wider push to process more resources locally; meanwhile, GoldCoast GRC says its offshore surveys are exploratory, not commercial mining. Football: Hearts of Oak beat Holy Stars 1-0 for a third straight league win and moved to the top of the table.

Accountability: A Tamale High Court convicted former Northern Development Authority chief Sumaila Abdul-Rahman, two deputies and a contractor of procurement offences, but imposed fines rather than prison terms, citing their ages and the prevention of state losses. Obuasi School Allegations: Calls are growing for an independent investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving students at Obuasi SHS; continuing students are expected back next week after campus unrest. Mining and Industry: President Mahama says Ghana will stop exporting raw mineral ores by 2030 and expand local processing. Mineral royalty receipts reached GH¢7.82 billion in the first nine months of the year, more than double the same period in 2025. Workers’ Pay: Government and Organised Labour failed to agree on a 2027 public-sector base-pay adjustment and will resume talks next week. Arts and Culture: Actor and TV personality Kwame Dzokoto, 51, has died after collapsing during a radio programme, prompting tributes from colleagues and fans. Local Development: The government plans an Inner-City Big Push for Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi and Sekondi-Takoradi, focusing on roads, drainage and green spaces.

Mineral Value Addition: Ghana refined 76% of the 25 tonnes of gold aggregated and exported since August, GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi says. MIIF CEO Justina Nelson is urging African countries to work together on investment, geological data and processing as Ghana pursues its 2030 target to end raw mineral exports. Trade and Business: Stanbic Bank is testing direct yuan payments to Chinese suppliers, a move that could help Ghanaian importers avoid dollar shortages and cut transfer delays. Ghana has also signed a $28 billion deal for the next phase of the Jomoro petroleum hub. Health and Safety: Ghana is stepping up Ebola surveillance after cases were reported in Nigeria and Kenya, including monitoring travellers. In Obuasi, police have sent the headmaster sexual abuse case to the Attorney-General’s Office for advice. Illegal Mining: NAIMOS says it destroyed 1,970 changfans and 863 structures linked to illegal mining in three months, and seized firearms and ammunition.

Entertainment: Actor, comedian and broadcaster Kwame Dzokoto, 51, has died after collapsing during a live radio discussion in Tarkwa. He was best known for Efiewura and Edziban. Environment: NAIMOS plans to deploy specially trained personnel to clear Atewa Forest of illegal miners. The agency says recent operations destroyed 1,970 changfans and 863 mining structures. Student Safety: Allegations of sexual abuse involving 19 students at Obuasi SHTS have prompted calls for a thorough investigation and better teacher training; officials say the case must follow due process. Maritime Safety: Seven Ghanaian fishermen missing for nearly two weeks were rescued in Benin waters and are returning home aboard a Ghana Navy vessel. Energy and Industry: Ghana has signed a preliminary deal with a UAE-led consortium for the second phase of a planned $28 billion Jomoro petroleum hub, including a 300,000-barrel-a-day refinery. Mineral Policy: President Mahama says Ghana aims to end raw mineral ore exports by 2030, pushing for more local processing and value addition. Public Health: Ghana is strengthening Ebola surveillance and airport screening following cases reported in other African countries.

Ebola Preparedness: Ghana has stepped up airport screening and health surveillance after cases were confirmed in Kenya and Nigeria. No cases have been recorded in Ghana. Minerals Policy: President Mahama says Ghana will phase out raw mineral exports by 2030, pushing investors to process resources locally and build industry at home. Land Restoration: The Asantehene has launched a project to reclaim 153 hectares damaged by illegal mining and rehabilitate the polluted Jimi River watercourse. Missing Fishers: Authorities have made contact with seven crew members of a missing canoe in Togolese waters and are working with Togo to bring them home safely. School Abuse Investigation: The Interior Minister says police are investigating allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi SHTS; the headmaster has been arrested. Human Trafficking: Immigration officials say more than 30 women may be trapped in alleged prostitution camps in the Savannah Region after a suspected trafficking operator was arrested.

Public Health: A review of 45 studies found toxic metals from galamsey contaminating vegetables in 11 mining districts, with some arsenic and mercury levels far above international limits. School Safeguarding: Vice-President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged due process in the Obuasi SHTS sexual abuse investigation, calling the allegations a serious concern for students’ lives and futures. Mining and Jobs: President John Mahama says Ghana plans to stop raw mineral exports by 2030 and expand local processing; GoldBod reports small-scale gold exports generated $10.8 billion in foreign exchange in 2025. Consumer Safety: The FDA has shut a second Arcan Bitters factory after the company allegedly resumed production despite an earlier closure; tests found undeclared sildenafil in the drink. Road Safety: Public education is intensifying ahead of the November 1 launch of automated traffic enforcement, which will capture offences such as speeding and running red lights. Parliament: MPs are due back in Accra on November 3 for the next meeting of the Ninth Parliament.

Minerals and Industry: Ghana aims to end exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030. GoldBod says 76% of gold exported since August was refined locally, including 95% of October’s gold. African leaders are also urging a shared push for local processing. Energy Investment: A US$28 billion agreement for the Petroleum Hub project in Jomoro includes plans for a 300,000-barrel-a-day refinery, petrochemical plants and storage facilities. Obuasi Abuse Probe: The Interior Minister says police headquarters will investigate allegations of sexual abuse at Obuasi Senior High Technical School. The headmaster has been arrested, and investigators are seeking a court order for DNA testing. Youth Jobs: SWIM and NEIP have partnered to connect young people with digital-skills training, mentorship and paid projects. Healthcare: The Ashanti Regional Minister says 96 health facilities are under construction across the region, including a breast care centre at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Minerals: GoldBod says it refined 76% of the 25 tonnes of gold it exported since August, including 95% of October’s output. President Mahama has set 2030 as the target to end exports of unprocessed minerals and expand local industry. Economy: An IMF mission is in Accra for Ghana’s first review under the Policy Coordination Instrument, with the 2027 Budget, revenue collection and energy-sector debts on the agenda. Health: The government plans a real-time hospital bed-monitoring system and emergency-unit expansions at five major hospitals to improve referrals and ease “no bed” delays. Utilities: ECG traced recent Ashanti power disruptions to equipment failures, cable faults and upgrade works. Ghana Water Limited plans to ration supplies in parts of Tema, Ashaiman and Kpone-Katamanso within two weeks; EU-backed projects are also planned for Tamale, Yendi and Damongo. Road Safety: Seven people, including a baby, died after a truck struck mourners on the Tarkwa–Bogoso Highway. Clean Transport: Spiro has introduced its first 100 electric motorcycles in Ghana, targeting commercial riders and delivery fleets in Greater Accra.