AGP Executive Report

Galamsey Crackdown: Ghana Journalists Association President Albert Dwumfour urged government to widen the fight against illegal mining beyond miners to financiers, equipment suppliers and gold buyers, warning the illegal gold economy is backed by a wider network. Mining Social Licence: GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi and Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II pushed for mining to deliver lasting benefits for host communities and youth, while government acknowledged unresolved grievances over environmental damage and displacement. GoldBod Accountability: Minority in Parliament questioned Bank of Ghana’s role in GoldBod’s domestic gold purchasing programme, citing governance and risk-sharing concerns. Gold Production Push: Ghana rose to sixth globally after 2025 output hit 185 tonnes, with small-scale mining driving the jump. Fuel Logistics: BOSTenergies met Kumasi tanker drivers over loading-arm and parking issues, promising repairs and a new BRV parking facility. Skills & Innovation: DTI students showcased robotics, assistive tech, future city models and upcycled fashion at the 2026 capstone exhibition. SME Finance Reform: Bank of Ghana highlighted a US$4.8bn SME financing gap and urged faster open banking/open finance implementation. Non-Interest Banking: BoG inaugurated the Non-Interest Financial Advisory Council to guide regulation and product development. Cocoa & Agriculture Signals: Experts urged Ghana to learn from China’s agricultural transformation by building full value chains, not just copying technology. Retail & Consumer Markets: Promasidor Ghana launched Onga Tomato Mix with a new brand ambassador, while FCCPC flagged possible cement price manipulation in Nigeria.

Galamsey Crackdown: President Mahama says illegal miners will be stopped from returning to cleared forest reserves by keeping military detachments on-site, after earlier “clear then hand back” steps failed. Cocoa Supply Chain: Young cocoa farmers petition Mahama over funding gaps for Licensed Buying Companies ahead of the 2026/27 season, while farmers also split on the new COCOBOD Bill’s rules on uprooting trees. Food Safety: FDA warns against chemical ripening of plantains after a viral Madina Market video, flagging Ethemax as harmful and promising regulatory action. Agri Inputs Push: TCDA begins nationwide distribution of 2026 tree-crop inputs (seedlings and farm gear) to support about 1.6m households. Urban Flood Risk: KNUST research calls for compact urban development and stronger land-use planning to curb unplanned sprawl driving flooding and food insecurity. Power Infrastructure: GRIDCo tower repairs trigger a one-month vacate ultimatum for businesses under high-tension lines, but artisans say they lack formal notice. Fintech Innovation: MoMo Fintech Lab opens applications for Ghana’s next wave of fintech innovators, with tracks spanning payments, security and digital identity. Economy Watch: GSS reports May 2026 growth at 5.1%, led by services. Capital Markets: Industry players push back on a 400% SEC levy hike, warning it could slow smaller firms. Tech & Manufacturing: Nigerian drone maker Terra Industries raises $52m, with a Ghana factory planned to become Africa’s largest drone plant.

Defence Tech & Manufacturing: Terra Industries closed a $52mn seed round after adding $18mn and will open its first office outside Africa in London, while keeping manufacturing in Ghana and Nigeria and targeting $100mn+ in contract bookings this year. Cocoa Sector Management: COCOBOD deployed directors to all 16 regions to improve coordination, monitoring and efficiency across cocoa divisions. Food Safety: The FDA warned against selling flood-affected food and beverages and cautioned traders against using chemicals to force-ripen plantain, citing serious health risks. Agriculture Support: Isaac Adongo launched a tomato and pepper input drive for dry-season farming in Bolgatanga, including fertiliser, seedlings, tractors and irrigation support. Petroleum Downstream & Logistics: IES urged a predictable crude supply for TOR via a consistent Domestic Market Obligation, while BOST and tanker drivers agreed measures after Kumasi depot grievances. Informal Waste Jobs: GAYO launched a national union for informal waste workers to strengthen inclusion, safer work and policy participation. Banking: PwC reports deposits rose 25% to GH¢334.3bn in 2025, boosting funds for lending. Mining & Jobs: President Mahama renewed the push to clear illegal mining and formalise mining to create youth jobs.

Currency Security: President Mahama says Ghana’s cedi is “long overdue for refreshing,” pointing to the need to upgrade banknote security features to stay ahead of counterfeiters, with Bank of Ghana to decide timing and approach. Energy Finance: Genser Energy secures EUR 456m credit facilities arranged by RMB, Absa and Standard Bank to fund EPC completion and expand critical energy infrastructure across West Africa. Fuel Prices Watch: COMAC projects petrol could drop (about 2.90% to GH¢15.82/l) while diesel may rise (about 1.39% to GH¢17.73/l), though COPEC expects many OMCs to hold prices. Cocoa & Trade Rules: COCOBOD bars licensed buying companies from purchasing cocoa on credit from farmers, warning of licence loss; meanwhile, the cocoa sector faces pressure to meet EU anti-deforestation rules. Mining Governance: Civil society and industry voices keep spotlighting illegal mining and GoldBod concerns, while a new focus emerges on how communities negotiate mining impacts. Agri Outlook: Ghana’s agricultural growth slows to 3.6% in May; government also targets 100,000 hectares of new oil palm plantations to cut palm oil imports. Investment Climate: Parliament backs GIPA reforms to strengthen Ghana’s investment environment and local participation. Tech & Fintech: Hubtel partners with MoMo Fintech Lab to support emerging fintech innovators through a three-month programme. Capital Markets: GSE ends the week up despite a 46% plunge in value traded, with gains led by some listed firms. Tourism Enforcement: GTA shuts four hospitality facilities in Cape Coast for regulatory breaches, including licensing and tourism levy issues.

AI & Media Integrity: Dubawa is using AI to better spot verifiable claims and strengthen fact-checking across West Africa. Digital Skills for Schools: Greater Accra GES IT coordinators received training in software, networking, data management and cybersecurity to improve ICT delivery in classrooms. Youth & Jobs: Students are being urged to upskill for an AI-shaped education and job market, with calls to use the tools to boost efficiency rather than fear job loss. Tourism Compliance: Ghana Tourism Authority shut down four accommodation facilities in the Central Region for licensing, levy and service breaches ahead of September’s Oguaa Fetu Afahye. Insurance & Women in Finance: AIWA’s inaugural International Conference for Women in Insurance attracted major sponsors including Ghana Re, Africa Re, NSIA Insurance and WAICA Re. Mining & EV Batteries: STRATUM launched a strategic asset intelligence platform to verify and structure critical mineral data for African mining and EV battery investors. Energy & Economy: President Mahama ordered a review of dollar payments for crude oil sales to ease pressure on the cedi. Local Development: Cape Coast Assembly raised funds for its 2026–2033 eight-year plan, while Kadjebi stakeholders pushed for a bridge over River Asukwakwa at Dodo-Bethel. Health: A study found high drug-resistant urinary pathogens among Ghanaian elderly in care homes, raising antimicrobial stewardship concerns.

Power & Infrastructure: GRIDCo says parts of Greater Accra will face a 15-hour outage Sunday (3:30am–6:00pm) to replace a damaged 161kV Tema–Achimota tower at Ashaiman after a fuel tanker explosion during welding, warning against activities in transmission corridors. Industrial Policy: President Mahama announced a US$10bn “New Economy” plan over four years across seven sectors, with agriculture and agro-processing taking 50% to expand irrigation and support year-round production. Agribusiness Skills: Absa Bank Ghana and Impact Food Hub wrapped up Agribusiness Launchpad/Accelerator 2.0, training food processors and agripreneurs on systems, growth and access to finance. Maritime Trade Efficiency: Ghana Maritime Authority pushed for a maritime single window and JIT sailing/port call optimisation to cut vessel delays at Tema Port. Automotive Localisation: University of Ghana Business School’s Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson urged Ghana to move from vehicle imports to local assembly and manufacturing, using Chinese brand expansion as a reference. Labour & Pay Reform: Organised labour backed the proposed Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC) but demanded real involvement and a shift beyond a “name change.” Tech & Careers: A study suggests Ghana’s professionals are increasingly advancing within their current employers rather than switching jobs. Regional Energy Deal: Niger signed a $1.9bn deal to build a 100,000-bpd refinery and petrochemical complex in Dosso under a build-operate-transfer model.

Education & Youth Empowerment: MTN Ghana Foundation launched the Bright Scholars Alumni Network in Accra, linking 1,200+ scholarship beneficiaries to mentor the next generation and showcasing made-in-Ghana products. Economic Policy & Jobs: President Mahama says a US$10bn “New Economy” plan will shift Ghana from stability to growth, with agriculture and agro-processing taking 50% of investment. Agriculture Watch: Ghana’s agricultural growth slowed to 3.6% in May, raising concerns for food prices and rural incomes if the trend persists. Oil Palm Push: TCDA and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture outlined plans to expand oil palm by 100,000 hectares and improve yields and farmer support to cut import dependence. Mining & Environment: NPP figures say galamsey will be central to the 2028 campaign, framing it as a water and livelihood survival issue. Energy & Power Reliability: GRIDCo scheduled emergency power interruption for Tema–Achimota line restoration after a tower damage incident, while ECG also flagged outages and maintenance in Accra. Maritime & Trade: Ghana Maritime Authority moves to cut port delays via Just-In-Time sailing and a Maritime Single Window to streamline port call processes. Finance & Gold Policy: Prof Ebo Turkson clarified that GoldBod did not incur the cited US$1.7bn loss; the cost relates to Bank of Ghana’s domestic gold purchase programme. Infrastructure & Regional Connectivity: Mahama renewed commitment to start the Upper East Regional Airport before end-2026, aiming to boost business and investment in the region.

Repatriation & Health Response: A Ghanaian repatriated from South Africa died shortly after arrival in Accra; airport medics tried to stabilise him and an autopsy is expected. Capital Markets Governance: A push for Ghana’s Stock Exchange to move from guidance to enforceable ESG reporting, using the “one report, one standard” model as inspiration. 24-Hour Economy Markets: Land shortages are forcing redesigns of 24-hour economy markets in Greater Accra, with some assemblies lacking space for planned sites. Education Infrastructure: President Mahama inaugurates the Paga SHS E-Block and promises boarding upgrades under STARR-J. SME & Agriculture Finance: Bank of Ghana urges banks to tailor flexible lending to SMEs and agriculture, matching loan terms to seasonal cash flows. Energy & Renewables: Sai Bioenergy plans a 1,500MW solar-plus-storage project with biogas/bio-methane components in Savannah. Trade Facilitation: ECOWAS targets border delays on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, including at the Togo-Ghana Noépé-Akanu crossing. Fuel Pricing Outlook: Diesel expected to rise while petrol and LPG fall from August 16. Customs Crackdown (Regional): Nigeria’s Ogun Customs seized N3.57bn in contraband including rice, “Ghana Loud” parcels, and drugs handed to NDLEA. Galamsey Justice: Lands Minister says the real challenge in illegal mining is prosecution, not arrests, as 258 suspects were arrested. Agriculture Inputs: TCDA rolls out tree-crop inputs for cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango and shea farmers.

Pharma & Health Security: President Mahama says Ghana will expand local pharmaceutical manufacturing to cut the 70% import dependence, support Free Primary Healthcare, and enable exports. Agri Inputs & Food Prices: Government distributed 37,000 metric tonnes of inorganic fertiliser plus organic fertiliser and improved seeds, while the Feed Ghana Programme is credited with slashing food inflation to 2.2%. Mining & Environment Crackdown: Lands Minister Buah says illegal mining has destroyed about 8,900 hectares of forest reserves; he also warns the biggest hurdle is prosecution, not arrests. Ports & Logistics: Ghana Maritime Authority pushes a Maritime Single Window, and the Asantehene urges funding to complete the Boankra inland port. Trade & Regional Commerce: Trades Minister Ofosu-Adjare calls for an end to the Ghana-Nigeria onion dispute as exports resume. Education & Labour: Mahama commissions Paga SHS E-Block; TEWU gives government two weeks to fix non-teaching staff grievances or face industrial action. Energy & Industry: Fuel prices face mixed pump moves from Aug 16, and GRIDCo restoration follows a Tema-Achimota transmission-line incident. Governance & Investment Climate: Parliament backs GIPA reforms to boost investment, including removing blanket minimum capital rules.

LPG Access Upgrade: Xpress Gas and Polygon partner to expand LPG Cylinder Recirculation Model coverage using IoT tracking, smart valves and RFID/QR traceability—aimed at safer, easier cylinder exchange and wider access. Healthcare & Skills: President Mahama backs a UTAS medical school in Navrongo and says funding is secured to complete an abandoned science laboratory project, boosting Ghana’s doctor pipeline. Banking & Youth Jobs: Ecobank launches its maiden Youth Summit on “The Future of Work,” pushing mentorship, financial inclusion and youth-ready career tools. Macro & Credit: BoG Governor Johnson Asiama points to stable exchange rates and falling inflation as openings for stronger credit growth, urging banks to tailor lending to agriculture-linked SMEs. Energy Infrastructure: Deputy Energy Minister launches a “Big Push” electrification drive for Central Region districts, targeting faster, more reliable power for communities and agro-processing. Business Climate: AGI reports business confidence staying firm in Q2 2026, but electricity costs remain the top worry. Mining Reserves: Government signs MoU under GANRAP for large-scale miners to sell 30% of gold output for local processing and reserve accumulation. Trade & Industry: Ghana’s merchandise exports surpass imports for the first time in nearly two decades, with gold driving the trade surplus. Digital Safety: Academic City and partners issue a white paper after Ghana recorded GHS19.3m in cybersecurity-related losses in 2025, calling for practical accountability and awareness. Transport & Regional Growth: Mahama says Bolgatanga Airport construction should start before end-2026 after procurement approvals.

Gold & Reserves: Government signs an MOU with large-scale miners to implement GANRAP’s 30% gold purchase for local processing and refining to support Bank of Ghana reserves. Power Safety: Energy Minister Jinapor gives a one-month ultimatum for people and businesses in GRIDCo transmission right-of-way to vacate after a welding-linked tanker explosion damaged a key pylon. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Mpohor-Fiase District Taskforce, with multiple security agencies, arrests suspected illegal miners in intelligence-led operations to curb galamsey. Agriculture Innovation: CSIR-WRI pilots an aquaculture-agriculture system that turns fish wastewater into crop inputs, aiming to cut pollution and boost yields. Housing Finance: NHF resumes mortgage lending under the National Mortgage Scheme at 8.4% interest, with updated eligibility and repayment terms. SME Credit & Records: BoG urges banks to tailor financing for agriculture SMEs, while AGI and MASLOC train Volta SMEs on bookkeeping and business records. Ports & Logistics: GPHA-led steps reduce Tema cargo congestion, with calls for shipping lines to evacuate empty containers promptly. Cocoa Watch: Cocoa prices rebound after sharp drops tied to weather and inventory shifts, with COCOBOD projecting lower 2026/27 output. Food Security Pressure: CSIR warns tomato imports exceed US$230m annually and ginger is near-total import-dependent, urging research-led recovery. Digital Finance Push: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George calls for home-grown fintech solutions with regulation that protects without stifling innovation. Infrastructure for Growth: Mahama reiterates Bolgatanga Airport as a “game changer” for Upper East connectivity and says Big Push road expansion will move into second and third phases.

Fintech Push: MobileMoney FinTech Limited (MMFL) has launched the MoMo FinTech Lab, offering bootcamp training, zonal hackathons, mentorship and GH¢100,000 top prizes to grow Ghana’s local fintech solutions. Banking & Credit: Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama urged banks to sustain private-sector lending as credit growth rises, and to design tailored credit for agriculture-led SMEs; he also wants diaspora remittances converted into savings and investment through new bank-led products. Corporate Rescue Framework: BoG called for a predictable system to restructure financially distressed but viable firms instead of forcing liquidation, to protect depositors and keep lending prudent. Automotive Local Content: Vice President Opoku-Agyemang challenged Zonda Tec Ghana to produce at least one or two vehicle components locally to deepen jobs under the 24-hour economy. Mining Tensions: Adamus Resources rejected the revocation of its mining leases as unlawful and says it will challenge the decision; meanwhile, IFS urged a stronger revenue strategy for small-scale gold mining, noting gold exports surged but fiscal returns lag. Digital Fraud Governance: Telecom and Digital Chambers called for a unified, federated fraud-control framework across the digital payments ecosystem. Trade & Exports: GEPA is targeting Ghana’s Western Region for a new export boom, while MoTAI and TradeMark Africa renewed their trade facilitation partnership to cut logistics costs and modernise border systems. Galamsey & Infrastructure Risk: A feature warns illegal mining could threaten buried high-pressure gas pipelines, raising a new safety and infrastructure concern. Urban Economy & Markets: AMA issued a one-month ultimatum for Agbogbloshie traders to vacate for a 24-hour economy market, with traders pleading for alternatives. Sports Infrastructure: NSA says Baba Yara Stadium rehabilitation is on track for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season.

Mining & Industry Policy: Ghana’s mining lease revocation fight over Adamus Resources is back in focus, with government citing regulatory breaches, mining outside approved areas and unpaid obligations, while Adamus denies the claims and signals an appeal. Agribusiness & Jobs: Maripoma donates 500 bags of fertilizer to Bawku West farmers, as the company prepares to start mining operations in Bulinga. Agricultural Education Financing: The Agriculture Minister launches GAFET, calling on banks, pension funds and agribusiness to fund skills, labs and scholarships to strengthen Feed Ghana’s human capital. Banking & SME Credit: BoG Governor Johnson Asiama urges banks to redesign loans for agriculture-focused SMEs and create diaspora savings/investment products beyond basic transfers. Digital Trust & Cybersecurity: A white paper by Academic City, ICT Professionals Ghana and the Cyber Security Authority pushes coordinated action after 2025 cybersecurity losses and rising online fraud. Infrastructure & Power Reliability: ECG blames broken high-tension poles at Sowutuom for outages across parts of Accra West. Social Inclusion: Ketu North Assembly supports 16 PWDs with livelihood tools and education items, while PWDs in Volta threaten protests over weak enforcement of the 2006 Disability Act. Energy/Tech Risk: Ghana’s AI push faces a practical threat as fibre cuts repeatedly disrupt the backbone of digital services. Tourism & Heritage: Government renewal work boosts Ghana’s National Theatre operations, including a standby generator and renovations linked to higher patronage.

Cocoa Policy Push: Parliament’s Majority has urged President Mahama to assent to the COCOBOD Bill, arguing it will secure cocoa farmers 70% of the world price and dismissing NPP Minority objections as “cheap propaganda,” with urgency tied to the new cocoa season. Illegal Mining & Biodiversity: Conservationists warn that galamsey in the Greater Cape Three Points Forest Reserve is poisoning waterways and threatening species, with calls for stronger enforcement including permanent forest camps. Agribusiness Skills Funding: MoFA launched the GH¢100m Ghana Agriculture Fund for Education and Transformation (GAFET) to build agricultural education, mechanisation capacity and enterprise skills under the Feed Ghana agenda. Cross-Border Food Trade Shock: Nigeria’s N945bn onion sector faces disruption after an indefinite suspension of exports to Ghana linked to Kotoku Market restrictions, with ECOWAS/AfCFTA intervention demanded. Local Jobs in Mining: Damang Gold Mine’s indigenous operator says it has recruited nearly 400 people in four months, with community hiring commitments and infrastructure plans underway. Pensions Growth: SSNIT reports assets nearly doubled in 18 months, citing stronger pension scheme sustainability and innovation-driven service improvements. FX Support: Bank of Ghana has sold over $8bn in FX this year to support cedi liquidity and stability amid renewed dollar pressure. Maritime/Trade & Security: Ghana strengthens maritime security with a new Maritime Offences Bill as Tema Port faces delays from rising container traffic. Banking Recognition: Stanbic Bank Ghana named Ghana’s Best Investment Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026. Labour Digital Access: NLC goes digital with social media platforms to improve public access to labour law updates, mediation and arbitration information.

Road Safety & Licensing: DVLA says 75% of ride-hailing drivers checked on Ghana platforms (Bolt, Uber, Yango) had fake licences, raising serious compliance and safety concerns. Trade & Exports: Ghana’s merchandise exports beat imports for the first time in nearly two decades; exports were 61.3% of trade in 2025, and the country posted a record trade surplus of GHS 148.3bn—though gold still dominates. Export Concentration: GSS reports gold made up 63.1% of total exports in 2025, warning that heavy reliance on one commodity leaves Ghana exposed to global price swings. Maritime & Logistics: Tema Port is seeing landside congestion as import traffic and empty container exports rise; GPHA is pushing faster evacuation and urging quicker clearance. Mining Oversight: Minerals Commission moves to take over Adamus Resources operations after lease revocation upheld by the Lands Minister. Digital Governance: Communication Ministry pledges stronger digital governance for the Civil Service, while experts stress transformation needs public-private collaboration. Food Safety: GMA blames weak enforcement and lab capacity for Ghana’s food-safety crisis, calling for tougher market surveillance. Tourism Skills: HOTCATT and ABE Global launch internationally recognised tourism and hospitality qualifications to build a more competitive workforce. Maritime Security Law: Parliament-passed Maritime and Related Offences Bill 2026 heads toward implementation to tackle piracy and sea crimes. Markets & 24-Hour Economy: AMA issues a one-month ultimatum for Agbogbloshie traders to vacate for a 24-hour economy market, with relocation planned.

Cocoa Finance Shake-up: COCOBOD says it will raise funds via cedi-denominated commercial paper this month, breaking from decades of syndicated loans, as it seeks about GHS16bn annually to manage cocoa operations and debts. Power Sector Accountability: The IMF urges Ghana to keep quarterly electricity tariff adjustments to cut energy-sector fiscal risks, while CEMSE demands disclosure and review of 2013 power purchase agreements after the US conviction tied to the Aksa Energy power deal. Anti-Corruption Fallout: Ghana’s AG says it’s working with US authorities to pursue criminal proceedings against Ghanaian officials and MPs linked to the Berko bribery scheme; meanwhile, Donkor’s lawyer says he’s unsure if the OSP has contacted him. Trade & Logistics Costs: Freight forwarders push for strict enforcement of the GH¢720 container administrative charge cap, saying some shipping lines still charge above it. Regional Development Finance: EBID approved over USD 510m for West Africa projects, including Ghana transport infrastructure and healthcare. Digital & Banking: MTN marks 30 years with renewed digital inclusion focus; UBA Ghana tops customer satisfaction in the 2025 GH-CSI. Tourism & Culture: Ghana recorded 1.3m international tourists in 2025 and $4.34bn revenue; government allocates GH¢20m for a film development fund and revamps the National Theatre. Sanitation Governance: MMDCEs will be assessed on sanitation performance, with stronger local accountability after recent flood-linked waste management gaps.