AGP Executive Report

World Cup & Sports Business: Colombia vs Ghana takes centre stage in Kansas City as fans pack FIFA Fan Fest ahead of the Round of 32 clash, with organisers urging hydration in extreme heat. Diplomacy & Trade: Ghana reaffirmed commitment to stronger bilateral relations with Egypt after its ambassador presented credentials in Cairo, with a push for deeper trade and investment ties. Public Health & Environment: A UNDP report says outdoor air pollution cost Ghana about GH¢28bn in 2024, tied to 12,870 deaths and over 316,000 disease cases—mostly strokes and heart disease. Flood Recovery & Governance: Government announced a nationwide post-flood recovery led by the Ghana Armed Forces, including drain-clearing, sanitation restoration, and demolition of structures blocking waterways, backed by GH¢350m. Local Industry & Jobs: Kwahu Afram Plains North will commission a new cattle market on July 11 to boost organised livestock trade and rural livelihoods. Digital & Creative Economy: Google Play launched a $1m Indie Games Fund for African studios, offering equity-free support plus mentorship to scale games globally. Education & Skills: Channel One TV and Citi FM launched a 2026 Literacy Challenge urging critical thinking and discussing AI’s pros and cons in basic schools.

Energy Efficiency Push: As electricity tariffs rise, Ghanaian households and businesses are being urged to cut power use by buying energy-efficient cooling appliances and setting fridges/ACs to recommended temperatures. Banking Compliance: Apex Bank warns Community Banks to meet Bank of Ghana’s Dec 31 deadline for GH¢5m minimum paid-up capital or face sanctions, including possible license revocation. Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund agreed to free up nearly $6bn more for emissions and adaptation by loosening reserve rules, aiming to deploy more of its $20.5bn project portfolio. Cocoa Cashflow Relief: COCOBOD announced GH¢2.6bn releases to settle cocoa farmers’ outstanding payments, as the sector grapples with the global price slump. Floods & Sanitation Accountability: With Accra’s flooding and waste management still recurring, calls are growing for stronger execution and discipline, including proposals to assign waste management to the Ghana Armed Forces. Illegal Mining Pressure: Illegal miners have invaded the Agenda 111 hospital site at Adansi Asokwa, raising fears over environmental damage and flooding risks. Aviation/Trade Signals: Ghana’s growing role as a West African transit hub is highlighted amid regional travel shifts, while stakeholders also push to reduce port costs and delays.

Rail & Freight: Ghana’s Transport Ministry hit back at NPP critics, defending refurbished British Rail Class 56 diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons as commercially viable, fully tested assets backed by a five-year warranty. Flood Resilience & Public Health: FDA warned the public not to consume or sell food recovered from floodwaters after the June 29 floods; meanwhile, Ghana WASH Journalists Network called for urgent, sustained action and a complete overhaul of flood management, pointing to wetland encroachment, weak enforcement, and choked drains. Industrial Jobs & Manufacturing: Tema Integrated Industrial Park (TIIP) was commissioned with claims it will create 4,000 direct jobs and support Ghana’s manufacturing push, with investor-ready land and utilities near Tema Port. Education Incentives: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu reduced the qualifying period for rural teachers’ study leave with pay from three to two years, reaffirming a 20% rural posting allowance. Trade & Ports: Ghana Shippers’ Authority pledged action on container evacuation delays, including keeping shipper registrations valid for 12 months. Agriculture Support: Government announced measures to boost maize and bean farmers, including input distribution and stronger grain purchases via the food buffer system. Energy Finance: Energy Minister Jinapor said TOR’s debt will be ring-fenced to strengthen its balance sheet despite a 2025 profit. Digital Infrastructure: Equinix agreed to buy MainOne Cable for $320m, a major West Africa data-centre expansion move. AI Skills Push: Ghana AI Summit 2026 set for July 29–30 to focus on jobs, skills, and AI-driven workplace change. Carbon Market Readiness: Minority Chief Whip Annoh-Dompreh warned Ghana could miss the carbon investment boom unless approvals and regulations move faster.

NADMO & Flood Accountability: Accra’s deadly floods are reigniting blame over drainage and waste management, with Hajia Charity Rahinatu Asoemah pointing to years of neglect and alleged misuse of World Bank funds. Inflation & Cost Pressures: Ghana’s annual inflation rose to 5.3% in June as non-food prices and locally produced goods pushed costs up, even as month-on-month inflation eased. Food Safety Push: The Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics launches National Nutrition Month 2026, warning of a “converging food safety crisis” and calling for stricter rules across the food chain. Energy & Industry Finance: Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) moves to recapitalise via dialogue with government, seeking release of ESLA receivables (at least GH¢1.6bn) to tackle its deficit. Mining Investment Risk: The Ghana Chamber of Mines warns policy uncertainty could drive investors away, urging stronger security of tenure. Ports & Logistics Costs: Ghana Shippers’ Authority convenes agencies to cut delays, inspections and informal charges that keep port costs high. Digital & Payments: Grey Payments launches local-currency deposit services in Ghana and Kenya to boost fintech inclusion. Maritime Security: A former Ghana Navy chief says piracy and protection costs are draining West Africa over $500m annually. Tech for Africa: Google says it has surpassed $1bn Africa investment targets, including an applied AI lab in Ghana.

Pharma Crackdown in Kumasi: Police arrested six suspects for allegedly selling unregistered pharmaceutical tablets after finding 17 fertiliser sacks of drugs at the Airport Roundabout; the Food and Drugs Authority will test the products. Road Infrastructure Push: Ghana Armed Forces engineers have cleared 89.5km of the 175.6km Accra–Kumasi Expressway corridor, hitting the halfway mark and aiming to finish right-of-way stripping within the planned 20 weeks. Flood Control, Again: NADMO and Zoomlion launched multi-site drain clearing across Greater Accra under the “No Do No Do” campaign, while officials warned flooding is worsening due to blocked waterways and poor waste disposal. Energy and Tariffs Pressure: Water and power sector players are pushing back on costs—public toilet operators threaten shutdown over “overpriced” water bills, and electricity tariff debates continue as stakeholders question whether consumers are paying for reliable supply or inefficiency. Industrialisation Blueprint: Cabinet approved sector policies supporting the Tema Integrated Industrial Park, with plans tied to textiles, pharma, automotive components and agribusiness to drive jobs and import substitution. Inflation Watch: Ghana’s inflation rose to 5.3% in June, with locally produced items and non-food services (especially transport and housing) driving most of the pressure. Human Trafficking Bust (Upper East): Police arrested three suspects accused of luring young women from Nigeria to Ghana for forced prostitution and attempted baby sale.

Critical Minerals & Value Addition: Kenya says it’s nearing a minerals deal with the US but insists rare earths and other inputs must be refined and processed locally, echoing a wider push across Africa to stop exporting raw materials. Port & Logistics Costs: Ghana Shippers’ Authority reports shippers are stuck with delayed container evacuation from Meridian Port Services T3 to inland depots, driving demurrage and higher business costs at Tema. Agri-Industry Upgrade: Guinness Ghana and GIZ commit GH¢31.6m to modernise Ghana’s sorghum value chain, targeting smallholder farmers and aggregators to feed local Malta Guinness production. Floods & Industrial Disruption: After June 29 floods, government and Zoomlion reopen Achimota Transfer Station to restore waste collection; the Minority demands a probe into the Stan Dogbe-led flood task force, while the World Bank blames fiscal controls for GARID delays. Finance & Climate: Bank of Ghana launches a Sustainable Finance Roadmap to mobilise green capital and embed ESG across banking, insurance, pensions and capital markets. Digital Identity: NITA unveils the Ghana Electronic Document Wallet (GEDW) to speed up verification of key documents with issuing authorities. Food Safety: Media urged to back front-of-pack warning labels as studies flag pesticide residue non-compliance in cabbage and okra. Industrialisation Push: Mahama cuts sod for the Tema Integrated Industrial Park to deepen manufacturing, logistics and export capacity.

Flood Response & Infrastructure: Ghana’s record June rainfall hit 593.2mm (highest since 1995), triggering deadly Accra flooding; ECG says power has been restored to most Greater Accra customers while GAF engineers and GNFS teams rescue hundreds and tackle hazards. Sanitation & Waste Management: Government and Zoomlion reopened the Achimota-Abofu Transfer Station to restart waste collection after flood-linked sanitation breakdowns. Industrialisation & Jobs: The Tema Integrated Industrial Park (TIIP) was hailed as a manufacturing and investment engine, with government linking it to technical, vocational and digital skills for youth. Agri-Industry Investment: Guinness Ghana and GIZ will invest GH₵31.6m to modernise the sorghum value chain, targeting 30,000 smallholder farmers and logistics/aggregation support. Mining & Local Development: Asanko Gold Ghana backed road rehabilitation in Amansie South District, aiming to improve safer transport for communities and businesses.

Flood Response & Urban Planning: President Mahama says Accra’s Monday floods were driven by extreme rainfall, climate change, blocked drainage and people building on waterways, and he announced a crackdown on obstructing structures. Emergency Services: GNFS reports 479 people rescued/evacuated across Accra and Tema over three days, with five deaths and multiple incidents including tanker and solar-battery related fires. Local Flood Impacts: Dawhenya Township saw residents displaced and trapped as heavy rains overwhelmed waterways; officials cite refuse disposal and construction on natural channels as key aggravators. Investment & Industry Development: GIADEC signed a €300m MoU with Danieli for an aluminium foil rolling facility in Tema, aiming to deepen Ghana’s downstream aluminium value chain. Energy & Skills: A solar installation donation to Holy Cross Technical Institute in Sekondi-Takoradi will cut campus energy costs and train students in renewable energy installation. Food & Agriculture: FAO warns Africa’s fish supply is lagging behind demand, raising food security and nutrition concerns. MSME Digital Push: MTN Ghana reaffirms support for MSMEs via digital empowerment and partnerships ahead of World MSME Day.

Flood Disaster in Accra: Torrential rains have again paralyzed major roads and trapped residents, with GRIDCo and ECG shutting down Mallam and Achimota substations over flood risk, while rescue teams and NADMO respond to escalating damage. Power & Utilities Disruption: The outages come as Ghana’s grid faces weather-linked infrastructure threats, and Togo also points to reduced imports as a driver of its own power cuts. Food Safety Alert: Ghana Standards Authority reports high pesticide non-compliance in cabbages sold at Agbogbloshie and Madina, with none of the cabbage samples meeting safety limits. 24-Hour Economy Momentum: Government says the 24-hour economy programme has attracted US$11.5bn in prospective investments and targets 1.7m quality jobs, aiming to tackle logistics and land barriers. Energy Sector Turnaround: President Mahama unveils a $3.5bn push tied to Sentuo Oil Refinery Phase 2 and upstream drilling to lift crude output and reduce fuel import dependence. Maritime Skills Pipeline: RMU graduates 417 professionals, positioning maritime training for the blue economy. Labour & Growth Push: Togbe Afede urges government, employers and labour to unite on productivity and anti-corruption to sustain industrial harmony. Regional Aviation: United Nigeria Airlines joins AFRAA, expanding its regional footprint including Accra.

Aviation Oversight: Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched an investigation into allegations that KLM mistreated passengers on the Amsterdam–Accra KL059 flight, after social media videos showed stranded travellers complaining about a tarmac delay and their treatment; the regulator says it will engage KLM and stakeholders before deciding on further action. Utilities & Cost of Living: An expert analysis breaks down why Ghana’s electricity and water tariffs have surged, pointing to long underinvestment, operational inefficiencies, and policy/external pressures that push costs onto households and businesses. Labour & Productivity: At the Ho Annual National Labour Conference, the Vice President urged workers and employers to tackle poor work culture—lateness, absenteeism, low commitment and weak accountability—warning it undermines productivity and the national transformation agenda. Health & Lifestyle: President Mahama renewed calls for healthier living to curb rising non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, stressing nutrition, activity and community action. Sanitation Pressure: Accra’s refuse crisis is worsening as landfill space runs out, with the Kpone site nearing capacity and floods disrupting disposal access—raising fears of a “sanitation time bomb.” Mining Governance: The Natural Resource Governance Institute warns corruption risks could derail Ghana’s lithium benefits, urging stronger public oversight across the value chain. Maritime Skills: Ghana assumes leadership of the Regional Maritime University board, reaffirming reforms and maritime education capacity as 417 graduates were commissioned across engineering, shipping and logistics tracks.

Energy & Industry: China backs Ghana’s energy self-reliance as Sentuo Oil Refinery Phase Two is commissioned in Tema, lifting capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 barrels per day and aiming to cut fuel import dependence. Local Economy: President Mahama breaks ground for an Assin Bereku 24‑Hour Economy Market and wraps Central Region visits with road works, CHPS upgrades, and free primary healthcare kits—pushing jobs and trade beyond office hours. Rail Transparency: Ghana’s NPP questions government’s refurbished locomotive and freight wagon deal, demanding full disclosure on age, cost, history and lifecycle value. Health & Safety: PSGH urges scaling local pharma manufacturing to 70% of medicine needs, calling medicine security a national security issue. Digital Infrastructure: MTN Ghana confirms internet disruption after subsea cable damage off Côte d’Ivoire, warning of connectivity impacts for businesses and consumers. Workforce & Productivity: Radiant diGiLog rolls out an AI workforce management platform across multiple markets, targeting SMEs’ attendance, task execution and productivity. Governance & Media: GJA warns defamation suits are crippling investigative journalism as pending cases rise.

Mining Royalty Reform: A new study on Ghana’s proposed Minerals Royalty Bill recommends including landowners in the community-level mineral royalty payment to reduce disputes in mining areas. Food Safety: Ghana Standards Authority research found all cabbage samples from Agbogbloshie and Madina markets failed pesticide residue standards, while okra/okro showed better compliance—still with some exceedances. Renewables Policy: UMaT’s Prof. Christian Amuzuvi urged tax relief to speed up residential rooftop solar adoption, arguing solar costs are now competitive. Energy & Power Costs: Multiple reports keep spotlighting pressure on electricity pricing and the need for operational reforms to cut inefficiencies rather than relying on tariff hikes. Maritime Industry: Ghana Navy named the Sekondi Naval Shipyard Slipway after its first Commanding Officer, Commander John Arthur Kofi Adiku (Rtd), highlighting naval engineering and ship maintenance legacy. World Cup & Ghana: Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 with Luka Modric praised for a “truly fantastic” display as Ghana’s group campaign ended in a performance criticised for lacking ambition.

Maritime & Blue Economy: Ghana has assumed leadership of the Regional Maritime University (RMU) Board of Governors, pledging governance reforms and a stronger push to reposition the school as a top African maritime training hub. Public Health & Consumer Safety: Ghana’s FDA destroyed over four tonnes of seized unregistered and expired products in the Western North Region, warning the public to buy only from approved pharmacies and shun unregistered sellers. Education & Youth Skills: AIMS Ghana graduated a record 130 students across 24 African countries, with Mastercard Foundation support spotlighting science, innovation and employment pathways. Student Protection: GAIEC urged students planning overseas study to use only accredited, regulated education agents to avoid fraud and costly mistakes. Agribusiness & Food Security: Kumasi tomato traders called for urgent government action to revive local production after heavy rains, pests and weak irrigation pushed prices up and increased reliance on imports. Energy & Industry: China praised Ghana’s drive for energy self-reliance as Phase Two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery in Tema moves to expand refining capacity and cut fuel imports. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Residents of Kweikuma in Sekondi-Takoradi complained about worsening inner-road conditions, saying rains are disrupting livelihoods and pushing people to relocate. Governance & Justice: Accra High Court granted bail to Herald editor Larry Dogbe pending appeal over contempt linked to court publication breaches.

Gold Sector Policy: Ghana will start buying 30% of large-scale gold output from July 1, with miners selling doré to the Gold Board at a 0.55% discount in cedis—aimed at boosting local refining and LBMA accreditation by 2030. Mining Governance: Takoradi MP Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah pushes a reset for mining, including decentralising licences to district level and a new revenue-sharing formula to curb galamsey and improve community benefits. Pharma Manufacturing Push: The EU and Germany back the €415,000 PharmaVax Programme to strengthen Ghana’s pharmaceutical regulation, licensing digitisation, and private-sector links, targeting a manufacturing hub by 2030. TVET for Industry: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu calls for TVET curriculum reforms to add digital, entrepreneurial and green skills for the changing job market. Energy & Cost Pressure: Government signals only modest allowance adjustments in 2026 while utility tariff hikes spark fresh backlash from minorities and industry voices. Agriculture & Food Systems: FAO supports Ghana’s veterinary services with vehicles, labs and digital tools; meanwhile, blocked waterways are worsening flooding that threatens rice farms. Infrastructure Quality: President Mahama orders contractors on “Big Push” roads to meet strict quality checks before payments. Trade & Markets: Mahama cuts sod for a 24-hour economy market at Assin Bereku, with cold storage, warehouses and banking to spur jobs and commerce.

Energy & Industry Push: President Mahama says ExploreCo will start onshore drilling in the Voltaian Basin before year-end, while TOR has resumed crude processing after a turnaround and will receive Ghana’s own crude in July; he also cut sod for Phase 2 of the Chinese-built Sentuo Oil Refinery in Tema to lift capacity to 100,000 bpd. Local Governance & Buildings: Upper East MDAs are being trained to integrate energy-efficiency measures into building permit approvals, using the Energy Commission and OHLGS to strengthen spatial planning. Power & Tariffs: The Energy Commission urges electricians to obtain operating licenses as debates continue over utility tariff hikes and their impact on industry. Mining & Exchange Rate Support: Ghana will buy 30% of large-scale miners’ gold output from July 1 via GoldBod, with local refining before delivery to Bank of Ghana. Pharma Manufacturing: Ghana secures a €415,437 EU grant for PharmaVax to strengthen the sector and position the country as a regional manufacturing hub. Agriculture & Environment: FAO boosts Ghana’s veterinary services with vehicles, lab upgrades and digital tools; experts warn crop burning is driving air pollution and health risks. Digital Economy: Out There Media and Pulse Africa partner to expand mobile digital advertising in Ghana and Nigeria. Labour & Public Services: Vice President Opoku-Agyemang says 2026 won’t bring major public-sector salary renegotiations, while PSWU urges the Fair Wages Commission to release agreed allowances by June 30. Infrastructure Delivery: Mahama says Big Push projects will resume full pace after heavy rains, with payments and certificates to follow.

Gold & FX Strategy: Ghana will buy 30% of large-scale miners’ gold output from July 1 via GoldBod, in dore form, paid in cedis at a 0.55% discount to BoG’s reference price—aimed at boosting reserves and pushing local refining toward LBMA accreditation. Energy Costs & Power Stability: PURC says the GH¢1 petroleum levy helped clear about ¢8bn in energy arrears, restoring risk guarantees and improving Ghana’s credit outlook; PURC’s boss also revealed “keeping the lights on” costs about $92m monthly. Utility Tariff Backlash: GUTA is urging PURC to suspend July 1 electricity and water tariff increases (3.49% and 0.85%), arguing the justifications don’t add up. Payments Discipline: Bank of Ghana tightens sanctions on customers issuing dud cheques, with penalties rising for repeat offenders and reporting to credit bureaus. Disaster Preparedness: NADMO calls for a preventive national disaster risk reduction strategy as climate and human-made disasters intensify. Cocoa Market Pulse: Cocoa futures hit five-month highs on West African crop worries tied to heavy rains and El Niño risks. MSME Digital Finance: Trident Digital Tech launches Sikaflow to formalize MSME commerce and connect businesses to tax automation and financial services. Automotive Industry Push: Citi Business Festival roundtable urges moving from assembly to deeper manufacturing, with policy certainty and restored fiscal incentives. Flood Response (Cape Coast): Cape Coast Assembly unveils an emergency plan after deadly flooding displaced nearly 3,000 residents, citing drainage and planning failures.