AGP Executive Report

Power & Industry Costs: PURC approved electricity tariffs up 3.49% and water tariffs up 0.85% effective July 1, citing cedi moves, inflation, gas prices and the hydro-thermal mix—sparking renewed debate on whether tariff hikes alone can fix power-sector inefficiencies. Energy Transition for Manufacturing: A World Bank specialist urged Ghana to harness solar and gas to cut reliable, affordable power costs and boost manufacturing competitiveness. Mining & Local Ownership: A Chinese bid for Atlantic Lithium puts Ghana’s Ewoyaa local participation model to the test, with questions over what happens to local equity channels if the takeover changes listing and ownership structures. Trade & Logistics: Parliament Speaker Bagbin said Ghana can be a trade and investment hub linking Africa, Euro-Med and the Gulf, pointing to port and transport upgrades and the push toward a 24-hour economy. Digital Work & Labour: Speakers at Ghana’s labour law conference called for updates to protect workers in the digital economy, where platform and app-mediated work isn’t covered well by the 2003 Labour Act. Creative Economy: Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) returned with “Film for Social Change,” highlighting cinema’s role in advocacy and cross-border storytelling. Sports (Business Angle): Ghana’s 0-0 draw with England kept qualification hopes alive, while the match reignited talk about how teams manage “deep blocks” and chances—useful for sports analytics and fan engagement.

World Cup & Local Economy: England and Ghana meet in Boston/Foxborough today, with England making defensive tweaks (Guehi and Spence in) as fans flood pubs and local transport plans kick in; Sports & Community: Ghanaian defender Sadick Abubakar extends his stay at Radnik Surdulica until 2027, a reminder of how Ghana talent keeps feeding regional leagues; Flood Response & Food Security: In Weta (Volta), a blocked waterway linked to salt pond bunds is blamed for flooding that has submerged about 97% of rice fields, while farmers appeal for urgent support; Public Health & Sanitation: Zoomlion begins nationwide emergency fumigation in flood-hit Accra areas to prevent outbreaks; Energy for Industry: Daystar Power says nearly 7MW of solar is now operating across four Nestlé facilities in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal; Mining & Trade Integrity: GoldBod introduces a new approved pricing threshold for licensed gold buyers from June 24 to curb unfair pricing and tighten enforcement; Insurance & Regional Integration: Ghana’s NAICOM and Nigeria’s insurance regulator deepen cross-border cooperation on insurance innovation and inclusion.

Road Infrastructure Funding: CUTS International is urging Ghana to boost road maintenance funding in the 2026 mid-year budget after heavy rains worsened potholes into deep gullies, raising transport costs and safety risks. Energy & Industry Costs: FABAG warns that repeated electricity tariff hikes are a disincentive to manufacturing and agro-processing, following PURC’s 3.49% electricity and 0.85% water tariff increases effective July 1. Digital Jobs Protection: The National Youth Authority calls for urgent legal and policy reforms to protect Ghana’s growing digital workforce, noting many platform workers lack pensions, health insurance and employment security. Telecom Affordability: MTN Ghana cuts fibre broadband prices by over 70%, dropping unlimited 100Mbps to GHS 299/month and adding 300Mbps (GHS 444) and 500Mbps (GHS 999) tiers. Food Systems Skills: WFP graduates 70 youth under CODE4FOOD Security Fellowship, training them in data analytics and digital innovation for agriculture and food security. Trade & Exports: FAGE president says Ghana could surpass US$15bn in non-traditional export earnings by 2030 with stronger value addition and financing. Water Loss Control: Ghana Water Limited charges a customer GH¢74,000 after an illegal reconnection and extra service line. Transport Modernisation: GRDA takes delivery of new locomotives and freight wagons to improve cargo movement and ease pressure on roads. Regional Fisheries Cooperation: Ghana signs onto a new data-sharing push to curb illegal fishing across borders under the Mombasa Declaration. Labour Migration Rules: Ghana’s Labour Minister launches a Code of Conduct for Ethical Recruitment and a national complaints mechanism to curb exploitative recruitment practices for overseas jobs.

World Cup & Sports Business: England head into Tuesday’s Group L clash with Ghana in Boston after a 4-2 win over Croatia, with match coverage highlighting TV options and predicted line-ups, while Ghana’s Thomas Partey is expected back in midfield after missing the Panama game. Security & Compliance: Ghana’s Interior Ministry has suspended Kantanka Security Services’ licence over alleged illegal weapons possession and unauthorised uniforms after an incident at Kwabenya, Accra. Drug Enforcement & Reputation Risk: NACOC arrested three suspects in a Volta Region raid on a suspected cannabis hub, while separate reports say Australia intercepted a 320kg meth shipment allegedly routed from Ghana. Flooding & Infrastructure: NADMO is urging dredging of the River Tano to curb worsening Samreboi flooding after heavy rains, as CUTS calls for higher road maintenance funding in the mid-year budget to fix drainage and damaged roads. Mining & Value Addition: Guinea banned exports of unrefined gold to push local processing, echoing broader regional moves that Ghana is expected to follow. Trade & Investment Positioning: Parliament Speaker Bagbin pitched Ghana as a gateway for African, Euro-Med and Gulf trade, citing ports and a 24-hour economy. Climate & Industry: SIC Insurance unveiled an electric vehicle fleet and expands solar use under its Green Transition Agenda.

Agribusiness & Exports: Sesi-Edem Group partners US agro firm Catalyst Green to boost soil health and crop yields, while GEPA reports Ghana’s non-traditional exports have crossed US$5bn and handicrafts exports surged 500%, with cocoa products leading. Finance & Inclusion: BoG says tokenisation of real-world assets could deepen capital markets and widen access to finance, and SIMS urges partnerships among rural/community banks, fintechs and mobile money operators to deepen financial inclusion. Energy & Industry: GNPC pushes an LNG import strategy and a Tema terminal to meet rising gas demand, and Daystar Power installs 6.884MW solar across Nestlé plants in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. Ports & Infrastructure: Volta Regional Minister backs the Keta Port project as a jobs and trade catalyst, and GPHA says the first batch of Farmer Service Centres under Feed Ghana will be ready by October. Regulation & Consumer Protection: GSA orders shut mattress makers to recall substandard products within one month. Labour: UTAG gives government a June 30 deadline to resolve welfare and conditions-of-service issues or face strike action. Mining: A concession takeover attempt at Bondae sparks allegations of interference amid ongoing court proceedings.

Agri-Industrial Push: Eleven Farmer Service Centres under the Feed Ghana Programme are on track to be commissioned by October, offering mechanisation, inputs, extension, finance links, market support and climate-smart solutions. STEM & Skills: Coderina Edutech Ghana donated 100 robotics kits for basic schools and 20 for senior/TVET institutions to boost STEM learning ahead of an August robotics competition. Creative Economy Grants: France-backed Creation Africa Ghana awarded 15 creative entrepreneurs grants up to €30,000 plus mentorship, spanning film, animation, fashion, publishing, music, design and tech. Health Access Rollout: The Central Region has started free primary healthcare, with CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics offering services without cost and adding community screening and prevention. Consumer Protection: Ghana Standards Authority issued a one-month ultimatum to mattress firms shut down for substandard materials to recall products or face tougher enforcement. Trade & Exports: GEPA says handicrafts exports surged about 500%, driven by global demand for culturally distinctive handmade products. Logistics Pressure: A trade economist warns Ghana’s high logistics costs could blunt AfCFTA gains for manufacturers and SMEs. Digital Infrastructure for AI: Experts say Ghana’s AI ambitions for public services depend on trusted data, interoperability, secure digital identity and stronger governance.

Banking Push for Growth: Bank of Ghana urged banks to go beyond lending and act as strategic partners for business growth, backing manufacturing, agriculture and services with advisory and market-access support. SME Survival Bottleneck: Studies point to weak bookkeeping and informal management as key reasons Ghanaian SMEs fail, not lack of competition—highlighting a need for better financial tracking and business discipline. Insurance Gap for MSMEs: Ahead of MSME Day, data show Ghana’s insurance penetration is about 1%, with cover concentrated outside small businesses that drive most jobs and GDP. Green Transition in Finance: SIC Insurance unveiled an electric vehicle fleet and plans to expand solar-powered branches, tying climate action to risk management. Used Textiles Policy Talks: SMART will join international discussions on used textiles and circular economy rules, with Ghana’s used clothing dealers expected to weigh in. World Cup Meets Industry: Ghana will use World Cup visibility to attract FDI and trade via business forums in Canada and the US, spotlighting energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, mining, healthcare, tourism and the digital economy. Infrastructure & Flood Pressure: Residents in Kpone Katamanso accuse unauthorized developments of blocking drainage works and worsening flooding. Cocoa & Climate Risks: Forecasters warn a strong El Niño could disrupt tropical crops, adding pressure to Ghana’s cocoa and broader agriculture.

FDI Push via World Cup: Ghana’s GIPC, GEPA, GFZA and Ghana Exim Bank will run “Invest Ghana Business Forum and Exhibitions” in Montreal, Toronto and Philadelphia to convert World Cup attention into investment and trade deals across energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, mining, healthcare, tourism, real estate and the digital economy, with GEPA also set to open a Ghana Trade House in Philadelphia. Growth Outlook: Stanbic/Standard Bank research projects 2026 GDP growth of 5.9%–6.1%, supported by gold mining expansion, infrastructure delivery and stronger FX buffers. Port of Keta Momentum: After EPA issued the EIA clearance, GPHA says 42 firms have expressed interest; it will shortlist four preferred bidders and target an operational administration block by Jan 2027. 24-Hour Economy Reality Check: A commentary warns Ghana’s logistics system goes “blind” after 6pm, with SMEs lacking real-time visibility tools needed to make the policy work. Green Transition in Finance: SIC Insurance launches an EV fleet and expands solar-powered branch plans as part of its climate agenda. Capital Markets Buzz: Kasapreko’s oversubscribed IPO lifts shares sharply, signaling renewed appetite on the GSE. AI Data Readiness: Ghana’s AI strategy targets 1 trillion curated local tokens by 2030, but stresses businesses must clean up records first. Cocoa Reform Skepticism: A lawyer says cocoa pledges risk repeating old patterns, questioning whether farmers will actually get a bigger share.

Food & Drugs Enforcement: NAFDAC says it will intensify surveillance and crack down on uncertified imports after Nigeria seized smuggled vegetable oil and banned soaps worth over N500m, with five suspects arrested (including Ghanaian nationals) and warnings that “it will no longer be business as usual.” Ports & Infrastructure: GPHA says the new Keta Port headquarters will be fully operational by January 2027 after an EPA-linked EIA process and a scope variation approved by the Central Tender Review Board; investor interest is also rising, with 42 firms expressing interest after the EIA certificate. Mining & Local Control: Ghana is weighing local control of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine when leases expire next April, with bids expected to be assessed on environmental rehabilitation, local jobs and community infrastructure. Economic Recovery & Jobs: VP Opoku-Agyemang tells the Ghanaian diaspora in Canada that the “24-Hour Economy” and the “Big Push” infrastructure programme are central to cutting costs, easing inflation and creating employment. Digital & Education: Ghana’s AI push is framed as a need for better digital infrastructure and smarter learning approaches, moving beyond “chew and pour” as schools debate how to use AI responsibly. Health & Industry Data: Community leaders back plans to manufacture vaccines locally from 2027, while Makeup Ghana launches the first Ghana Beauty & Wellness Index to track the sector’s economic size and workforce. Drug Trafficking Probe: NACOC begins investigations after Australia intercepted about 320kg of methamphetamine allegedly shipped from Ghana hidden in charcoal, with three people charged.

Budget Execution Watch: A new push is needed to stop “unspent” funds from stalling roads, schools, hospitals and farm programmes, after reports show government spent only about 73% of its approved first-quarter budget, leaving roughly GH¢24bn idle. Export & Value Addition: GEPA says Ghana’s non-traditional exports have crossed US$5bn, up about 30%, with cocoa butter/cake leading and more cashew, shea, coconut, mango and processed foods gaining traction; GEPA also reports handicrafts exports surged around 500%, pointing to strong demand for Ghanaian cultural products. Ports & Trade Facilitation: GPHA’s Eye on Port forum highlights export momentum and the need for better support systems; meanwhile, GPHA is set to hold an EIA sensitisation forum for the Port of Keta after EPA approval, a key step for Ghana’s third commercial port. Industrial Skills & Training: Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare cut sod for CSIR ITAED-HUB in Accra to close the skills gap for industry, entrepreneurship and workforce planning. Agriculture Tech & Inputs: CSIR-SARI is developing four maruca-resistant cowpea varieties for future release, while local assemblies continue distributing fertiliser and farm tools to boost yields. Mining & Environment: EPA/planetGOLD Ghana trained health workers on mercury risks in ASGM communities, and GTMO condemned vandalism of a Forestry Commission timber monitoring checkpoint at Babatokuma. Climate Finance: FSD Africa and GIIF launched a Green Project Preparation Facility to prepare investible climate-aligned infrastructure projects and unlock private capital. Security & Compliance: NAFDAC seized suspected smuggled vegetable oil and soap linked to illegal land-border imports, underscoring ongoing enforcement.

Apparel Exports & Ethics: Northshore Apparel GH Ltd. in Savelugu earns WRAP certification (valid June 12, 2026–June 12, 2027), covering fabric receiving through dispatch—another signal that Northern Ghana can meet global labour and quality standards. Green Infrastructure Finance: FSD Africa, the British High Commission and GIIF launch a Green Project Preparation Facility with £5m to turn climate-aligned projects into bankable deals and mobilise private capital. Gold & Land Restoration: GoldBod signs an agreement with the Ghana Armed Forces and Forestry Commission to reclaim and reforest 50 hectares in Tano-Nimri, starting with compartment 161, funded at about GH¢35m. Energy Local Content Push: Parliament’s Energy committee urges ANCEL (solar panels) to supply Ghana’s market, noting demand and the need for Energy Commission and GSA certification. Food Security Funding Gap: NAFCO says the ¢300m grain reserve start is a “good beginning” but Ghana needs about ¢1.5bn for meaningful purchases and price stabilisation. Standards for Organic Trade: GSA moves toward Ghana’s first nationally-managed organic certification scheme, aiming to unlock premium export markets. Flood & Power Reliability: Kokrobite residents commend ECG after months of voltage fluctuations; meanwhile, Anloga farmers report farmland submerged by floodwaters. Banking Support for Real Sector: BoG Governor Asiama urges banks to back agriculture, manufacturing and exports, as MPC holds MPR at 14%. World Cup Boost for Business: Ghana eyes trade and investment gains from World Cup 26, with Invest Ghana forums in Canada/US and Coca-Cola’s “Feel It All” campaign.

World Cup & Sports Business: Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner gave Ghana a 1-0 opener win over Panama in Toronto, with Thomas Partey absent after Canada denied entry—setting up a high-stakes next clash with England. Energy Skills & Academia-Industry: GNPC Explorco and Tamale Technical University signed an MoU to boost upstream petroleum training through workshops, joint research and practical exposure. SME Resilience: As Ghana marks MSMEs Day, a new push highlights how insurance can help small businesses survive shocks like fire, theft, illness and liability claims. Mining & Jobs: Ghana Mine Workers Union warns against a directive forcing owner-miners to hand operations to Ghanaian contractors, saying it could cut wages, pensions and state revenue. Producer Prices Watch: Ghana’s Producer Price Inflation jumped to 5.8% in May, driven mainly by Mining and Quarrying, while some monthly pressure eased. Cocoa Income Stability: COCOBOD says cocoa producer prices will stay unchanged for the 2026 light crop season despite softer global prices. Responsible Gold Supply: GoldBod secured international backing at the LBMA summit for traceability, ASM formalisation and responsible sourcing. Renewables & Industrial Power: A Gomoa Central MP toured a Canadian solar facility tied to a proposed 270MW project for the Gomoa SEZ, aiming at energy security for manufacturing. Ocean Governance: Our Ocean Conference commitments in Mombasa include moves to modernise vessel registries and share fisheries data to curb illegal fishing. Sanitation & Climate Risk: GMet consulted stakeholders on a proposed Meteorological Authority Bill to strengthen early warning systems and climate services.

World Cup & Local Industry Pulse: Ghana kicked off its 2026 campaign with a late 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto, as Caleb Yirenkyi finished a Brandon Thomas-Asante cross in stoppage time—an opener that also highlighted the business side of sport, from fan spending to city watch-party logistics. Infrastructure & Transport: Ghana’s government says it has fully cleared Tema Motorway arrears, removing a key payment hurdle and urging the contractor to accelerate work. Energy & Power Systems: GRIDCo is pushing for tighter ties with Parliament as it tackles grid resilience after the Akosombo fire and flags illegal activities affecting transmission infrastructure. Agribusiness & Food Security: Rice farmers in northern valleys are reportedly sitting on over 700,000 tonnes of unsold paddy, leaving tractors idle and planting capital stuck. Research & Innovation Funding: President Mahama launched the Ghana National Research Fund (GH¢100m seed), aiming to close long-standing research financing gaps to support industrialisation. Climate-Smart Farming: IAEA/FAO is targeting Striga threats to legume production via sorghum breeding. Commodities & Cocoa: Cocoa prices edged up on El Niño weather risk, with markets pricing potential yield stress in West Africa. Mining & Environment: Gold Fields Ghana secured about US$107m in environmental reclamation bonds to guarantee mine rehabilitation and closure. Outsourcing & Digital Services: BOSAG promoted Ghana as a UK/Europe outsourcing hub, pitching digital services and talent for business process work.

Water & Bottling Expansion: Ghana Water Limited has inaugurated the board of G-Water Bottling Limited, tasking it to grow Ghana’s bottled water brand, diversify revenue, create jobs and compete in the bottled water market. Mining Security & Crime: Five suspected armed robbers in fake military uniforms were arrested for allegedly terrorising miners at Kotokuom, raising fears of gangs impersonating security personnel. Anti-Galamsey Push: Parliament’s Minority backs the Presbyterian Church’s nationwide “Red Sunday” campaign, calling for stronger, more permanent anti-illegal mining structures. Galamsey Enforcement Reform: The Minority also wants NAIMOS formalised through legislative backing to give the fight continuity beyond political administrations. Maritime & Trade Infrastructure: GPHA will hold a stakeholder sensitisation forum on the next phase of the Keta Port project after EPA approved its Environmental Impact Assessment. Agribusiness Investment: Ghana’s MoFA says Thai investors are exploring palm oil plantations and processing, with focus on value addition and jobs. Energy & Oil Exploration: Ghana will drill its first Voltaian Basin exploration well between Q4 2026 and Q1 2027 to attract investment and de-risk the basin. Food Inputs for Farmers: MoFA presented fertiliser and drones under the Feed Ghana Programme to support peasant farmers and boost productivity. Local Industry Support: Artisans at Accra’s Arts Centre urged Ghanaians to buy Made-in-Ghana products to sustain local craft businesses.

Oil Palm Industrial Push: Development Bank Ghana marks its 5th anniversary with a pledge to move Ghana’s oil palm from smallholder farms to processing scale, aiming at jobs and export growth. Food Systems & Agribusiness: Prof. Ibok N. Oduro argues Africa’s food future must be homegrown, while MoFA distributes 40,000 bags of fertiliser plus drones under the Feed Ghana Programme to boost productivity. Renewables for Schools: The Energy Commission launches its Renewable Energy Challenge for SHSs, pushing practical solar, mini-grid and off-grid solutions aligned with the 24-hour economy. Research Funding: President Mahama releases GH¢100m to operationalise the Ghana National Research Fund, as GRASAG urges transparent, equitable access for graduate researchers. Standards for Exports: GSA rolls out a national Organic Certification Scheme to help farmers and agribusinesses tap premium international markets without costly foreign certification. Energy & Local Content: Ghana Gas meets NPA leadership on downstream operations, while GNPC studies local content benchmarking with Nigeria’s NCDMB. Environment & Compliance: EPA highlights stronger environmental enforcement capacity, including new logistics, at the Environmental Sustainability Summit. Fuel Policy: Government scraps remaining diesel price relief as another pricing window approaches. World Cup Business Angle: Ghana plans Invest Ghana Business Forums in Canada and the US to convert World Cup visibility into foreign investment, spotlighting energy, agribusiness, manufacturing and mining.

Research & Innovation Funding: President Mahama has allocated GH¢100m to operationalise Ghana’s National Research Fund in 2026, pushing competitive grants, doctoral/postdoctoral programmes and better digital grant management. Cybersecurity for Education: The Cyber Security Authority warns Ghanaian educational institutions to tighten protection of critical information infrastructure after a major breach at the University of Nottingham. Capital Markets & Manufacturing: Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare hailed Kasapreko’s Ghana Stock Exchange listing after a record-oversubscribed IPO, with proceeds earmarked for a new Adeiso production facility. Maritime Workforce Development: Ghana Maritime Authority unveiled the National Seafarer Development and Placement Programme, targeting 20,000 seafarers by 2036 with guaranteed sea-time placements. Agribusiness Inputs & Food Security: Government distributed 40,000 bags of fertiliser and drones under Feed Ghana to peasant farmers, while PFAG urges immediate rice import quota implementation to protect local growers. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Ghana announced Africa’s first Blue Food Innovation Hub to spur fisheries/aquaculture innovation and attract private investment. Mining & Land Restoration: Ghana Gold Board commits about GH¢35m to reclaim and restore the degraded Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve after illegal mining damage. Energy Reliability: ECG scheduled maintenance outages across parts of Accra East, Ashanti, Volta and Western regions. Tree Crops Quality Control: TCDA set a July 3 deadline for certified, approved seedlings and seeds for regulated tree crops. Health Infrastructure: Vivat Turkson Foundation broke ground on a paediatric oncology facility at CCTH to expand child-centred cancer care.