AGP Executive Report

Education Infrastructure Pressure: Damanko residents in Oti Region are demanding the urgent commissioning of the long-stalled E-Block Community Day SHS, arguing the near-complete project has been left idle since 2015, forcing costly school travel for families. Port & Drug Control Mandate: Ghana Shippers’ Authority CEO Ransford Gyampo says the agency has no mandate to inspect cargo contents at ports, pushing back on attempts to link it to narcotics trafficking. Skills for Industry: Ghana TVET Service partners Tema Oil Refinery to align training with refinery needs, including work-experience placements ahead of National TVET Week 2026. SME & Trade Linkages: Access Bank and ITC expand SME finance and market access across 14 African countries, with Ghana as the pilot base. Consumer Protection: CDA Consult urges shoppers to become “final inspectors” as regulators can’t police every stall and online listing, amid counterfeit and expired goods concerns. Agribusiness & Climate-Smart Farming: Organic farming support is helping Northern Ghana smallholders cut input costs and build resilience. Regional Investment Execution: Volta Economic Forum stakeholders push for clearing institutional bottlenecks so credible projects move from showcase to implementation. Ghana–China Trade Push: Ghana and China reaffirm cooperation on trade, investment and industrialisation after a PRC anniversary reception in Accra.

Cocoa Finance Boost: Absa Bank Ghana and IFC signed a US$50m unfunded risk facility to finance Licensed Buying Companies buying traceable cocoa, supporting 139,000 smallholders and pushing more sustainable, climate-aligned farming. Refinery Debt Relief: Ghana’s TOR debt write-off is set for about US$120m as Finance prepares to include it in the 2026 budget, easing the state-owned refinery’s legacy liabilities. Inflation Watch: Bank of Ghana says inflation has risen to 5.0% (from 3.2% in March) and will closely judge whether the uptick is temporary or could unsettle expectations. Agri-Value Chain Funding: Ecobank urged banks and agri institutions to move beyond loans—improving records, market access and collaboration across the value chain, including measurable green finance benefits. Accra Reset for Health Sovereignty: President Mahama launched the “A Sovereign Future for Health” panel report, calling for Global South control over health financing and local production. Tourism Push: Ghana will mark World Tourism Day 2026 with a week-long Koforidua programme focused on sustainable trade, tourism and investment, including an AI-led tourism workshop. Security & Borders: ECOWAS urged stronger regional coordination to tackle climate-driven insecurity and cross-border challenges. Counterfeit Crackdown: National Security says it dismantled four counterfeit currency printing hubs, arresting 16 suspects. Entertainment & Local Industry: Maison Yusif Fragrance won Indigenous/Innovative luxury awards at Ghana’s industries and manufacturing awards, highlighting local manufacturing talent.

Healthcare & Infrastructure: KATH in Kumasi says it is pushing to complete a hostel for relatives of in-patients, easing pressure on families travelling from across Ghana and abroad. Fisheries & IP: President Mahama’s Fisheries and Aquaculture Act 2025 (Act 1146) is being framed as a major “reset” for Ghana’s ocean governance, while Ghana also moves to secure Geographical Indication protection for Akpeteshie to boost value and market trust. Water & Risk: Ghana Water faces a reported US$235m liability after an arbitration ruling tied to the Teshie-Nungua desalination plant dispute. Power & Collections: ECG announces a mass revenue mobilisation exercise in Volta and Oti, warning of disconnection and action against illegal connections. Transport Costs: GPRTU agrees to an 8% transport fare increase from Sept 26 after fuel-price assurances. Security & Money: National Security dismantles four counterfeit currency printing hubs and arrests 16 suspects. Roads & Local Economy: Akuse residents protest the deplorable Akuse-Amedeka-Asutsuare road, demanding urgent repairs. AI & Skills: Government says it will regulate AI risks without stifling innovation, and Ghana TVET Service, UNESCO, KPMG and Microsoft sign up to train 100,000 TVET facilitators in AI and digital skills. Agri & Industry: Government plans to rehabilitate all 22 irrigation facilities in Volta by 2027 under the tomato self-sufficiency push, and launches a five-year plan to cut heavy metals in food (2026–2030). Energy & Mobility: Energy Commission regulations for EV charging and battery swap systems are laid before Parliament, and TOR updates Parliament on rebuilding supplier confidence and operations. Media & Governance: Deputy spokesperson Shamima Muslim urges broadcasters to stay professional and independent, while PRINPAG calls for a clearer regulatory framework for online media.

Infrastructure Integrity: Daily Searchlight alleges Parliament approved a $1.7bn Accra–Kumasi Highway funding deal for a firm without a certificate of incorporation, even as the project’s $1.7bn is said to be ring-fenced at the Bank of Ghana and procurement is expected to start in September. Sanitation & Jobs: President Mahama has launched a 90-day plan to remove 1m tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie/Old Fadama to Adepa engineered landfill, with a longer-term push that includes an industrial park and a proposed textile industry. Health Sovereignty: ActionAid Ghana calls for semi-automatic debt cancellation for countries spending heavily on debt service, while Mahama urges Ghana’s health reset to prioritise local medicine manufacturing and stronger domestic capacity beyond building facilities. Energy Transition: Ghana’s PV capacity hit 276.7MW by end-2025, but remains below targets; the plan is to add hundreds of MW more through private investment and PPPs. Insurance Skills: GIUC’s rector urges youth to study insurance and actuarial science to tackle manpower shortages. Capital Markets: Ghana’s stock market retreated 2.06% in the week to Sept 18 as turnover fell. Security & Trade Risks: Catholic Bishops warn Ghana’s drug-trafficking image is damaging, after major cocaine seizures linked to Ghanaian ports and borders. Agri & Finance: Ecobank and JoyNews host a green finance dialogue on inclusive agricultural growth, as stakeholders push for better financing for the sector. Education Support: Gold Fields Foundation donates vehicles and motorcycles to strengthen education monitoring in mining communities. Business & Tech: OneTwoMarkets says 40,000 Ghanaian traders are using its platform to tap global markets alongside local digital finance habits.

Fire Safety & Built Environment: Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak commissioned a Ghana Fire Code Committee to draft a modern, enforceable national fire code, with the World Bank backing, to match fast urbanisation and new industrial risks. Roads & Agri-Logistics: Government says it has invested GH¢4.12bn in Bono Region road projects (about 252km) to cut farm transport costs and open up business opportunities beyond major cities. Cocoa Finance & Value Addition: Africa Cocoa Finance & Investment Forum shifts to New York (Oct 26) as Fuad Abubakar Mohammed pushes global capital links for African cocoa producers and processors. Healthcare Funding Pressure: A report warns US withdrawal from aid programmes is straining African healthcare systems, with Africa producing under 1% of vaccines despite carrying about 25% of the global disease burden. AI for Equity: Gates Foundation pledges at least US$1bn over two years to expand AI access, arguing AI must be built to narrow gaps, not widen them. Environment & Illegal Mining: World Cleanup Day calls for action beyond street sweeping, targeting plastic pollution and illegal mining threats to water and biodiversity. Digital Skills: Education Minister urges AUCB to deepen AI, entrepreneurship and innovation focus to prepare youth for a tech-driven job market. Energy Transition: Regulator caps EV charging costs to make e-mobility adoption cheaper and more predictable. Health Infrastructure: Mahama begins work on a 400-bed Mother and Child Block at Korle Bu.

Humanitarian & Education: MrBeast’s Beast Philanthropy says it has built a nearly $10m “self-sustaining” village in Ghana to tackle illegal child labour, featuring a school for 300+ children, teacher homes, a clinic, water systems, farms and solar power, with the Rockefeller Foundation backing free school meals for five years. Standards & Industry Readiness: Ghana Standards Authority reports 18% revenue growth in 2025 (GH¢228m), with higher testing, calibration and certificates to local manufacturers. Sanitation & Waste Management: Ghana’s 90-day emergency waste evacuation at Agbogbloshie is underway toward Adepa engineered landfill sites, with the Army Engineers saying traffic disruption will be minimised; Parliament’s sanitation committee also backs DACF-funded water and sanitation in Volta and Oti. Mining & Governance: Nawara petitions police over an alleged armed raid, gold seizure and destruction of equipment; GHEITI urges VOICES project structures to be linked to established institutions for long-term impact. Energy, Transport & Fuel Costs: NPA warns Ghana’s import-dependent fuel market will face “turbulence” as it raises petrol/diesel price floors and faces pressure over possible transport fare hikes. Industrial Policy: Government says it will support manufacturers and exporters via incentives, duty-free machinery and a renewable energy pipeline, as Ghana Industrial Summit pushes export-led growth. Aviation Expansion: Africa World Airlines takes delivery of its first Embraer E190 to boost regional connectivity. Extractives Investment: Huayou clears a key Australian hurdle in its $210m takeover of Atlantic Lithium, advancing Ghana’s Ewoyaa lithium project.

Growth Outlook: IC Securities says Ghana’s GDP growth should re-accelerate in 2H 2026, with services—especially ICT—staying the growth anchor as oil & gas output recovers. Standards & Transport: Ghana Standards Authority moves to tighten vehicle import enforcement from Oct 1, 2026, including limits on used vehicles over 15 years—sparking debate on safety versus vehicle condition. Banking & Credit: Foreign-owned banks kept leading Ghana’s secured lending market in Q2 2026 with GHS14.1bn (71.1%), while indigenous banks grew faster year-on-year. Agri-Food Safety: Health experts warn improperly processed cassava can release cyanide and raise risks of konzo, urging correct processing. Drug Trafficking: A new cocaine case in South Africa highlights West Africa’s role in drug routes, as Ghana’s broader anti-drug push continues beyond ports. Waste & Cities: Government begins/expands evacuation of Agbogbloshie waste toward engineered landfill sites, alongside calls for better accountability on spending. Industry & Skills: AGI urges women entrepreneurs to use networks, digital skills and mentorship to grow firms and jobs. Energy/Infrastructure: Exmar signs an Ivory Coast FSRU deal for LNG supply, while Ghana’s infrastructure planning and project delivery issues remain in focus. Culture & Tourism: Ghanaian smock and music-linked delegations promote cultural tourism ties at Lesotho’s tourism summit.

Sanitation & Urban Renewal: President Mahama has commissioned a National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise at Agbogbloshie, aiming to move about one million tonnes of waste to Adepa Engineered Landfill near Nsawam within 90 days, with heavy equipment and the 48 Engineers Regiment—while officials stress the real test is preventing illegal dumping after the cleanup. Drug Control & Ports Security: COPEC’s Duncan Amoah says Ghana must tackle drug use among youth through national and regional sensitisation, alongside stronger port security, warning against a frenzy that could breach suspects’ rights. Agribusiness & Value Addition: Ghana is pushing cashew as a strategic crop for transformation, targeting more processing and value addition to create rural jobs and retain wealth locally. Construction & Circular Innovation: TCC-CIMET and DAAD convened stakeholders to explore digital pathways for circular construction and more resilient communities. Digital Assets Regulation: Ghana opened Digital Asset Summit Africa, pitching a regulatory framework to build trust, protect consumers, and grow investment and jobs in virtual assets. Tourism Jobs: Upper East leaders urged turning cultural and natural attractions into packaged, market-ready opportunities for local employment. Local Markets & Trade: Mahama’s administration is also moving to revive stalled Kejetia Market Phase II, with the minister set to meet affected traders. One Health & Community Health: A new clinic in a cocoa-dependent village is improving access to early treatment for malaria and respiratory infections, with first-day patient intake reported.

Waste-to-Industry Push: President Mahama has ordered a 90-day evacuation of Agbogbloshie’s estimated one million tonnes of waste to the Adepa Engineered Landfill, with reclaimed land earmarked for an industrial park and textile factory—plus tighter enforcement to stop illegal dumping from returning. Digital Assets Regulation: Ghana is moving to build a trusted digital assets ecosystem, with regulators and industry players discussing rules that protect consumers while scaling blockchain, stablecoins and tokenisation for investment and jobs. Food Safety & Industry: Ghana launched a National Strategic Plan to cut heavy metals in food, targeting lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic and strengthening surveillance, labs and enforcement across the food chain. Mining & Critical Minerals: Australia’s FIRB has cleared Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt’s proposed US$210m takeover of Atlantic Lithium’s Ewoyaa project, bringing Ghana’s first planned lithium mine closer to construction. Agri & Local Markets: Shai-Osudoku residents protested over poor roads and unsold local rice, urging action to protect rice farmers against imported rice dominance. Skills for Women & Youth: BAC’s BizBox training in Atwima Kwanwoma is equipping young women with wig-making and make-up skills to support self-employment. Health Infrastructure: Krachi East MCE inspected works on a Dambai Polyclinic ward block to expand inpatient services and reduce referrals. Waste Management Governance: Mahama also directed engineered landfill facilities for all 16 regional capitals as part of a coordinated national sanitation system. Fuel Subsidy Debate: CBOD raised concerns that the GH¢2/litre fuel subsidy disproportionately benefits higher-consumption motorists over trotro operators. Shea Exports: Ignite Social Enterprise says it will use a digital platform to push Ghanaian shea butter (and locally made watches) into international markets. Education Completion: Adaklu District Assembly is working to finish abandoned classroom blocks and teachers’ bungalows to end schools under trees.

Electricity Infrastructure & Safety: GRIDCo and the Information Services Department begin a 12-day sensitisation drive in Ashanti to stop encroachment on high-voltage transmission corridors, giving occupants 30 days to vacate to protect public safety and speed up emergency repairs. Fire Safety Regulation: The Interior Minister commissions work on a modern national fire code led by the Ghana National Fire Service, aiming for enforceable rules for Ghana’s growing urban and industrial risks. Maritime Security: MARSEC urges the Ghana Maritime Authority to keep strengthening maritime awareness and information sharing to counter piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking across the region. Space & Tech Cooperation: Ghana and Japan deepen space science ties as Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata visits, with satellite tech highlighted for agriculture, disaster management and security. Constitutional Politics: The NPP rejects a proposed five-year presidential/parliamentary term, pushing for a broader Constituent Assembly-led process. Food Industry & Public Health: Ghana launches a 2026–2030 plan to cut toxic heavy metals in food, targeting lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic—especially to protect children and pregnant women. Standards & Industry Compliance: Ghana Standards Authority reports 18% revenue growth in 2025, with expanded testing, calibration and verification for consumer protection and export readiness. Waste & Urban Industry: President Mahama launches a 90-day operation to evacuate about one million tonnes of Agbogbloshie waste to Adepa Engineered Landfill, using drone-assisted AI assessment and engineering support. Agriculture & Nutrition: Scientists spotlight cassava leaves as a neglected nutrition resource, urging wider use beyond the starchy roots. Renewables Industry: Industry players launch a Renewable Energy Industry Platform to speak with one coordinated voice and speed up solar adoption. Digital Skills & Jobs: Huawei starts digital skills training for 100,000 Ghanaians under the One Million Coders Programme, while GWYESCO targets 22,000 jobs and 8,000 MSMEs with AfDB support. Maritime/Trade Logistics: IATA data shows Africa–Asia air cargo is rebounding strongly in 2026, with demand growth outpacing capacity. Aquaculture Investment: Volta House of Chiefs signs an MoU with Chinese firm Moaming Yuantian Food Co., Ltd. to scale fish farming in the Volta Basin.

Agbogbloshie Industrial Push: President Mahama has commissioned the evacuation of about one million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie to the Adepa Engineered Landfill near Nsawam, with the operation expected to finish in 90 days—clearing the way for an industrial park and a planned textile factory aimed at jobs for youth. Cocoa & Agribusiness: Mars reports progress under its “Cocoa for Generations” programme, citing 98% of crop supplies in responsible sourcing and new cocoa clones as Ghana and the wider region face volatility, disease and weather pressure. Green Finance for SMEs: The EU, Netherlands and Fidelity Bank launched a €6.668m Green Innovation Fund to help Ghanaian enterprises adopt green tech, expand sustainably and compete in AfCFTA and European markets. Standards & Quality: Ghana Standards Authority says it generated GH¢228m revenue in 2025, up 18%, as it expanded metrology, calibration and product testing. Energy & Industry Skills: KNUST is set to commission a Photonics and Optics Laboratory to support health, agriculture and industrial safety research, while DTI inaugurated an Academic Council and industry advisory committees to strengthen TVET relevance. Aquaculture Education: UESD and Maleka Farms launched an aquaculture scholarship for financially challenged students. Volta Investment Link: Volta House of Chiefs signed four agreements with Chinese firms covering digital transformation, infrastructure, investment channels and commercial fish farming.

Climate & Jobs: Green Prosperity Africa Foundation argues climate action in Ghana can be an entrepreneurship engine—renewables, climate-smart farming, recycling and agro-processing—turning vulnerability into jobs. Digital Business Discovery: Accra Street Directory and Modern Ghana’s business directory are pushing structured listings to help firms get found online, from agriculture to manufacturing and services. Cost-of-Living Reality Check: A Greater Accra food and utilities analysis says inflation may be easing, but households still feel a tougher cost structure. Fuel Security & Prices: NPA says Ghana has at least six weeks of fuel cover and buffers against supply ransom, while diesel and petrol price floors rise due to global FOB prices, taxes and exchange-rate pressure. Agriculture Supply Chain Pain: Tomato farmers at Anloga-Avume report post-harvest losses from crate shortages and weak buyer access. Standards & Industry Growth: Ghana Standards Authority records 18% revenue growth in 2025 and boosts testing, calibration and certificates for manufacturers. Trade & Importer Pressure: Bawumia meets traders over import duties, demurrage, rentals, taxes and credit access. Infrastructure Push: Procurement for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway starts; Ghana Armed Forces to act as major subcontractor. Cocoa Value Addition: Meiji expands Ghana cocoa partnership with a new agroforestry cocoa model. Marine Protection Gap: Ghana’s first marine protected area is not yet fully operationalised on monitoring systems, leaving boundaries and patrols unclear.

Press Freedom & Media Safety: Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu says the Mahama administration “does not condone” harassment or intimidation of journalists, urging a safer environment for press work. Food & Agriculture: Tomato farmers in Anloga-Avume say post-harvest losses are mounting due to a shortage of harvesting crates and lack of buyers, warning the situation threatens jobs and national food security. TVET & Skills: DTI and Ghana TVET Service sign a strategic partnership to strengthen skills training, industry linkages and youth employability. Mining Communities: ActionAid Ghana launches a 24-month VOICES project to strengthen the voice of mining-affected communities and push for operational district mining committees. Cocoa Sustainability: Afarinick and Japan’s Meiji sign an LOI to develop a circular agroforestry cocoa model in Ghana. Energy & Infrastructure: GRIDCo gives Ejisu encroachers 30 days to vacate transmission right-of-way to protect electricity safety and maintenance access. Health Labeling: MoH launches a front-of-package warning label campaign as NCDs drive nearly 45% of deaths. Energy Transition: Ghana advances nuclear power preparations, including site characterisation and capacity building.

Mining & Metals: Newcore Gold reports strong Enchi drilling at Boin, including 2.59 g/t over 69m (and 6.41 g/t over 24m), pointing to reserve/resource growth potential. Galamsey Accountability: Prof. Frimpong-Boateng says both NPP and NDC “love” galamsey, arguing NPP weakened its anti-illegal mining architecture and both sides lack moral ground. Agribusiness & Food Security: AbbeLabs signs an MoU with ISRIC to strengthen soil intelligence for African farming; Govt also rolls out GHATSI to produce 100,000 tonnes of tomatoes in 2026/27 across 10,000 acres. ICT & Skills: Communication Minister urges tech-specific financing models; MTN Ghana trains 200+ entrepreneurs in digital business skills; DTI and Ghana TVET Service sign an MoU to improve industry-linked TVET. Energy & Transport: BOST cuts fuel exports to Burkina Faso and Mali to protect rising domestic demand; Indo-Ghana begins liquid medical oxygen supply to hospitals via storage systems. Industry & Trade: IEAG warns Tema Port congestion is raising costs and urges urgent reforms to keep Ghana competitive. Manufacturing Jobs: President Mahama commissions Zonda Tech Phase III in Tema, promising stable investment climate and workforce development. Environment & Planning: LoGSAPP urges climate resilience to be central to MMDA planning, from drainage to waste and green spaces.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Prof. Ransford Gyampo says galamsey remains an existential threat and calls for more radical, honest action as the menace persists. Roads & Local Development: Dodome residents in Ho West petition government to rehabilitate a road abandoned for nine years, warning it’s hurting farming and market access. Transport Services Expansion: DVLA says it has opened 29 new offices in 18 months, bringing total offices to 62 nationwide, with more openings planned and a push toward a digital 24-hour service culture. Port Costs Hit Industry: Tema Port clinker congestion is driving demurrage bills of millions of dollars, raising fears of fresh cement price increases. Utilities Consumer Outreach: PURC takes its sensitisation to Kumasi mosques, educating residents on meters, illegal connections, bill payments and complaint redress. Cocoa Finance Pressure: Ghana struggles to raise local funds for the delayed 2026/27 cocoa season as investors demand higher returns and unpaid debts could disrupt buying. Energy & Fuel Supply: BOST reduces diesel and gasoline deliveries to Burkina Faso and Mali to prioritise Ghana’s domestic demand amid rising costs. Digital Skills & Jobs: Huawei begins digital training for 100,000 Ghanaians under the One Million Coders Programme, starting with a training-of-trainers track. SME Growth: E4Impact and Università Cattolica launch a Growth for SMEs Programme to help Ghanaian firms scale through bootcamps, mentoring and B2B matchmaking. Maternal Health Push: UNFPA urges faster action on maternal deaths as Ghana’s progress slows, linking the push to the presidential maternal health emergency response.

Mining Local Content & Governance: ActionAid Ghana launched its two-year “Uplifting the Voices of Mining Communities (VOICES)” project in Kumasi, urging the Ghana Chamber of Mines to deepen local participation and push mineral justice, environmental accountability and district mining committees. Drug Security & Border Checks: A Ghana Students Association advocate called for a full probe after France seized about 3.9 tonnes of cocaine reportedly shipped from Ghana, questioning how such cargo left undetected and urging stronger coordination across ports, airports and security agencies. Maternal Health Funding: The Vice President launched PRIMER, a five-year maternal health emergency response aimed at cutting preventable maternal deaths through coordinated care across sectors. Illegal Mining Crackdown: A Rocha Ghana and partners renewed calls to convert Atewa Forest into a national park, warning illegal mining is threatening water security. TVET for Jobs: Ghana TVET Service and DTI signed an MoU to strengthen industry-led training, apprenticeships and workplace learning to improve youth employability. Agribusiness Import Substitution: The Agric Minister launched the Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI) to reduce tomato imports, build a year-round value chain and create jobs. Energy Costs: NPA raised September petrol, diesel and LPG minimum price floors, signaling higher pump prices from Wednesday. Infrastructure Delivery: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson assured full funding for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway will be ready by December 2026, with no borrowing. Procurement & Industry: GIPS urged Ghana to treat procurement as a strategic tool for industrialisation and measurable national outcomes, pushing for the Procurement Practicing Bill.