AGP Executive Report

Roads & Infrastructure: Heavy rains have slowed Ghana’s “Big Push” road works in Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam, leaving equipment stuck in muddy conditions while contractors rehabilitate key routes to ease pressure on the Accra–Takoradi highway. Water & Sanitation: In Abotareye (Nkwanta South), home burials inside residential compounds are blocking a planned mechanised borehole after surveyors flagged burial sites as a contamination risk; a community cemetery is now being set up. Shipping & Trade Facilitation: The Ghana Shippers’ Authority held a High-Value Shippers forum, urging closer regulator–industry coordination to cut port charges, clearance delays and compliance frictions as Ghana pushes its multimodal hub ambition. Macroeconomy & Industry: Ghana’s economy grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, driven by mining/quarrying and ICT, with price pressures easing sharply. Finance Regulation: Microfinance operators are pushing the Bank of Ghana to reconsider a proposed jump in minimum capital to GH¢50m, warning it could wipe out indigenous firms and hurt financial inclusion. Mining Governance: Ghana signals tighter mining permits reform, ruling out automatic lease extensions for major operators like Gold Fields’ Tarkwa, with renewals tied to technical and ministerial review. Built Environment & Safety: Six people were arrested at the China Mall site in Koforidua after a stop-work order, as authorities cite drainage and flooding risks. Health & Social Protection: The Health Minister warned against attacks on health workers as Free Primary Health Care rolls out in the Volta Region. Cocoa & Child Labour: World Child Labour Day in mining areas of the Upper East Region renewed calls for children to stay in classrooms, not on mining sites.

Water Security & Urban Resilience: GWC and partners urged collective action to protect the Barekese water catchment, calling on assemblies, chiefs, schools, youth groups and the media to enforce by-laws and expand tree planting. Roads & Flood Control: Tema West Municipal Assembly says it’s using DRIP machines to improve road construction quality and drainage, including dredging drains and Ramsar areas ahead of peak rains. Health & Rural Infrastructure: A-ensonga Hearts handed over a mechanised borehole with storage and distribution to support the Gowrie CHPS compound and kindergarten, targeting safer water access. Tobacco Accountability: VAST Ghana pushed government to start implementing WHO FCTC Article 19 “polluter pays” liability measures against tobacco firms. Mining & Livelihoods: A study on Ghana’s Community Mining Scheme highlights the need to balance livelihoods with stronger controls for sustainable rural development. Business & Finance: GOIL reported GH¢90.67m net profit for 2025 and announced a dividend, citing cost optimisation. Legal/Mining Case: The Attorney-General filed an objection to Andy Appiah-Kubi’s withdrawal as counsel in the Samreboi illegal mining matter. Agri-Industrial Jobs: ACPG renewed calls for stronger local cashew processing to create jobs and boost export earnings. Skills for Industry: KNUST School of Business launched a Digital Skills Laboratory to close employer demand gaps in AI, analytics, fintech and cybersecurity.

Skills & Jobs: HR leaders are being urged to bridge academia and industry to tackle Ghana’s skills mismatch and improve workforce readiness. Industrial Decentralisation: Government says it will offer tax incentives for factories set up outside Accra to spread jobs and reduce congestion. Agro-Processing & Value Addition: AAK launches the AAK Academy in Ghana to boost innovation in chocolate and confectionery; COCOBOD marks World Day Against Child Labour with renewed sector safeguards. Cocoa Supply Signals: COCOBOD maintains producer prices for the 2025/26 light crop season as farmers receive seedlings and support across regions. SME Trade Readiness: Over 1,000 SMEs have been screened for AfCFTA opportunities, with capacity support to help them expand across Africa. Energy & Petroleum: GOIL posts 7% profit growth and announces a GH¢1bn bond programme; Ghana courts Canadian investors for upstream oil and gas. Sanitation & Waste: ESPA calls for stronger government support to fix Ghana’s sanitation crisis through PPP waste management. Environment & Community: Karpowership Ghana plants 1,000 trees in the Western Region as afforestation efforts continue.

Mining & Industry Growth: Ghana’s industrial output picked up in 2026 Q1, with the Index of Industrial Production rising 3.2% year-on-year, led by manufacturing and a mining rebound. Cocoa Economy: COCOBOD kept the 2026 light crop producer price unchanged despite global price declines, with purchases starting June 18—aimed at protecting farmer incomes. Oil & Downstream Expansion: GOIL reported higher 2025 profit and unveiled a GH¢1billion bond programme to fund growth; its bitumen unit says it’s becoming a contractor supplier and plans to expand storage to 12,000 metric tonnes by end-2026. Trade & AfCFTA Push: ECOWAS trade ministers met in Accra to advance regional integration and AfCFTA implementation, while a Citi Business Festival roundtable stressed stronger intra-African trade to retain Africa’s wealth. Power & Consumer Pressure: Sogakope residents protested ECG over alleged exploitative billing and meter issues. Governance & Legal Tension: The AG filed a preliminary objection to block Wontumi’s lawyer from withdrawing in the Samreboi illegal mining case. Agribusiness Skills: UCC launched a taro product innovation exhibition and training to help women agro-processors and smallholders add value and earn more.

Capital Markets & Industry Finance: Kasapreko’s IPO pulled in GH¢1.72bn in bids, oversubscribed by 146%, signalling strong appetite for Ghana’s public listings as trading is set to begin on the GSE on June 15. SME & Agribusiness Funding: Analysts say Ghana’s layered business financing ladder is failing entrepreneurs, with high lending rates and political interference leaving manufacturers and farm businesses stuck at “survival” rather than scale. Food Systems & Buffer Stocks: Government registered 45 licensed buying companies to purchase grains at guaranteed minimum prices, alongside plans to distribute poultry birds under Feed Ghana to stabilise supply and protect farmer incomes. Energy & World Cup Readiness: PURC has pushed utilities to freeze non-critical maintenance and man key substations around the clock for the World Cup, aiming to prevent outages during peak viewing hours. Flood Control & Urban Planning: Engineers warn Accra’s floods persist because wetland retention systems are being destroyed, undermining drainage-only fixes—while calls grow to stop degazetting forest reserves and strengthen environmental protection. Trade & Manufacturing Push: ECOWAS ministers warned bilateral deals outside the customs framework could fracture regional bargaining power, urging regional value chains in textiles, apparel and automotive under AfCFTA. Microfinance Stability: New BoG capital rules for microfinance are set to take effect soon, and operators fear rushed compliance could trigger deposit runs. Mining & Environment: CEIA urged government to halt de-gazetting biodiversity areas and restrict exploration in protected zones, warning mining in forest reserves violates land policy. Indigenous Crops: CSIR says disappearing indigenous varieties are fetching premium prices abroad, urging stronger preservation to prevent irreversible loss. Tech & Jobs: GIMPA’s Tech Fair crowned a student digital healthcare platform, while Ghana’s drone logistics hub is reported to boost local incomes through autonomous delivery.

Geoscience & Mining Tech: GGSA signs an MoU with Seequent/Bentley to upgrade Ghana’s digital geological modelling, training and data management. Food Security & Agriculture: Government distributes 1.7m poultry birds under Feed Ghana’s Nkoko Nkitsinkitsi and registers 45 licensed buying companies to purchase grains at guaranteed minimum prices to curb glut and price swings. Water Sector Capacity: Ghana Water Ltd inaugurates the Governing Council of the Ghana Water Institute to lead training, research and professional development for West Africa’s water workforce. AfCFTA Readiness: Namibia launches an AIDA–AfCFTA country impact assessment report, with Ghana named among pilot countries. Digital Payments: enza wins a Central Bank of Ghana PSP Enhanced licence to expand regulated digital payments services. Banking Shake-up: Ghana International Bank CEO Dean Adansi is removed; a new CEO is named pending clearance. Flood Mitigation & Compliance: Ashaiman NADMO reiterates drain desilting, sensitisation and enforcement; meanwhile, Accra’s building safety and flood governance remain under scrutiny. Gold Value Addition: Ghana plans to ban export of unrefined gold by 2030 and build an ISO-certified assay/refining lab. Industrial Policy Pressure: Chamber of Commerce warns policy discontinuity is undermining Ghana’s industrialisation push under AfCFTA. World Cup Broadcast Economy: FIFA’s expanded 48-team format boosts Africa’s representation, with Ghana’s free-to-air coverage driving brand and sponsorship interest.

Economy Watch: Ghana’s GDP grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, led by services (+7.1%) and industry (+6.9%), with information and communication surging 25.2%—a sign digital activity is pulling the economy forward. Port & Logistics: Tema Port’s container terminal operator, Meridian Port Services (MPS), won fresh government praise after investments in modern equipment and tech, as Ghana pushes to strengthen its maritime and logistics hub status. Oil & Gas Investment: GNPC says Ghana is opening up for new offshore drilling, seeking global investors for 20 additional exploration sites while citing ongoing funding for Jubilee and TEN and the Sankofa–Gye Nyame gas push. Mining & Downstream: Tullow Oil cleared for further drilling on the Greater Jubilee plan, while Aurum Resources announced a maiden probable ore reserve for its Boundiali gold project—signals continued capital interest in Ghana’s wider resource sector. Water & Utilities: Ghana Water Limited (GWL) says repairs at Barekese Water Treatment Plant are completed early, restoring supply after a brief shutdown. Sanitation & Flood Control: Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak says 70 seized excavators will be handed to NADMO for desilting nationwide to tackle flooding. Consumer Protection: EPAC calls for more investment in packaging to help Made-in-Ghana products compete, while GFL backs a “Verify Before You Buy” campaign against counterfeit and mislabelled goods. Local Revenue & Markets: Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly’s internally generated revenue jumped to GH¢40m in 2025, supporting market redevelopment and infrastructure.

Growth Watch: Ghana’s real GDP grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, with services up 7.1% (ICT +25.2%) and industry rising 6.9% on mining and oil recovery. Water & Utilities: Ghana Water Ltd restored production after completing repairs at the Barekese plant, with supply expected to improve in Kumasi and nearby areas. Banking Performance: Societe Generale Ghana reported 2025 profit after tax of GH¢397m as asset quality improved and investor confidence strengthened. Payments & Fintech: Yuno partnered Onafriq to help merchants access pan-African payments across 43 markets via a single API. Governance & Business Support: Parliament’s Free Zones Authority push continues, with calls to review the Free Zones Act to keep attracting investors. Tourism & Creative Arts: The Tourism Ministry asked Parliament for more backing to unlock funding, infrastructure and skills for 2026–2029 targets. Energy & Trade: Liberia and Ghana signed an energy regulation cooperation MoU between LPRA and GPC. Mining & Fiscal Debate: The Chamber of Mines says gold hit nearly a tenth of GDP in 2025 and warns mining fiscal regime changes could reshape investment. Fisheries: Norway and Ghana closed the Fish for Development Programme after seven years, with Ghana pledging to sustain reforms. World Cup Economy: With the tournament starting Thursday, Ghanaian communities abroad are planning viewing logistics and travel around the Black Stars.

Water & Utilities: Ghana Water Limited (GWL) will shut down the Barekese Water Treatment Plant for 48 hours (June 9–11), cutting supply to about 80% of Kumasi’s drinking water and affecting major neighbourhoods across Greater Kumasi. Agri-Industry & Trade: President Mahama secured a Belarus deal for 1,840 agricultural machines and says a delegation will visit Ghana next week to explore more investment, as part of the Feed Ghana push. Food Security Pressure: Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is demanding a six-month ban on rice imports, blaming unsold local stocks and weak buffer purchases for farmer losses. Downstream Energy: Sentuo Oil Refinery’s first local crude refining is a milestone, but an expert warns the plant’s 40,000 bpd capacity may limit any fuel-price relief. Industrial Policy: Government plans tax incentives for factories set up outside Accra to decentralise industry and reduce congestion. Flood Governance: Mahama orders a comprehensive flood assessment after Accra flooding, while critics call it “waste of energy” and urge direct funding and enforcement. Health & Manufacturing: The West Africa Pharma & Healthcare Expo opens in Accra, pushing Ghana as a hub for health investment and local production, including plans for locally manufactured vaccines. Waste & Compliance: Stakeholders say Ghana leads Africa on waste treatment infrastructure, while GIISDEC plans a data centre to improve traceability in industrial materials regulation. Brand & Consumer Markets: Kasapreko’s GSE listing is set for June 15 after a heavily oversubscribed IPO, and Ahmad Tea names Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo as global brand ambassador ahead of the World Cup.

Mining & Regulation: Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act overhaul is moving through Cabinet toward Parliament, with tougher oversight, stronger environmental enforcement, and improved licensing transparency aimed at curbing illegal mining and weak compliance. Energy & Industry: Sentuo Oil Refinery marked a major milestone with the first delivery of Jubilee crude for local refining, with Phase Two expansion flagged for June 24 to boost capacity and jobs. Agri-Industry & Food Security: Mahama directed NADMO and agencies to prepare a detailed flood situation brief after Accra flooding, while Afarinick distributed 400,000 improved cocoa seedlings in Volta to expand the next cocoa frontier. Logistics & Trade: Air Ghana is set to partner Ghana Shippers’ Authority to expand air cargo capacity and strengthen Ghana’s role as a West African trade hub. Digital Security: ECOWAS hackathon in Accra pushed for homegrown cybersecurity talent to protect digital sovereignty as ransomware and cyber fraud rise. Health & Community: Telecel extended healthcare access via free screenings and NHIS registration support in Ashanti mining communities. Infrastructure Safety: GNFS supervised demolition of an unsafe Osu building after the Avenor collapse, as Tema West and the Accra-Tema motorway saw flooding and a tanker crash with casualties.

Flood & Fire Relief: Stanbic Bank Ghana donated GH¢400,000 in relief items to NADMO for communities hit by recent flooding and a fire outbreak, including boots, raincoats, life jackets, food items and dignity kits. Aviation Investment: An Indian aviation delegation is in Ghana to explore investment opportunities at Ho Airport, including possible helicopter operations, with technical talks lined up with GCAA and GACL. Tax Administration: GRA assured businesses that ITAS won’t introduce new taxes, positioning it as a one-stop digital platform to simplify registration, filing and payments. Power Supply Disruptions: ECG announced planned maintenance outages on June 9 across parts of Eastern, Tema, Accra East/West, Volta and Ashanti regions. Environment & Climate: EPA marked World Environment Day urging attitude change on waste and tree planting, while reports warn El Niño and rising temperatures could strain agriculture and food prices. Agribusiness & Jobs: Ghana launched a $3.5bn AgriConnect compact targeting 2.6m jobs, alongside a policy move linking rice import permits to local investment. Mining & Water Security: Police arrested three people for illegal mining near GWL water lines in Winneba, seizing equipment and immobilising installations.

World Cup 2026: FIFA kicks off the 48-team tournament on June 11 across USA, Canada and Mexico, with Ghana’s Black Stars set to carry Ananse’s web to the world. ECOWAS Trade Talks: Private sector complaints about stalled trade commitments dominated Accra sessions ahead of AfCFTA push on customs harmonisation and digital trade. Rice Import Pressure: Farmers’ group PFAG demands a six-month halt to rice imports, citing unsold stocks and falling prices, plus tighter anti-smuggling enforcement and stronger public procurement rules. Tax Modernisation: GRA targets a September 2026 national rollout of ITAS after an Accra pilot, aiming for one digital taxpayer profile and simpler compliance. Mining & Value Addition: Government reiterates it won’t nationalise mines and pushes local refining after Sentuo receives jubilee crude, arguing crude exports with fuel imports are unsustainable. Standards Bottleneck: Ghana Standards Authority says it runs on one lab and about 1,000 staff nationwide, forcing costly sample hauls to Accra and slowing exporters. Accra Infrastructure & Safety: Potholes are blamed for GH¢4.5bn annual economic losses, while building collapses trigger demolitions and calls for stricter enforcement.

Construction Safety & Enforcement: Two people died and three were rescued after a two-storey building collapse at Avenor in Accra’s North Industrial Area, flattening a mosque; officials visited the site as calls grow for stricter building regulation enforcement. Tax Tech & Business Readiness: The Ghana Revenue Authority stepped up stakeholder engagement ahead of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) rollout, urging firms to prepare for a unified digital tax platform. Standards Capacity Crunch: Ghana Standards Authority says it’s highly understaffed, forcing producers and exporters to travel to Accra for certification and testing—slowing trade and raising costs. Port Reform Scrutiny: Media Coalition for Good Governance urged CSOs to support port modernisation with facts, warning that unverified claims could derail reforms. Mining Policy & Investor Signals: GIPC reassured investors Ghana is not anti-investment amid debate on mining ownership, while Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah said contract mining is “no turning back.” Health Sector Tension: Ghana’s Health Ministry urged KATH doctors and nurses to return to work as investigations continue after the CEO suspension, amid pushback from medical associations. Agro-Industrial Partnerships: President Mahama toured Belarus dairy processing facilities, seeking technical solutions to cut post-harvest losses and boost Ghana’s food security. Diaspora & Remittances: Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa highlighted record $7.8bn remittances in 2025 and linked it to government’s evacuation and support efforts for Ghanaians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Electric Mobility for Districts: DACF and Wahu Mobility launched a pilot placing electric motorcycles in all 261 districts to support revenue and service delivery.

Building Safety & Enforcement: Avenor’s early-morning collapse in Accra killed one and left others trapped as GNFS, police and military continued rescue; officials say investigations will follow, while the Interior Minister vows an inquiry and urges MMDAs to tighten permit and site supervision. Flood Response & Urban Planning: Works and Housing Minister Kenneth Adjei orders evacuation of occupants in flood-prone waterways and unauthorised structures ahead of demolition, blaming human practices for worsening floods; EPA also warns “the planet is no longer negotiating” and points to dumping and building on waterways. Mining Governance: Government says renewal of mining concessions will face tougher scrutiny, with companies required to prove compliance on environmental and community obligations before licences are renewed. Health Sector Disruption: NLC directs KATH doctors to end an indefinite strike over the CEO suspension and schedules a hearing as the crisis disrupts emergency admissions. Diaspora & Jobs: Ghana highlights record US$7.8bn remittances and moves to secure compensation for victims of South Africa xenophobic attacks; 200+ jobs are being lined up for returnees, including telecom and engineering roles. Industry & Trade Events: West Africa Pharma & Healthcare Expo opens June 8–10 in Accra, drawing 100+ exhibitors and thousands of trade visitors.

Agri-Food Investment: Ghana launched the AgriConnect Compact ($3.5bn) to boost cocoa, oil palm, rice, maize and poultry, targeting food security, productivity, jobs and private investment. Flood Response & Urban Planning: Government and NADMO teams are on alert as flash-flood risk rises; Works Minister cites human factors like waste in drains and building on waterways, while Tema West Municipal Assembly distributed relief and warned against structures on wetlands. Power & Industry Operations: ECG scheduled maintenance outages in parts of Tema and Accra East, and a Volta dialogue tackled billing and supply complaints in Sogakope. Mining & Skills: China-Ghana Mining LBG partnered with UMaT for multidisciplinary industrial training, and Ghana’s ship repair push got a boost as Takoradi Floating Dock Project secured PIDG funding. Health Sector Disruption: KATH doctors declared an indefinite strike over the CEO’s suspension, with nurses/midwives signaling they may join. Food Security Diplomacy: President Mahama toured Belarus’ agro-processing hub in Brest, seeking technology to cut post-harvest losses and strengthen Ghana’s food system. Culture & Creative Economy: Tourism Ministry launched the 2026 National Heritage Photo Competition and AfroGastro Festival to spotlight Ghanaian heritage through youth-led creativity. Fire Safety Compliance: GNFS urged industry stakeholders to support the Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System to modernise approvals. Regional Trade & Rice: ECOWAS and AGRA called for more investment to transform West Africa’s rice sector. Returnees After South Africa Attacks: Ghana secured about 200 jobs for evacuees and vowed legal processes to pursue compensation for destroyed businesses.

Anti-IUU Fishing: West Africa steps up the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with the Dakar Declaration pushing stronger regional cooperation, surveillance and community participation. Gold & Mining: Ghana’s small-scale miners hit a century-high run, producing 3.11m ounces in 2025 (52.4% of national output) as total gold rose 23.41% to 5.94m ounces; the Chamber warns a proposed sliding-scale royalty could chill investment. Agribusiness & Budget Tension: A public dispute over whether Finance released GH¢1.677bn to the Food and Agriculture Ministry for 2026 escalates, with MOFA disputing the figures and lawmakers urging alignment to protect food security. Ports & Logistics Costs: Importers warn that reviving the Cargo Tracking Note could add €187.2m–€382.8m yearly to port clearing costs, arguing existing systems already track cargo. Diaspora Investment: Goosie Tanoh urges Ghanaians in the UK to invest in export industries and skills transfer under the 24-Hour Economy push, while Mahama visits Ghanaian-owned businesses in London. Health & Industry: KATH doctors move toward indefinite action over the suspension of the hospital CEO, as the standoff deepens. Environment & Floods: The Christian Council calls for an end to indiscriminate waste disposal into waterways, while analysts frame floods as governance failures. TVET & Skills: Ghana launches the Thespians TVET Drama Competition 2026 to spotlight vocational talent.