AGP Executive Report

Russia Ties: President John Mahama has returned from Moscow after securing six commitments with Vladimir Putin, including Russian support for a proposed 2,000-megawatt nuclear plant, a defence pact, and expanded cooperation in agriculture and education. Javits Frimpong: The government will fund the slain 15-year-old’s mother’s trip to the US for his funeral. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani says President Trump agreed to grant her a visa; Ghana is also calling for an impartial investigation. His father has alleged school bullying, but police have not linked it to the killing. Weather Alert: GMet warns a strengthening El Niño could bring hotter, drier and dustier conditions into 2027, while sudden heavy rain and local flooding remain possible in southern Ghana. Football: Mohammed Kudus was named Player of the Match after assisting in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Ghana-Russia Ties: President John Mahama says Russia has agreed to support a proposed 2,000-megawatt nuclear plant, deepen defence, agriculture and education cooperation, and halt the recruitment of Ghanaians to fight in the Ukraine war. The two countries will also revive their joint cooperation commission. Bronx Shooting: Ghana says it will pursue justice after 15-year-old Javits Frimpong was shot dead on his way to school in New York. President Trump agreed to grant his mother an immediate visa, and Ghana will cover her travel costs. Police are seeking three suspects; the killing’s motive has not been established, though his father reported bullying. Fatal Highway Crash: Eight people died when a passenger bus struck a parked bus on the Elubo–Takoradi highway. Firefighters rescued 21 passengers, and preliminary findings point to speeding as a possible factor. School Investigation: The Ghana Education Service is investigating an alleged assault on a final-year student by two Techiman SHS teachers. The student has received medical care; the school’s disciplinary committee is preparing its findings. Football: Mohammed Kudus was named Player of the Match after assisting in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Justice Abroad: Ghana has condemned the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong in New York and urged US authorities to investigate. His father says the boy had complained of bullying, though any link to the shooting remains unconfirmed. Judicial Service: JUSAG has declared an indefinite nationwide strike from November 2, demanding approval of revised salaries and payment of arrears. Power Supply: President Mahama says Ghana has ended “dumsor” and cleared about $1.7 billion owed to independent power producers. Mining Dispute: GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi says the NDC never promised to ban small-scale mining. Separately, lawyer Kofi Bentil alleges local mining concessions were taken over and handed to Chinese operators; the claims have not been independently established. Economy and Pay: Finance Minister Ato Forson says about 22 laws have been introduced to protect economic reforms, as debate continues over the proposed 9% public-sector pay rise. Constitution: Former MP Inusah Fuseini says proposals for five-year presidential terms were rejected in earlier reform processes.

Judicial Strike: JUSAG says its members will begin an indefinite nationwide strike on November 2 over unpaid salary revisions and arrears. Technical university lecturers, meanwhile, have cautiously suspended their strike after talks, but say it is not over. Bronx Shooting: Ghana is seeking justice after 15-year-old Javits Frimpong was fatally shot on his way to school in New York. His father says the boy had faced bullying; police have made no arrests and have not established a motive. Jobs and Child Protection: Ghana’s youth unemployment stands at 21.9%, while about two million young people are neither working nor studying, according to GSS figures. The Local Government Service is seeking to recruit 2,400 social welfare and community development staff to address child-protection gaps. Energy: President Mahama says Ghana has opened talks with Russia’s Rosatom on a possible first nuclear power plant. Football: Ghana’s U-15 boys finished seventh at the FIFA festival in Azerbaijan, closing with a 4-0 win over Colombia.

Energy and Jobs: President John Mahama says Ghana is in talks with Russia’s Rosatom on a first nuclear power station, but no final agreement or construction timeline has been announced. Ghana has also signed a deal with Russia to create industrial job opportunities. Healthcare: The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is seeking US partnerships to expand cancer care and specialist services; it says more than 800 patients are enrolled and new oncology centres are under construction in Kumasi and Tamale. Public Safety: A 15-year-old Ghanaian, Javits Frimpong, was shot dead near his Bronx school. His father says the boy had reported bullying; New York police are seeking three suspects. Sports: Ghana’s Black Maidens face Japan in Sunday’s U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-final after beating Argentina on penalties. Justice: Two Ghanaian men pleaded guilty in the US to helping run a romance-scam and business-email fraud network that stole more than US$100 million; each faces up to 20 years in prison. Markets: The cedi was selling at GH¢12.25 to the US dollar at forex bureaus on Friday, while the Bank of Ghana interbank selling rate was GH¢11.66.

African Digital Leadership: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George has been elected chair of the African Union’s committee on communication and ICT, calling for stronger cooperation on connectivity, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Energy and Industry: President John Mahama says Ghana has begun talks with Russia’s Rosatom on a first nuclear power station, as the government also launches a policy to double local medicine production and reduce reliance on imports. Women’s Football: Ampem Darkoa Ladies beat Nigeria’s Edo Queens 3-2 in a resumed WAFU B final to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League. Black Maidens: Ghana’s U-17 women beat Argentina on penalties to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, despite playing with 10 players after a sending-off. Jobs and Skills: Ghana is reviewing its employment policy to identify green-job opportunities and tackle youth unemployment, skills gaps and informal work.

Black Maidens: Ghana beat Argentina 5-4 on penalties to reach the U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, despite playing the closing minutes with 10 players. Coach Joe Nana Adarkwa says the team is targeting the semi-finals. Moscow Diplomacy: Russia has pledged to rally BRICS members behind Ghana’s bid for partner-country status as President Mahama seeks wider cooperation. The summit also renews calls for action to stop illegal recruitment of Ghanaians into the Russia-Ukraine war and help bring home those who died. Pay and Education: Government and organised labour agreed on public-sector salary increases of 9% in 2027 and 10% in 2028. PRETAG, meanwhile, warns it may resume its strike if teachers’ promotion arrears remain unpaid by November 16. Reliable National Data: Government Statistician Alhassan Iddrisu is seeking continued state funding for Ghana’s statistical system beyond 2026, after GH¢207 million was allocated this year, and urged support for a new Statistics Bill. Skills and Jobs: Ghana and the US are planning a TVET partnership to align training with employers’ needs and improve young people’s job prospects. Youth Football: Ghana’s U-15 boys exited their tournament quarter-final after losing to Paraguay on penalties, following a strong run that included wins over Korea and Mexico.

Football: Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Argentina 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw to reach the U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals. The U-15 side also advanced, thrashing Mexico 5–2. Pay and Jobs: Government and Organised Labour agreed to a 9% increase in public-sector workers’ total remuneration in 2027—8% for base pay and 1% for conditions of service—and a 10% base-pay rise in 2028. Medicine Manufacturing: A new policy aims to lift locally made medicines’ share of the domestic market from about 30% to 60%, and reach 70% pharmaceutical self-sufficiency within five years. Environment: The EPA gave Empire Cement 30 days to submit a plan to relocate its facility from the Densu Delta Ramsar Site. Canada Partnership: Canada will provide technical support for Ghana’s proposed Women’s Development Bank, alongside cooperation on youth skills and employment. Press Freedom: The GJA says poor economic conditions for journalists are hurting Ghana’s press-freedom ranking and wants Parliament to support legislation on their welfare.

Youth Football: Ghana’s U-15 boys beat South Korea 2-1 to reach the FIFA U-15 tournament’s last 16, extending their unbeaten run to six games. The Black Maidens are also chasing a quarter-final place, facing unbeaten Argentina in the U-17 Women’s World Cup knockout round. Evacuation Audit: The Minority is pressing for an independent audit of the GH¢49.72 million South Africa evacuation, citing alleged gaps in payment records and receipts. Former MP Andrew Egyapa Mercer has also urged Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to release spending documents. Digital Investment: MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita met Ghanaian officials to discuss 5G, broadband expansion and financial inclusion; the company says it plans 500 new cell sites. School Safeguarding: Calls are growing for permanent protections across Ghana’s schools after allegations at Obuasi SHTS. The Education Ministry has announced support for affected students and plans for independent safeguarding officers and confidential reporting channels. Investor Confidence: NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah says governments should maintain key policies across political transitions to give investors greater certainty.

Transport: President Mahama says he hopes to return Ghana Airways to the skies before leaving office, while Uganda Airlines has begun four weekly Entebbe–Lagos–Accra flights. Public Accountability: The Minority is seeking an independent audit of the GH¢49.72 million South Africa evacuation, alleging gaps in payment records; the Foreign Affairs Committee chair says the documents were provided and the minister is ready to answer questions. Trade: Ghana became the first country to sign the UN’s Accra Convention, which gives electronic cargo documents legal standing and aims to ease trade finance. Football: Ampem Darkoa face Nigeria’s Edo Queens in Cairo in a replay that will decide who advances to the CAF Women’s Champions League. Ghana’s Black Maidens meet Argentina in the U-17 World Cup last 16. Community Support: The Black Challenge received GH¢50,000 and a promise of poultry-business support ahead of the amputee World Cup; former captain André Ayew also donated to the team. Education: GES says outstanding 2025 promotion arrears are due to be paid on November 16.

Child Protection: Renewed calls for an independent probe and nationwide safeguarding reforms have put the alleged sexual abuse of students at Obuasi SHTS back in focus. Mining and Industry: President John Mahama says Ghana aims to end exports of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030, keeping more value and jobs at home. Environmental advocate Awula Serwah warns that weak action against galamsey risks ecological catastrophe. Digital Access: The government is requiring rural telephony sites to support 4G, with an audit under way of 2,016 community network locations. Public Accountability: Questions persist over GH¢49.72 million spent evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa, after a review found gaps and discrepancies in payment records. Cost of Living: MultiChoice says new DStv packages start at GH¢50, with full football coverage at GH¢250 from November 5. The cedi sells at GH¢12.25 per dollar at forex bureaus and GH¢11.66 on the Bank of Ghana interbank market. Football: Ghana’s Black Maidens face Argentina on Wednesday for a place in the U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.

Deportation Dispute: A report alleges Ghana sent refugees deported from the US back to countries where they may face danger. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has defended Ghana’s role, saying it accepted the deportees for humanitarian reasons. Mahama in Moscow: President John Mahama has arrived for the Russia–Africa Summit and says he will urge Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. TOR Recovery: Tema Oil Refinery says it funded its unit refurbishment with its own funds and has resumed processing crude. Its managing director says accepting cedi payments for crude could ease pressure on fuel prices, while energy analysts stress the need for steady crude supplies. JUSAG Strike Threat: Judicial Service staff warn they could begin an indefinite strike on November 2 unless their delayed salary review is approved and arrears paid. DStv Prices: Four new subscription packages, from GH¢50 to GH¢570 monthly, are due to take effect November 5 as the government and MultiChoice seek to make legal viewing more affordable and curb piracy. Youth Football: Ghana’s U-15 side beat the Bahamas 7-0 to record a fourth straight win at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.

Cybersecurity: Ghana lost an estimated GH¢209.7 million to cyber incidents in the first nine months of 2026, with the Cyber Security Authority reporting 4,938 cases and warning that the true toll may be higher. Evacuation Dispute: Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says evacuees from South Africa each received GH¢5,500 and that his ministry has received no complaints, disputing reports that some were paid less. Lithium Project: China’s Huayou Cobalt has taken over rights in Ghana’s Ewoyaa lithium project and will fund a further US$66 million in development costs, bringing the country’s first lithium mine closer to development. Energy: Ghana’s 2026–2030 renewable plan targets US$10.8 billion in investment, including major solar and wind projects, but delivery and grid connections remain key challenges. Economic Review: The IMF has begun the second week of its review of Ghana’s Policy Coordination Instrument, with talks expected to focus on fiscal performance, the 2027 Budget and debt management. Sports: Ghana’s U-15 boys maintained their perfect run with a 7–0 win over Guam, while the Black Maidens advanced to the U-17 Women’s World Cup last 16 and will face Argentina.

TOR Finances: Tema Oil Refinery told an IMF delegation it is funding rehabilitation from its own revenue and inherited about US$517 million in debt, including US$120 million owed to the government. Regional Security: President John Mahama proposed a Sahel-Gulf of Guinea security accord, saying the Accra Initiative has stalled, and urged the African Union to hold states accountable for implementing peace agreements. Women’s Football: Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Canada 2-0 to reach the U-17 World Cup last 16, where they will face Argentina. Mining and Investment: GoldBod says its plan to move eligible miners into regulated operations is not support for illegal mining. Separately, Elevra Lithium completed the sale of its interest in Ghana’s Ewoyaa project to China’s Huayou Cobalt for US$71 million, after securing government approval. Football: Medeama returned to the Ghana Premier League summit with a late 1-0 win over Aduana, while Port City claimed a dramatic 2-1 away victory over Karela. Youth Sport: Ghana’s U-15 boys stayed unbeaten at the FIFA festival, thrashing Guam 7-0 for a third straight win.

Black Maidens: Ghana beat Canada 2-0 to reach the U-17 Women’s World Cup last 16 and will face Argentina next. Teenage Pregnancy: More than 50,000 pregnancies were recorded among teenagers in the first half of 2026, prompting the Alliance for Reproductive Health Rights to call for urgent action. Illegal Mining: GoldBod denies its CEO endorsed galamsey, saying formalisation applies only to eligible miners under strict rules; an opposition MP questions whether securing gold supplies is driving the push. Mineral Processing: President Mahama says Ghana will stop exporting raw mineral ores by 2030, aiming to expand local processing. Economy: IMF projections put Ghana on course to become Africa’s eighth-largest economy in 2026, though the ranking reflects exchange-rate movements as well as growth. Health: Cancer patients in the Upper East are receiving support through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, which has enrolled 15 patients at the regional hospital. Entertainment: Sarkodie’s Rapperholic26 drew a huge crowd to Kumasi’s Baba Yara Stadium, where he thanked fans on his knees and paid tribute to Daddy Lumba.

Black Maidens: Ghana beat Canada 2-0 to reach the U-17 Women’s World Cup last 16 for the first time since 2018. They face Argentina on Wednesday. Illegal Mining: President Mahama says GH¢200 million is earmarked in the 2027 Budget for anti-galamsey operations and the Blue Water Guards. Public Health: Ghana says it has closed its type 2 polio outbreak, announcing the milestone on World Polio Day. Mineral Policy: Mahama has set a 2030 target to end raw mineral exports, aiming to expand processing in Ghana. Ports and Trade: The Transport Minister is urging faster, more digital port services and stronger links with roads and rail to boost Ghana’s role as a regional trade gateway. Ghanaian Football Abroad: Augustine Boakye scored a last-minute winner for Saint-Etienne, while Ghanaian duo Shak Mohammed and Maxwell Woledzi celebrated Nashville SC’s MLS Supporters’ Shield title.