AGP Executive Report

Accra-Kumasi Expressway: President John Dramani Mahama says $2bn is already set aside for the 175.6km Accra-Kumasi Expressway, with funds in a special account at the Bank of Ghana, and insists Ghana has not borrowed for it; he also praised the Ghana Armed Forces engineers for clearing the right of way ahead of schedule. Port & Trade Pressure: The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana warns congestion at Ghana’s ports could push importers to route cargo via Abidjan, especially as December peak season nears. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Ghana has arrested three men linked to Dutch cocaine kingpin Joseph “Chubby Jos” Leijdekkers after France seized about 3.9 tonnes of cocaine worth €225m from a shipment sent from Ghana; Mahama has summoned security, aviation and port agencies for a high-level meeting on Sept 17. Public Finance & Governance: The Attorney-General says a new bill will regulate discipline of lawyers via a Legal Practitioners Standards Board, while the Ghana Bar Association and Deputy AG trade accusations over independence and consistency. Cocoa & Jobs: Meiji Holdings signs an LoI with Ghana to support sustainable cocoa and a circular economy, and MTN Ghana wraps up an SME digital business clinic in Accra. Sports: Jordan Ayew’s Sheffield United debut drew praise from coach Chris Wilder; locally, Dreams FC coach Winfred Dormon urges fans not to panic after a 3-1 loss to Berekum Chelsea.

Rule of Law Clash: Security boss Richard Jakpa faces backlash after a demolition threat over a property dispute, with critics saying pending court action can’t be bypassed. National Cathedral Row: NDC’s Mustapha Gbande urges an apology to the NPP and former government if corruption claims over the project are unproven, calling for investigations to lead. Accountability in Politics: Lawyer Bobby Banson warns Ghana will keep “marking time” if public accountability is politicised with cronyism, tribalism and religious attacks. Language & Education: BGL adds four more Ghanaian languages (Ahanta, Konkomba, Kusasi, Sisala) for school teaching, bringing the total to 16, but stresses curricula and teacher training are next. Health & Community Support: GCB staff donate GH₵100,000 NICU equipment to Korle-Bu, while 98 Nandom students get GH₵282,000 bursaries. Economy & Markets: Fitch lifts Ghana’s 2026 current account surplus forecast to 7.8% of GDP; GSE trading jumps with 34.59m shares changing hands. Digital & Telecom: NCA advances spectrum assignment; MTN wins 700MHz lots for about $100.9m. Sports: FC Ashantigold record a first-ever top-flight win, beating Vision FC 3-1; Ghana Premier League action continues with Hearts of Oak and Kotoko strong starts.

Accra-Kumasi Expressway: Ghana’s Armed Forces engineers will hand over a cleared 175.6km right-of-way to government on Sept. 14, clearing the way for the 198.7km project President Mahama will oversee. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Ghana and China agree a three-point strategy to tackle galamsey, including stronger oversight of Chinese firms, green mining, and environmental protection. Health—Prostate Cancer Myths: GPHA clinicians warn that a high PSA test does not automatically mean prostate cancer, and caution against prescribing sex frequency as prevention; they urge proper clinical assessment and screening. Education—Chinese Curriculum: NaCCA trains basic school teachers to implement the new Chinese language curriculum with support from the Confucius Institute at UCC. Sports—Ghana Premier League: Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko keep unbeaten starts with Matchday Two wins, while Nations FC and Medeama crash out of CAF competitions. Society & Safety: Xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed two more Nigerians, bringing deaths to seven.

Education & Youth Access: UTAG-UG warns low pay is pushing PhD and specialist talent away from Ghana’s universities, while IFEST says weak English/Maths should not block SHS admission—students should get mandatory remedial support. Local Development & Infrastructure: Upper West has received GH¢101.9m DACF for projects, and Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza assures the Wa-Dorimon-Wechiau-Ga road will be built under Big Push phase two. Governance & Economy: President Mahama tells Upper West the economy has moved from “broomsticks” to “concrete pillars,” and NDPC’s Nii Moi Thompson urges the New Economy Plan to turn stability into productivity and jobs. Energy & Cost of Living: ACEP’s Ben Boakye says ECG losses keep worsening and more state funding only deepens waste and inequality. Public Safety: GNFS responded to a fuel tanker incident and a Larteh Akuapem house fire; police arrest and interdict an officer over the death of Central University law student Ivan Baidoo. National Cathedral Debate: Mahama reiterates it’s a personal pledge, not a government policy, and argues Christians should fund it without taxpayers’ money. Culture & People: Gospel musician Bernice Offei dies at 63.

Sports (Ghana Abroad): Nathaniel Adjei was left frustrated as FC Lorient squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Toulouse in Ligue 1, despite his full-match defensive display. Youth Football: Ghana’s Black Princesses were eliminated from the U-20 Women’s World Cup after a heavy 4-0 defeat by France, ending another group-stage exit despite a win over South Korea. Local Football: Ashantigold celebrated their first-ever Ghana Premier League win as David Gyamfi hit a hat-trick to beat Vision FC 3-1. Health (Free Primary Care): President Mahama inspected Free Primary Health Care rollout projects in the Upper West, while the Health Service says the programme targets deprived districts and is not a replacement for NHIS; government also plans to recruit 16,000 health workers. Education & Governance: Dr Kwabena Bempah Tandoh urged open consultations in Ghana’s constitutional review, and counselling is being called for students placed in SHSs they did not choose. Public Safety: Police interdicted and arrested a general corporal over the death of 23-year-old law student Ivan Baidoo on the Tema Motorway. Arts & Culture: Ibrahim Mahama received France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in Accra. Crime & Security: NACOC called for stronger cross-border cooperation to tackle synthetic drugs and cocaine trafficking. Entertainment: Gospel musician Bernice Offei has died at 63.

Drug Trafficking Shock: French customs seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine worth about €225m ($261m) hidden in plastic waste shipped from Ghana to Dunkirk, with investigations linked to an international network. Football Administration: Hearts of Oak has set up a five-member Interim Management Committee after MD Julius Ben Emunah resigned, with Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe to chair and oversee a transition. U-20 Women’s World Cup: Ghana’s Black Princesses must beat France to reach the knockout stage for the first time; defender Alexandra Tay says it would mean “everything,” while coach Charles Sampson says the team is ready for the pressure. Health Workforce Push: President Mahama announced a 20% basic salary incentive for health professionals who accept postings to deprived areas, alongside promises to improve living and working conditions. AI in Government: Ghana has started implementing its 10-year AI strategy, training 240 civil servants in AI literacy. Sports Abroad: Ghana’s Emanuel Poku helped Almere City beat MVV Maastricht 4-0, while Inaki Williams has retired from Ghana’s national team.

Education Reform: President Mahama says 16 new Senior High Schools are underway to end double-track congestion, and rural schools with wide catchment areas will be converted into boarding schools under a World Bank-backed push. Youth Sports: Ghana’s Black Princesses (U20 Women) say they’re ready to dominate France in their final Group C match after bouncing back from an opening loss. Health: Korle-Bu’s National Cardiothoracic Centre launches World Heart Awareness Month, urging Ghanaians to screen for hypertension and heart disease early. Energy & Economy: The NPP warns fuel pricing “intervention” is withholding statutory margins and could trigger another energy debt crisis. Oil & Gas: Eni Ghana and Vitol sign MoUs with government for two Tano Basin offshore blocks (GH WB 3 and GH WB 8) to advance petroleum agreements. Security & Environment: NAIMOS launches “Operation Water Shield” to clamp down on illegal mining across major river systems. Football (Local): Gold Stars target their first win at home against Hearts of Oak, while FC Samartex insists on the same three-point mindset in away games. Sports (International): Medeama’s ambassador visits ahead of their TP Mazembe return leg after a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

SOEs Accountability: President Mahama warns that persistent underperformance by State-Owned Enterprises will trigger corrective action, including leadership changes, as he pushes for measurable value to Ghanaians. Judiciary Independence: New Supreme Court judges pledge to interpret and apply the law independently and without bending to personal preference. Education & Placement: Parents complain about CSSPS SHS placement glitches—discrepancies, delays and long queues—after 2026/27 results were released. Public Health: A cardiologist urges Ghanaians to moderate koobi and momoni due to high sodium, warning it can raise hypertension risk. Security & Crime: Police arrest suspects over an alleged plot to assassinate a susu collector, while another kidnapping-for-ransom case in Assin Fosu is flagged as a wider warning for organised extortion. Economy & Energy: Ghana signs MoUs with Eni and Vitol for two offshore Tano Basin blocks to revive exploration, and the country’s growth is reported at about 6% in Q2 driven by ICT and services. Sports: Medeama chase a CAF Champions League comeback against TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi; Black Princesses keep qualification hopes alive after beating South Korea 3-1, with France next. Transport & Trade: SolitAir launches new Ghana freight services via Accra, boosting cargo links for gold and perishables.

Premier League Focus: Hearts of Oak coach Nebojsa Kapor says the Phobians will keep their tactical structure but adjust for Bibiani GoldStars in Sunday’s away clash at Dun’s Park, after a 4-0 opening win over Berekum Chelsea. Sports—Local Rivalry: Berekum Chelsea coach Kwaku Danso urges fans to rally for victory over Dreams FC at Golden City Park after a 4-0 loss to Hearts. CAF Competition: Nations FC host Malian side FC Diarra in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, needing at least two unanswered goals after a 1-0 defeat in Bamako. Governance & Economy: The IMF warns Ghana’s SOEs liabilities are rising fast, with 10 SOEs posting a combined GH¢8.8bn net loss in 2024 and ECG alone driving most losses. Justice & Courts: President Mahama swears in three new Supreme Court justices, urging them to uphold the Constitution and protect judicial independence. Education & Youth: UTAG-KNUST threatens further action over Pro-VC and Dean appointments as KNUST says statutes review is still ongoing. Health & Community: Mercy Ships returns to Ghana after 19 years, targeting 2,600 free surgeries and 1,600–2,000 dental treatments until June 2027.

Mercy Ships Returns: The Global Mercy hospital ship has docked at Tema and begun free surgeries in Ghana after 19 years away, with 1,900–2,600 operations and 1,600–2,000 dental treatments planned until June 2027, alongside training for Ghanaian health workers. Cancer Burden: Ghana’s cancer toll is stark, with 27,385 new cases and 17,944 deaths estimated for 2022, and liver, breast and cervical cancers leading deaths—fueling calls for a major Otumfuo Osei Tutu II cancer centre. Accountability Debate: The Tribunals Bill 2026 is stirring heated public arguments over justice and illegal mining, with supporters framing it as a constitutional push to speed enforcement. Energy Watch: PURC says July power still relied on thermal plants for 74.33% of generation, warning that dependence on liquid fuels leaves Ghana exposed to global price shocks. Economy Update: GSS reports June activity growth at 6.5%, driven mainly by services and ICT. Education & Skills: CEA and partners urge stronger literacy and lifelong learning funding and access, including second-chance education. Child Labour Push: SEND Ghana calls for measurable, community-led action to tackle child labour in cocoa areas. Transport & Costs: GPHA clarifies that Tema port congestion alone doesn’t justify a GH₵12 cement price rise. Football & Youth: President Mahama urges a return to Ghana football glory; Black Princesses beat South Korea 3-1; and Ashanti Region win the MTN Elite U-19 title.

Hearts of Oak Shake-Up: Managing Director Julius Ben Emunah has resigned after just seven months, ending his Feb 2026 appointment and leaving the club to manage uncertainty ahead of the new season. Transport Costs: GPRTU and GRTCC say no decision has been taken yet on any 2026 fare review, with consultations ongoing with the Ministry of Transport. Bushfire Readiness: The National Fire Service and stakeholders are urgently seeking PPE and firefighting logistics for the 2026/27 National Bushfire Prevention Campaign ahead of its Sept 25 launch. 5G Licensing: NCA has cleared MTN (Scancom), Telecel and Goal Telecom to proceed in Ghana’s 5G spectrum licensing after qualifying in key bands. Education Pressure: NUGS and Northern Region parents warn SHS placement remains unequal, with some areas effectively left with only Category C options during resolution. Football—Black Princesses: Ghana’s U-20 women revived hopes with a 3-1 win over South Korea; they now face France in the final group match. Diplomacy & Safety: Ghana says 62 citizens have been killed and 15 missing after alleged recruitment to fight for Russia, as Accra seeks answers while maintaining ties. Tourism & Culture: The “70 Slate Initiative” launches three films to spotlight Ghanaian stories ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

Weija Dam Safety: Ghana Water Ltd has started controlled spillage from Weija Dam as water nears the 46-foot threshold, urging downstream residents to evacuate and follow NADMO and assembly directives. Evacuation Accountability: Ghana’s Minority in Parliament is demanding an itemised public account of nearly GH¢50m spent on evacuating and reintegrating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, saying the figures released so far are too aggregated. Fiscal Oversight: President Mahama has inaugurated the Independent Fiscal Council to scrutinise government fiscal decisions and compliance, with a four-year mandate. Domestic Revenue Push: B5 Plus has paid GH¢400m in taxes to the Ghana Revenue Authority, with the GRA urging more businesses to fund public services. Public Health Warning: FDA warns against falsified “Dr Alfred Capsules” adulterated with sildenafil, urging the public to avoid purchases on social media. Education Support: Suhum MCE Lydia Ohenewaa supports 650 BECE graduates with SHS prospectus items and cash prizes. Sports—Black Princesses: Ghana’s U-20 women’s team, after a 3-0 loss to Ecuador, face South Korea seeking a turnaround.

U-20 Women’s World Cup: Black Princesses coach Charles Sampson says Ghana has fully recovered from the Ecuador shock and is ready to redeem themselves against South Korea on Wednesday. Sports Infrastructure: President Mahama reiterates plans to build 10 new stadia and refurbish Ho’s stadium to boost access to quality facilities across regions. Football Integrity: Mahama again blamed poor refereeing for damaging Ghana football, urging the Referees Association and GFA to raise standards and restore fan confidence. Public Finance Oversight: Mahama inaugurates a 5-member Independent Fiscal Council to provide independent, objective scrutiny of fiscal decisions. Value for Money: Dr Abdul-Baasit Aziz-Bamba appointed Acting DG of the Value for Money Office to strengthen scrutiny and curb waste. Education & Payments: Finance Ministry says all 6,300 GES staff recruited in 2024 without clearance have been paid, while GES sets up a help desk for unresolved cases. Scholarship Debt: Ghana pays US$3.5m to the University of Memphis to settle scholarship tuition arrears. Transport & Trade: New Volta Lake port at Mpakadan planned to move containers by rail-barge-road and decongest Tema. Cybersecurity Skills: One Million Coders expands to universities, with cybersecurity leading enrolment.

Health & Access: A Bole teacher’s kidney illness was first misread as an ulcer, then he was pushed from Tamale dialysis to Accra for hemodialysis—highlighting how specialist care is concentrated in the capital. Mental Health in Care: At Ridge Hospital’s dialysis centre, a psychologist says the hidden burden is stress, fear and financial anxiety that often goes untreated. Education & Equity: WAEC cancelled results over phone use and unauthorised materials, while English performance fell; Eduwatch also warns Free SHS has widened funding gaps between basic and secondary education. Public Services Rollout: Free primary healthcare has started in 135 districts with 4,574 facilities participating, as government targets full coverage by 2027. Economy & Regulation: BoG tightens dud cheque rules—repeat offenders face levies and possible credit bans. Governance & Youth: HeFRA’s Prof Vida Yakong urges Northern youth to become problem-solvers, not job seekers, and warns politicians against using and dumping young people. Sports: Hearts of Oak begin the GPL with a 4-0 win; Ghana’s Beach Soccer squad starts screening for AFCON qualifiers vs Nigeria. Infrastructure: Government moves to detailed design and procurement for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway after corridor clearing.

Diaspora Support: Ghana will soon launch a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to quickly finance emergencies for citizens abroad, after repeated evacuations—4,972 repatriated since 2025, including 1,900 from South Africa—highlighted heavy financial strain on government. Public Safety & Crime: Police say they’ve dismantled an armed robbery gang targeting gold dealers, recovering 3 AK-47 rifles and 357 rounds of ammo, while also updating on major operational successes including the arrest linked to the murder of Dr Jesse Amuah and his wife. Education Placement: Pressure is building around SHS placement as Eduwatch urges Ghana to permanently scrap the F9 barrier, arguing “spaces” don’t match families’ real boarding demand; GES counters that there are about 800,000 class vacancies. Digital TV Costs: Government introduces a new cost-sharing model for DTT stations—US$7,000 monthly per station initially—and reviews ICT laws to modernise the digital sector. Energy & Telecom: TUC rejects World Bank-backed private sector participation in ECG and NEDCo, calling it privatisation; telecom reports also point to ongoing fibre cuts and network investment. Sports: Jordan Ayew heads to England to finalise a Sheffield move; Ghanaian Stephen Afrifa scored in Sporting Kansas City’s 4-3 loss, while Samuel Amo-Ameyaw bagged a brace for Strasbourg.

Police Cooperation & Cybercrime: Ghana’s CID says international police collaboration helped recover about US$70,000 linked to cybercrime, arrest 68 suspects and rescue four Ghanaian children in an INTERPOL-backed operation against romance scams and sextortion. Health & Industry: Ghana signs an agreement to join the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, aiming to boost access for local vaccine and pharmaceutical makers and create steadier demand. Economy & FX: Bank of Ghana expects the cedi to stay relatively stable through 2026 as FX interventions and remittances ease pressure; GoldBod also projects US$1.4bn in September FX inflows to support reserves and market stability. Ports & Trade Costs: ICC Ghana warns port inspection delays are raising the cost of doing business, urging better coordination and wider use of the Authorised Economic Operator programme. Governance & Integrity: Calls for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s resignation are met with pushback from legal commentator Vicky Bright, who says the issue needs restraint and proper focus on judicial ethics. Road Safety: Somoco Ghana launches a 2026 “Safe Journey” campaign with NRSA and partners to improve rider training, licensing support and helmet use. Sports: Black Princesses open the U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 3-0 loss to Ecuador; in Ghana football, Asante Kotoko draw Debibi United 2-2 as coach Eric Tinkler criticizes poor play.