AGP Executive Report

Agriculture Funding Push: Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku says African governments are missing the Maputo 10% budget target for agriculture, with some countries allocating under 1%, warning this threatens jobs, food security and industrialisation. Health System Pressure: The Ghana Medical Association says KATH did not turn away emergency patients during recent A&E congestion, though it remains concerned about a query letter to the KATH CEO. Local Accountability: CDD-Ghana commends South Tongu Municipal Assembly for resolving 2024 Auditor-General audit issues, including non-remittance of statutory deductions. Public Information Rights: Ashanti and Bono Regional Ministers praise the RTI Commission’s rollout, urging sensitisation while warning against misuse of the mandate. AI Deadline: Ghana AI Awards nominations close June 15, ahead of the July 29–30 summit and awards. Crime Update: Police deny arrests over the June 3 fire at Accra Central Police Barracks, saying investigations are ongoing. Sports—Commonwealth Games: NPC Ghana unveils five para athletes targeting a podium finish in Glasgow 2026. Sports—World Cup Build-up: Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana is ready for England and embraces the pressure. Energy: Energy and Green Transition Minister John Jinapor claims Ghana has secured over US$3.5bn upstream oil and gas investment as crude output is expected to rise. Mining Revenue Gap: Chamber of Mines says ASM produces about 52% of gold but contributes less than 2% of mining tax revenue.

World Cup Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars were held 1-1 by Wales in Carlos Queiroz’s first pre-World Cup friendly as Caleb Yirenkyi scored and Lewis Koumas equalised late, leaving the team “with something to build on.” Football & Talent: Queiroz’s squad selection is already creating “good headache” ahead of Group L with players like Marvin Senaya and Caleb Yirenkyi impressing in camp. Investment & Industry: President Mahama told global investors Ghana is “open for business” at the London Stock Exchange, while Ghana and South Korea announced a Hyundai West Africa automotive plant in Ghana. Economy Watch: Ghana’s inflation edged up to 3.7% in May, driven mainly by food prices, and the Ghana Reference Rate fell slightly to 10.02% in June. Transport & Mobility: Ghana received the first 100 Egyptian-made buses, and DACF/Wahu Mobility will roll out 5,000 electric motorcycles for local service delivery. Public Health & Safety: Ghana activated enhanced Ebola screening for travellers from high-risk regions. Governance & Rights: Parliament approved an anti-LGBTQ+ law that now awaits the president’s assent, triggering fresh backlash. Energy Disruptions: ECG listed areas to face power outages today for maintenance.

Black Stars World Cup build-up: Ghana’s Black Stars have left Wales for their World Cup base in the United States, heading to Bryant University in Rhode Island after a 1-1 friendly draw in Cardiff under Carlos Queiroz; Caleb Yirenkyi scored, but Lewis Koumas equalised late, leaving players and fans focused on tightening details before Panama, England and Croatia in Group L. Sports Investment: The Ghana Sports Fund is courting investors in London to back sports infrastructure and talent development, with plans for multipurpose stadia and wider support for athletes. Power Supply Upgrade: ECG is progressing with a network reinforcement project on the Kaase 1 & 2 corridor in Greater Kumasi to improve voltage stability and reliability. Economy Watch: Bank of Ghana says inflation has eased to 3.7% in May and interest rates are falling, while the cedi continues to weaken on forex markets. Education & Welfare: GES begins the 2026 inter-regional and district re-posting process for teachers, and WFP says school meals are keeping 60,000 children in class in Northern Ghana. Health & Society: AIDS Healthcare Foundation Ghana marks Menstrual Hygiene Day with school outreach, while World No Tobacco Day messaging warns Ghana to unmask tobacco’s appeal.

World Cup Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars were held 1-1 by Wales in Cardiff as Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the 66th minute, but Lewis Koumas equalised in stoppage time—leaving Ghana winless in recent friendlies and Queiroz insisting the target is reaching the World Cup knockout stage. Economy & Jobs: Former Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah says IMF exit won’t ease youth unemployment and cost pressures, citing Greater Accra youth joblessness at 49.3%. Anti-LGBTQ+ Law: President John Mahama says the newly passed anti-LGBTQ+ bill will face scrutiny before approval, with procedural concerns flagged. Xenophobia Response: Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minority urges government to prioritise evacuation welfare over PR, as the High Commission releases the June 7 evacuee list. Flood Solutions: Ghana Institution of Engineers pushes mandatory rainwater harvesting to tackle Accra flooding. Health & Safety: Ghana activates Ebola screening for travellers from high-risk regions. Local Impact: Ghana Maritime Authority supports safe water access for six Upper West communities with mechanized boreholes. Sports & Culture: A Ghanaian documentary “Too Much Music” is set for the African Critics Prize at Locarno Open Doors.

World Cup Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars head to Cardiff for the Wales friendly today (kick-off 18:45GMT) as Carlos Queiroz pushes unity ahead of the 2026 tournament; FIFA has also confirmed squad numbers, with Brandon Thomas-Asante taking the iconic No.10 and Augustine Boakye wearing No.20. South Africa Xenophobia: Ghana has paused new repatriation sign-ups after about 1,500 Ghanaians registered, with officials screening the surge; Foreign Affairs says the evacuation was to save lives amid attacks. Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Scrutiny: Speaker Bagbin says the world is watching Parliament and insists procedures must withstand legal challenges, while President Mahama says the law will face legal review before final approval. Economy & Jobs: Ghana and the UK signed a £215m Growth Partnership aimed at jobs, infrastructure and skills, while Bank of Ghana says it’s working to expand private sector credit. Governance & Justice: NDPC boss calls for stronger stakeholder collaboration to speed sustainable development, and judges are urged to protect judicial independence to strengthen public trust. Road Safety: A head-on crash in Volta Region killed 15 and injured 25.

World Cup Squad & Build-up: Carlos Queiroz has named Ghana’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Thomas Partey included despite rape and sexual assault charges in the UK (he denies them), and Derrick Luckassen drafted in after Alexander Djiku was ruled out through injury; Ghana plays Wales in Cardiff on Tuesday, with Jordan Ayew urging patience and confidence as the Black Stars aim to “surprise people” in Group L against Panama, England and Croatia. Fan Ticket Transparency: Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams says government has secured 1,000 World Cup tickets in advance and rejects claims of illegal sales, promising checks against reselling and public scrutiny. South Africa Xenophobia & Evacuation: Ghana warns citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa over xenophobic attacks, while the High Commission temporarily suspends new evacuation registration as it verifies over 1,500 applications; Ghana also repatriated 105 foreign nationals after an anti-trafficking operation that rescued 112 victims. Jobs, Skills & Health: Mahama highlights a UK-Ghana Growth Partnership (up to £215m) focused on youth skills, while the Free Primary Health Care programme launches in Western Region for five districts. Digital Skills Push: The One Million Coders Program reports 12,623 course completions as Ghana builds its tech workforce.

Visa & Diplomacy: Ghana and South Korea sign a visa waiver deal for holders of diplomatic and service passports, with talks continuing for ordinary passport holders. World Cup Update: Coach Carlos Queiroz confirms Alexander Djiku will miss the 2026 World Cup due to injury, with Derrick Luckassen called up as Ghana fine-tunes ahead of the Wales friendly. Sports Development: QNET and Manchester City bring elite coaching to 25 young Ghanaian talents in Accra, while Caleb Yirenkyi earns Denmark’s Superliga Team of the Season recognition. Education Watch: GTEC lists 70 unrecognised institutions, including 14 operating in Ghana, warning the public to verify certificates. Banking & Money: Bank of Ghana probes reports of frozen deposits at Equity Savings & Loans; meanwhile, a T-bill auction records a GH¢1.03bn shortfall as yields edge up. Economy & Policy: Finance Minister says Ghana ends the IMF bailout era, shifting to a reform partnership with no new borrowing. Public Safety: Government advises Ghanaians to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, while evacuation support continues. Local Governance: Cabinet backs reforms to elect MMDCEs directly and strengthen accountability, with amendments expected in Parliament by end-2026.

Black Stars World Cup build-up: Ghana’s Black Stars are in camp in Cardiff ahead of the June 2 friendly against Wales, with coach Carlos Queiroz expected to name the final 26-man squad soon; the team will then play Jamaica on June 10 and open Group L against Panama on June 17, before England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27). Squad selection debate: The GFA has defended the omission of Joseph Paintsil and Derrick Köhn, saying tough squad rules and tactical needs drove the decision. Fan travel costs: President Mahama says government cannot fund mass World Cup travel from Ghana at about $11,000 per head, but will focus on securing tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora. Economy & jobs: An economist warns revenue growth is lagging spending, raising the risk of new fiscal pressure. Energy & industry: Mahama says Tema Oil Refinery will start refining Ghanaian crude in June 2026. Anti-galamsey push: GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi announces new measures, including 10 speedboats for NAIMOS to patrol river bodies. Health & skills: ECG begins a GH¢34m transformer upgrade at Batsona, while Vivo Energy Ghana and ATI launch an apprenticeship drive for young mechanics. Diaspora & investment: At a London town hall and the Ghana-UK Investment Summit, officials urged diaspora participation and investment links.

Anti-LGBTQ Bill: Ghana’s Parliament has passed a restrictive anti-LGBTQ+ law criminalising same-sex relationships and “promotion” of LGBTQ+ activities, with prison terms up to 10 years, while exemptions for some professionals are included. Health & Safety: As the rainy season begins, the Ghana Health Service warns of higher risks of cholera and malaria, and marks World No Tobacco Day urging pregnant women to avoid tobacco and nicotine. Healthcare Support: The Ministry of Health received pulse oximeters worth over US$100,000 to strengthen the Free Primary Healthcare initiative. Sports & World Cup: Sports Minister Kofi Adams confirms Black Stars players will get USD 100,000 appearance fees each for the 2026 World Cup as preparations in Wales continue. Ghana-Jamaica Deal: Ghana will send about 400 nurses to Jamaica under a renewed bilateral agreement after a 21-year break. Culture & Community: The Tourism Ministry launches the 2026 Afro-Gastro Festival and a national heritage photography competition, while Ghanaian actress Beverly Afaglo’s one-week remembrance drew major tributes ahead of final funeral rites on August 7.

US Deportations to Ghana: A lawyer tells AFP that another group of West Africans has been sent to Ghana under the US “third country” approach, including at least one person with deportation protections, raising fears of further removals. Fisheries & Premix Fuel: Chief fishermen and queen fishmongers are asking for formal recognition of inland fishing communities, while the Fisheries Ministry and OMCs step up checks to stop diversion and profiteering of subsidised premix fuel. Power Reliability in Kumasi: ECG says major sub-transmission upgrades in Greater Kumasi will be completed by June 5, with temporary outages possible. Anti-LGBTQ+ Law: Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, with exemptions for lawyers, journalists and health professionals, as debate intensifies ahead of the President’s assent. Bail Rights Concern: Commentaries and political reactions warn that excessive bail conditions are undermining presumption of innocence and liberty under the 1992 Constitution. World Cup Focus: Black Stars winger Ernest Nuamah says Ghana can achieve something special in World Cup Group L and highlights unity as camp preparations continue. Education Staffing Gap: The Education Minister tells Parliament Ghana needs at least 50,000 more teachers to close staffing shortages. ECOWAS/Regional Tensions: Xenophobia-linked repatriation from South Africa continues to dominate headlines, with calls for stronger continental action.

Anti-LGBTQ Law: Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, criminalising same-sex acts and the “promotion” of LGBTQ activities, with prison terms up to 10 years and a “duty to report,” though exemptions protect legal, media and healthcare professionals; the bill now awaits President Mahama’s assent. Transport Costs: The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says public transport fares will rise by 20% from June 2, citing fuel and maintenance pressures. World Bank Roads Boost: The World Bank approved a US$500m package to improve at least 1,000km of rural agricultural and market access roads, targeting 550,000 people and thousands of jobs. Ebola Readiness: Ghana’s Health Minister has activated emergency health protocols after WHO flagged the Bundibugyo Ebola strain as a Public Health Emergency. Football Tech Partnership: The GFA sealed a TECNO Ghana partnership to supply smartphones and tracking devices to strengthen player development ahead of major tournaments. World Cup Focus: Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says representing Ghana is his “biggest privilege” as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup. Public Health Warning: A medical entomologist warns pesticide overuse is driving mosquito insecticide resistance, weakening malaria prevention efforts. International Detention Case: A pregnant Ghanaian woman and her son detained at Washington Dulles for over a week are ordered to return home after a US judge intervened. Car Theft Ring: Canadian police say stolen luxury vehicles traced to Ghana were recovered in an international operation.

World Bank Boost: The World Bank has approved a US$500m package to improve at least 1,000km of rural feeder roads and market access, aiming to cut transport costs and create jobs for rural communities. Court Ruling: Ghana’s Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court decision ordering the FDA to pay Tobinco Pharmaceuticals over GH¢30m for unlawful detention of drugs, in a case tied to a 2013 registration dispute. Education & Work: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says Ghana needs at least 50,000 more teachers, with 7,000 new teachers currently being recruited to start work from July 1. Sports & Fans: Black Stars camp in Cardiff has grown to 22 players after six more arrivals, as Ghana prepares for Wales and Jamaica friendlies ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Women’s Health: Stakeholders warn that severe menstrual pain is still being normalised, with 9 out of 10 girls missing school during menstruation. Business & Skills: Bank of Ghana Governor Asiama says digital innovation and FinTech will drive Ghana’s economic transformation, including progress on the e-Cedi pilot. Culture & Youth: Kids Discovering Ghana 2026 has been launched to reconnect children with Ghanaian heritage through regional experiences.

Renewables Push: Ghana plans to scale up solar and mini-grid projects nationwide, moving from pilots to large-scale, bankable investment at constituency level, with net-metering for rooftop solar users also in the works. IMF Exit Update: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson told Parliament Ghana won’t need another IMF bailout “in the foreseeable future,” shifting to a policy coordination partnership to sustain reforms. 24-Hour Economy Execution: Presidential Advisor Augustus Tanoh urged CEOs and the private sector to drive the 24-hour economy, stressing alignment and execution across policy, finance, infrastructure and exports. Migration & Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana repatriated about 300 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic fears; the High Commissioner says Ghana will protect seized businesses with compensation and legal action, and Nigeria may evacuate next week. Digital Visa Boost: Tour operators back Ghana’s new e-visa platform and fee waivers for African passport holders to cut entry friction. Health & Safety: MTN’s Y’ello Care campaign will equip health centres ahead of June 1–21; Ghana also faces a lead poisoning concern over some local cooking pots. Road Tragedy: A fatal Akumadan crash killed 12 and injured two others in Ashanti. STEM Win: Ghana won the Junior Division at Robofest World Championships in the USA.

South Africa Repatriation: Ghana’s Border Management Authority says most of the first 300 citizens returned from South Africa were overstayers—295 were cleared to depart on a charter flight from OR Tambo, while five were refused due to issues like expired passports, an asylum application, or missing documents for claimed family ties. Immigration Stories: A Ghanaian man who lived in South Africa for 21 years after applying for asylum explains how he stayed long after his visa expired, as debates rage over the evacuation and legality of returnees. World Cup Football: Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare says he’ll respect Carlos Queiroz’s final call as Ghana trims its squad ahead of the June 1 announcement, while the GFA says the provisional 28-man list followed a structured, data-led scouting process. Digital Travel & Revenue: President Mahama launches Ghana’s biometric e-visa system for African passport holders with fee waivers, and the GRA reports its Publican AI helped add about GH¢1bn in customs revenue in April. Flood Safety: Ghana Water begins controlled spillage at Weija Dam after water levels exceeded 48 feet, warning downstream residents to evacuate. Agriculture & Community: Telecel Ghana renovates an ICT lab for Achiase students, and stakeholders at the Bolgatanga Seed Fair urge preservation of indigenous seeds for climate-resilient farming.

World Cup Build-Up: Ex-GFA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi urges Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars as Ghana prepares for Group L with Panama, England and Croatia, with camp already open and a Wales friendly set for June 2. Power Sector Discipline: Energy Minister Dr John Abdulai Jinapor tells ECG staff to stop politicising their work, warning that negligence and sabotage won’t be tolerated. South Africa Repatriation: Ghana’s first flight bringing about 300 evacuees from South Africa has arrived in Accra, with authorities saying most lacked valid papers; reintegration support is underway and 26 detained nationals were released after diplomatic talks. Governance & Transparency: RTI Commission marks Open Government Week in Accra, pushing transparency and civic participation. Trade Policy Reset: Trade Ministry says it will overhaul industrial and trade policy after a nationwide survey and stakeholder dialogue. Health Workers Arrears: Health Ministry assures full payment of nurses’ arrears, after some isolated delays. Oil Supply Boost: TOR receives about one million barrels of Bonga crude to support refinery rehabilitation. Environment Restoration: Govt launches an 800-acre land reclamation drive in Ellembelle to restore the River Subile ecosystem. Youth Football Pipeline: GFA Elite U15 championship draw maps routes for Ghana’s next generation, starting May 29.

Xenophobia & Repatriation: South Africa’s immigration authorities say only 10 of about 300 Ghanaians being repatriated are legally resident, as Ghana rushes evacuation flights amid anti-immigrant tensions; the first batch of 300 is expected to land in Accra on May 27 with support for reintegration and psychosocial care, and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says 26 returnees were prisoners who were negotiated out so no Ghanaian remains behind bars. Galamsy & Land Restoration: Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah leads a new 800-acre reclamation drive at Nkroful in the Western Region to restore degraded land and rehabilitate polluted pits, financed through a partnership with Zijin Golden Ridge. Youth & Eid Messages: President Mahama urges young people to reject drug abuse and embrace discipline, while Bawku West’s DCE and other traditional leaders echo calls for peace, unity and law-abiding conduct during Eid al-Adha. Hajj Tragedy: Ghana records a second Hajj death as Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, 60, dies at Arafat and is buried in line with Saudi arrangements. Economy & Jobs: Feed Ghana’s Nkoko Nkitinkiti initiative says it could cut poultry imports by 10–15% and save Ghana $30–60m annually, creating jobs across the poultry value chain. Sports: GFA signs JAC Motors and Tryton Motors for the 2026/27 season, and Hearts of Oak are in advanced talks with Prosper Ogum for the head coach role.