AGP Executive Report

Financial Literacy Push: Prudential Life Insurance Ghana launches LEVELA, a free web app to help young Ghanaians manage savings, insurance and pensions amid rising scams and complex products. Education Update: WAEC releases 2026 WASSCE provisional results for 512,862 candidates, but cancels or withholds 8,295 results over irregularities, with Social Studies and Mathematics improving while English Language declines. Governance & Integrity: Transparency International Ghana demands Parliament fully disclose an alleged GH¢70,000 payment linked to vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees, which MP Patricia Appiagyei denies. Security on the Border: Majority Leader James Agalga says over 300 people were arrested for suspected extremist recruitment along Ghana’s northern border between 2023 and 2025. Football Focus: GFA welcomes TP Mazembe to Tarkwa for Medeama’s CAF Champions League clash; GFA president Kurt Okraku urges fair play and professionalism as the 2026/27 season begins.

SME Financial Discipline: MTN Ghana’s financial literacy webinar urged SMEs to separate revenue from profit, stop dipping into business cash for personal spending, and adopt disciplined habits like paying themselves a salary. Marriage Verification App: Ghana launched Marrify, a digital platform to verify marriage/divorce records and check licensed marriage officers, venues and Imams. Prostate Cancer Screening: Urologists urged men 40+ to get regular prostate checks and PSA tests for early detection. Accra-Kumasi Expressway Funding: Government says with 170km cleared, full funding for the expressway will be ready by end-2026. GRA Passenger Baggage Suit: A lawyer has challenged the GRA’s power to grant passenger baggage tax exemptions at the Supreme Court. Security Warning: Defence Intelligence warned communal conflicts can be exploited by extremists as regional terror fatalities rise. Tema Port Congestion: GSA moved in to assess Tema Port delays and container clearance pressures. Football—Ghana on the Continent: GFA boss Kurt Okraku urged Medeama and Nations FC to represent Ghana with pride in CAF competitions. Premier League Season Kickoff: Hearts of Oak coach Nebojsa Kapor rallied fans ahead of the Berekum Chelsea opener; Kotoko’s Eric Tinkler targets a top-four finish and warns against complacency. Sports—Youth & Beach Soccer: Black Maidens named a 24-player WAFU B U-17 squad; Black Sharks will hold nationwide “justify your inclusion” trials ahead of AFCON qualifiers. BoG Currency Warning: Bank of Ghana warned against illegal cedi note misuse like spraying and defacing.

Energy & Finance: BOSTenergies has paid its first-ever dividend to the Government of Ghana—GH¢34.2m—after strong 2025 results, including GH¢3.81bn revenue and GH¢683.96m profit after tax, as it marks a major turnaround. Tax Clarity: Ghana Revenue Authority says travellers with more than two phones or laptops won’t face automatic duty; customs will assess personal use versus commercial quantities, and new devices may still attract duty. Sports—Black Stars & Youth Football: Carlos Queiroz has been reappointed as Black Stars head coach for the next phase ahead of AFCON qualifiers. In Poland, the Black Princesses’ camp is pushing to reach the U-20 World Cup knockout stage for the first time, with defender Alexandra Tay targeting history. Health: KOICA and UNICEF donated vehicles to support Ghana Health Service programmes in Ashanti, Central and Eastern regions. Security & Education: The National Peace Council warns violence and intolerance in SHSs are rising, urging action after clashes led to school closures. Roads & Development: Works Minister orders traffic management for the Pamprom Junction-First Light drainage closure. Economy & Jobs: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson begins consultations for a $10bn “New Economy” transformation programme focused on jobs and wealth creation.

Black Stars Leadership: Carlos Queiroz is back as Ghana head coach, with the GFA saying he’ll guide the team into the next phase and AFCON qualifiers after his World Cup exit. Judiciary Tension: NDC’s Hamza Suhuyini rejects NPP calls for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to resign over remarks during SOE visits, arguing the CJ isn’t partisan. Sports Business & League Build-up: Medeama names Lawson Limited as headline sponsor ahead of the 2026/27 season, while Asante Kotoko confirms Lord Amoah as captain and the GPL sees local coaches dominate dugouts. Football Talent Pipeline: Tottenham signs English-born Ghanaian midfielder Kwasi Senyah from Wolves, and Ibrahim Sadiq completes his MLS move to Colorado Rapids. Trade, Ports & Customs: GRA clarifies travellers with more than two phones won’t face automatic duty, and ICC Ghana warns port inspection delays are raising business costs. Health & Safety: Bawumia meets nurses and midwives, and Somoco Ghana launches the Safe Journey 2026 road safety campaign. Economy & Markets: GSE is projected to close 2026 with about 81% returns, and cement makers face a temporary GH¢12 surcharge due to Tema Port congestion.

Health & Care Abroad: Fortis Healthcare and Treat Aid Ghana have launched the Fortis Information Centre in Accra to guide patients seeking specialised treatment abroad, linking Ghanaians, local doctors and Fortis specialists in India while promising follow-up on return. Judiciary & Politics: IMANI Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe and GHEITI co-chair Dr Steve Manteaw have weighed in on Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s remarks about past state institution performance, with calls for the CJ to avoid public commentary to protect judicial neutrality. Football—Black Stars: Carlos Queiroz has been reappointed as Ghana head coach less than two months after quitting following World Cup elimination, with the GFA citing his experience for the next phase. Football—Kotoko Reshuffle: Asante Kotoko confirmed the departure of 14 first-team players ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season. Security & Human Rights: Ghana Immigration Service says it rescued 1,055 West Africans, including 662 children, in an intelligence-led crackdown on forced begging and trafficking networks across Greater Accra and Ashanti. Sanitation: Government plans to evacuate over 30 years of waste around Korle Lagoon to a 200-acre landfill in Nsawam, as Accra decongestion efforts continue. Women’s Football: Ampem Darkoa Ladies set up a WAFU B final against Edo Queens for a CAF Women’s Champions League spot after beating Dynamique 4-1.

Black Stars Coaching Update: The Ghana Football Association has reappointed Carlos Queiroz as head coach for the next phase, with a new mandate starting in the upcoming international window ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers; Ghana will face Côte d’Ivoire on Sept 24 and host The Gambia on Sept 27. Constitutional Review Watch: The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) warns that proposed constitutional changes—especially around removing senior judges—could weaken judicial independence and turn the judiciary into a political tool, urging consensus and public education before any amendments. Energy & Power Supply: PURC has urged ECG to tackle persistent outages and meter delays, citing complaints across Greater Accra and calling for transformer upgrades, better fault communication, and improved service delivery. Local Health & Governance: SIGA commended GNA for improved 2025 finances and governance compliance, including reduced deficit and better short-term debt coverage. Cybersecurity Alert: CSA says nearly half of Ghana’s reported cyber incidents (47%) between January and July 2026 involved online fraud. Road to Better Sanitation: Wenchi Municipal Assembly plans a modern singeing plant at the slaughterhouse after reports of unhygienic practices. Human Interest: Gospel musician Bernice Offei, reported missing, has been found safe.

Football & Youth Development: FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Ghana’s football progress after meeting GFA boss Kurt Okraku, pointing to the Black Princesses’ U-20 Women’s World Cup qualification and upcoming U-17 campaign. Premier League Updates: GFA will hold a one-day workshop for Premier League coaches ahead of 2026/27, while NASCO/ Electroland upgrades the Man-of-the-Match prize to a 32-inch TV. Transport Costs: GPRTU says public transport fares will rise this week as operators respond to higher petroleum prices, with the exact percentage to be announced by end of the week. Economy & Trade: Ghana’s Q1 2026 external trade hit GH¢174.6bn, with a nominal trade surplus of GH¢46.1bn, though the GSS warns real terms show a deficit. Gold & Accountability: NPP demands publication of foreign gold buyers and contract terms, while debates over GoldBod’s losses and forex impact continue. Education Policy: A UEW lecturer warns Free SHS sustainability could be threatened by weak stakeholder consultation and politicisation. Cybersecurity: CSA calls for stronger collaboration to curb cybercrime as online fraud drives nearly half of reported incidents.

Football Transfers: Mohammed Fuseini’s Birmingham move collapsed, but Derby County quickly secured the Ghanaian winger on a season-long loan from Union Saint-Gilloise, with an option to buy, after he impressed in Belgium and Europe. Energy & Policy: President John Dramani Mahama urged Africa to keep oil and gas alongside renewables for a practical energy transition, as Africa Oil Week 2026 opened in Accra with new exploration momentum. Business & Jobs: The Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu was inaugurated as a key anchor for Northern industrialisation under the 24-Hour Economy, promising large-scale employment and export manufacturing. Local Economy & Trade: Traders and General Importers Association of Ghana called for a review of port charges, while GNCCI said access to affordable credit remains a major hurdle despite lower interest rates. Sanitation & Health: Zoomlion launched a regionwide disinfection and disinfestation exercise in the Upper West Region to reduce outbreak risks after heavy rains and flooding. Mobile Money Concern: A woman accused MTN of refusing to replace a SIM linked to over GH¢100,000 MoMo after her phone was stolen. Culture & Youth: Over 200 Made-in-Ghana businesses showcased products at the This Is Ghana Exhibition in Accra, pushing local trade and AfCFTA opportunities.

Non-Aligned Movement: President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Belgrade, Serbia, for the 65th anniversary summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, highlighting Ghana’s role in founding the movement in 1961. Finance & Markets: Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) becomes the first bank in Ghana to offer virtual accounts after approvals from the Bank of Ghana and SEC, while One Africa Securities gains admission into both regulators’ virtual asset sandboxes. Gold & FX Policy: Ghana will replace the Bank of Ghana reference rate with the Bloomberg rate for gold pricing, as GoldBod targets US$1.4bn in forex generation for September under GANRAP. Jobs & Industry: A US$270m poultry investment is set to cut chicken imports by more than half and create about 12,000 jobs. Governance & Rights: The Ministry of Education plans to amend the Pre-Tertiary Education Act to restore stronger faith-based representation on the GES Council, and the NCCE calls for tighter media partnerships to protect Ghana’s democracy in the digital age. Sports: Medeama are crowned 2026 Champion of Champions; Ampem Darkoa set for a WAFU B semi-final against FC Dynamique; Golden Maidens host Cote d’Ivoire in an international netball friendly.

Ghana Economy & Forex: GoldBod says it generated US$1.315bn in foreign exchange in August and targets US$1.4bn in September, with US$700m for commercial banks and up to US$700m for the Bank of Ghana’s reserve build-up. Energy & Transport Costs: GPRTU warns transport fares may rise again if fuel prices increase, after projected September petrol and diesel hikes. Governance & Democracy: The NCCE says misinformation, deepfakes and hate speech are now serious threats to Ghana’s democratic stability, urging stronger media partnerships. Public Accountability: Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin urges the government to plug loopholes in GoldBod and tighten ECG, saying cedi stability can’t hide losses and inefficiencies. Flood Risk: Bagré Dam spillage in Burkina Faso more than doubles as Ghana’s Volta rivers rise; NADMO has activated an emergency response. Maritime Oversight: Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku demands GMA explain the legal basis for waiving a US$1m penalty on MV Sankofa. Education: Teacher unions and the Education Ministry agree on promotion placement and salary scales, calling off a planned strike. Sports & Culture: FC Twente signs Belgian-Ghanaian midfielder Jordy Bawuah; Ghana Premier League rewards increase, with champions set for GH¢3m; and Sammyflex TV’s Roland Amartey will lead coverage of the 10th Ghana Music Awards UK in London on Oct 31.

FX & Reserves Debate: NPP MP Dr. Gideon Boako says the $80m monthly FX intervention cap under the IMF programme was real, defended discipline by the previous administration, and argues Ghana’s reserve gains helped the cap lift in 2025—now the NDC benefits from that groundwork. Reparations Push: President Mahama says Ghana will host a high-level UN General Assembly side event in September to report progress on reparations and cultural heritage restitution panels. Jobs & Industry: Mahama inaugurates the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu, a 24-hour, zero-waste garment hub already creating 2,300 jobs and targeting up to 30,000 at full capacity. Security & Health: NDLEA in Lagos seizes N6.2bn drugs, including captagon hidden in Ghana soap and millions of opioid tablets. Sports Updates: Accra Sports Stadium stays closed until Ghana’s AFCON qualifier vs Gambia; Ghana’s U-20 Women’s World Cup final squad named; and Club Brugge is linked with Ghana midfielder Abdul Manaf Ansah. Cedi Watch: BoG reports the cedi depreciated 7.9% against the US dollar in H1 2026.

National Security & Media: Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority boss urged closer media–security collaboration to protect national security while defending the public’s right to know, as the National Security Coordinator also told journalists to be bold, research well, and avoid “driving in the middle” during sensitive situations. Anti-Trafficking Crackdown: The Ghana Immigration Service launched an intelligence-led operation that arrested 1,055 people across Accra and Kumasi, including 662 children, to dismantle exploitative street-begging networks. Drugs Interdiction: NDLEA reported a major Lagos airport seizure of “Captagon/Jihadi drug” and opioids worth over N6.2bn, plus a separate Port Harcourt raid that recovered cocaine and heroin from a safe. Peace & Security Financing: President Mahama backed the AU Luanda Action Plan, stressing sustainable, predictable, African-owned financing and early warning leading to early action. Roads & Jobs: Improved Tumu–Bolgatanga and Tumu–Tamale roads are expanding commuter vehicle options, while government plans a 150-acre Tamale air cargo hub to boost exports. Sports: Medeama won the Champions of Champions Cup after beating Nations FC 2-0, and Ampem Darkoa topped WAFU B Group B after a 2-1 win over Edo Queens.

Drug Control: NDLEA intercepted “Jihadi drug” captagon hidden inside Ghana soap at Lagos airport, arresting a 49-year-old kingpin; more than N6.2bn worth of pills were seized. Sports Rivalry: Ghana and Nigeria have been drawn for the 2026 CAF Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers, with two-leg ties set for October. Youth Football: Eastern Region face Ashanti in Matchday Five of the 2026 MTN Elite U-19 Championship as the tournament heats up. Jobs & Economy: Bank of Ghana reports job advertisements rose 45% year-on-year in June, signalling improving labour demand. Health & Regulation: FDA, with police and National Security, arrested one person after cigarette-shaped candy was seized at Makola Market. Public Safety: Fallen high-tension cable killed over 10 cattle in Krachi East; ECG urged to isolate and remove the hazard. Business & Culture: This Is Ghana Exhibition wraps its final day today, spotlighting locally made products and creators. Finance Markets: Government opens book-build for a new four-year cedi Treasury Bond on September 1.

Galamsey & Jobs: NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia met small-scale miners to discuss practical reforms aimed at responsible mining, environmental protection, and more local value addition. Governance: President John Dramani Mahama swore in Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Environment, Science and Technology) and Mahama Ayariga (Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs), urging integrity and firm action against illegal mining. Banking & Forex Controls: The Bank of Ghana inaugurated a preliminary committee to investigate seized undeclared foreign currency at airports and borders, warning it fuels money laundering and weakens formal forex markets. Public Finance: BoG says Ghana’s public debt rose to GH¢719.52bn (45% of GDP) by June 2026, mainly driven by higher domestic borrowing. Health & Accountability: Akosua Manu calls for a bipartisan parliamentary probe into maternal deaths after a Ridge Hospital case sparked outrage. Energy & Safety: ECG customers in Ketu South plan a Sept 1 protest over over-billing and faulty meters; ORCC also inaugurated audit committees, while a fallen high-tension cable killed cattle in Oti Region. Sports: Mohammed Kudus returned from a seven-month injury layoff for Tottenham, but Spurs lost 2-0 to Newcastle; Kojo Oppong Peprah completed his move to Fenerbahçe.

Water & Infrastructure: Ghana Water Ltd says a major pipeline burst has disrupted supply in parts of Western Accra, with teams dewatering and working to restore service after excavation damage to a 500mm line. Banking & Digital Assets: Universal Merchant Bank becomes the first Ghanaian bank approved by BoG and SEC to offer virtual accounts for eligible businesses in the virtual asset ecosystem. Education & Youth: Valley View University graduates 1,156 students across its campuses, with the VC urging integrity and excellence as they enter the workforce. Governance & Access to Info: RTI Commission names September 2026 as Right to Information Month, with activities across major cities and a stakeholder conference on Sept 24. Sports (Ghana Abroad & Local): Fenerbahce completes the signing of Ghana defender Kojo Oppong Peprah, while Djiku backs him to thrive; locally, Asante Kotoko coach Eric Tinkler says the team must improve finishing after winning the Democracy Cup. Tourism & Culture: Ghana Tourism Authority extends “December in GH” event proposal deadline to Sept 7, 2026. Agriculture: FONAR warns striga infestation can wipe out up to 60% of cereal crops in Northern Ghana.

Democracy Cup Drama: Asante Kotoko beat Hearts of Oak 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw at Baba Yara, with goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim saving two spot-kicks to clinch the 2026 title. Media Responsibility: Parliament Speaker Alban Bagbin urged media practitioners to stay accurate, fair and professional, warning that misinformation and polarisation threaten trust and cohesion. Food Security Threat: FONAR says striga (witchweed) is wiping out up to 60% of cereal crops in Northern Ghana, with severe infestations able to destroy entire farms. 24-Hour Economy & Ports: Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana calls for stronger port security and urges GPHA to reclaim expired leased lands to ease Tema Port congestion, while GRA Customs pledges tighter collaboration with GPHA to improve container movement. Jobs & Industry Push: President Mahama inaugurated Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited in Savelugu, a zero-waste garment hub aimed at boosting export production and creating thousands of jobs. Energy Access: Government launched a GHS598m electrification project to connect 206 Volta communities to the national grid within six months. Sports & Talent Abroad: Fenerbahce confirmed signing Ghana defender Kojo Oppong Peprah from Nice.