AGP Executive Report

Regional Mobility Push: Togo has abolished entry visas for all African Union citizens with valid passports, effective immediately, positioning Lomé as a regional hub as AfCFTA trade momentum grows. IMF Transition Watch: Bank of Ghana Governor Dr Johnson Asiama says Ghana’s non-financing IMF Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) will be folded into monetary policy, while the cedi remains under pressure (forex bureaus around GHS12.25 per $1 on sales) and the BoG plans to raise $1bn locally to fund 2026/27 cocoa purchases. Cocoa, Power, and Jobs Pressure: NPP minority voices warn of renewed “dumsor” and cocoa price pain, while procurement experts urge Ghana to move from compliance-only buying to value-driven procurement. Governance and Accountability: PAC questions a GH¢35.8m police reimbursement for the 2023 African Games over missing documents; GRIDCo’s board holds its first staff durbar after the Akosombo substation fire. Digital Economy: Ghana introduces a legal framework for virtual assets as crypto use expands, and ICAG urges accountants to adopt AI with integrity. Business on the Ground: Takoradi traders protest stalled Market Circle redevelopment; rent control orders a temporary hold on hostel fee hikes for 2026/27.

Global Governance Push: Ghana’s Vice President Opoku-Agyemang urged stronger African leadership and fairer global decision-making at the Oxford Africa Conference, warning recovery gains won’t last without credible institutions and accountability. World Cup Focus: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says Ghana’s 2026 World Cup goal is the Round of 32, with the Black Stars technical team led by Carlos Queiroz aiming to restore pride after Otto Addo’s dismissal. Gold Reserve Drive: Government is asking large miners to sell 30% of annual output to the Bank of Ghana (up from 20%) to boost reserves, while Damang Gold delivered 100% of output to GoldBod for the second straight time. Health Funding Shock: President Mahama says Ghana lost about $78m after USAID programme closures and is on track to exit GAVI vaccine funding by 2030. Cocoa Traceability: A German Embassy official visited Nanketewa to monitor Ghana’s cocoa traceability system as EU deforestation rules loom. Telecom Pressure: NCA warns operators of strict enforcement over poor service quality, and ECG scheduled maintenance outages across parts of Accra and Ashanti. Markets & Sports: Ghana’s current account surplus rose by $652m in Q1 2026; Ghana will send 40 athletes to the Commonwealth Games.

Sovereign Negotiations Push: A new Sankoree Institute of Global Negotiators (SIGN) was launched in Kigali to train and certify Africa’s “sovereign negotiators,” blending African case studies with AI tools under the Accra Reset sovereignty agenda. Cocoa Finance Boost: Access Bank and IFC disbursed about GH₵1bn to back Ghana’s cocoa production and purchases, with the bank saying its cocoa budget rose from GH₵900m last year to over GH₵1bn after partnering with IFC. Ghana-South Africa Safety: Ghana begins evacuating citizens from South Africa, with the first batch of 300 set to return May 21, as welfare and security concerns drive emergency coordination. Courtroom Tensions: In the Wontumi/Exim Bank-linked matters, Chairman Wontumi pleaded not guilty to fresh charges, while prosecution testimony continues in related cases. Economy & Markets: Treasury bills were oversubscribed by GH₵1.17bn, and the cedi held steady around GHS11.31–11.85 per $1 on Monday. Poverty Map: GSS flagged six of the poorest districts in North East Region despite national poverty decline.

IMF Exit, Real-World Pressure: Ghana has officially exited its US$3bn IMF programme and moved into a new Policy Coordination Instrument, but Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson says bondholders won’t be compensated after DDEP haircuts—while the IMF warns risks from SOEs and commodity swings could still derail gains. Banking Stability Watch: Bank of Ghana oversight is tightening as financial sector assets jumped 23.3% to GHS647.25bn in 2025, with regulators reporting “stress to stability.” Cocoa Finance Boost: Access Bank, with IFC support, says it has disbursed about GH₵1bn to back cocoa purchases and production. Consumer Protection Push: A new “Verify Before You Buy” campaign targets counterfeit, expired, mislabelled and fraudulent goods. Sports & Talent: Coventry City is reportedly in the race for Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku as the World Cup schedule spotlights Ghana’s June 17 clash with Panama. Digital Identity: A report says several African countries have advanced digital ID laws faster than parts of the G7, but implementation gaps remain.

AI vs Creative Work: At Cannes, Seth Rogen pushed back hard on AI writing, saying anyone outsourcing the writing process “has no business calling themselves a writer,” as Hollywood debates whether AI should count in filmmaking. GFA Football Push: Ghana Football Association confirms Asamoah Gyan will be unveiled as ambassador for the Black Stars and Colts on May 20 in Accra, aiming to rally fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Lottery Crackdown: Ghana’s National Lottery Authority orders Lotto operators to stop paying commission above the approved 25%, warning that extra “bonuses” tied to retailer compensation are illegal. IMF Exit Context: Ghana’s shift from IMF financing to a policy coordination arrangement remains the big economic storyline, with ongoing focus on fiscal discipline and institutions. Safety & Justice: Accra courts granted GHC2m bail to a soldier and security operatives over alleged assault, while event-security experts stress organisers must plan for safety, not just rely on police. Local Life: Seven suspects were arrested over the Atlantis hijacking and murder of one woman, with another surviving after being attacked.

IMF Exit, No Bailout: Ghana has officially wrapped up its $3bn IMF programme, with officials saying macro stability and debt sustainability improved ahead of schedule, and the country will move to the IMF’s non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) rather than seeking new money or Eurobonds in 2026. Fuel Shock: Fresh May 16 pump increases are already pushing Super petrol above GHS14 in some places, with diesel also rising. Power Disruptions: ECG warns of planned outages in Tema on Sunday and is still working to restore supply after a Western Region underground cable fault. ECG Land & Court Drama: GACL warns the public against buying a disputed Spintex Road property still tied up in court. Ecobank Reassures: Ecobank Ghana says a Supreme Court ruling on claims against it does not affect normal operations and that its position remains strong. Security & Crime: NPA and the Ghana Navy burned seized wooden boats used in coastal fuel smuggling. Tech & Youth: Tamale students unveiled crypto-powered smart litter bins to reward proper waste disposal. Culture & Identity: Culture Month is back—but the debate is shifting from outfits to values, unity, and fighting xenophobia.

Counter-Drone Drills: The U.S. Army is testing its “Bumblebee” anti-drone system during African Lion 26 in Morocco, aiming to protect troops and bases from cheap FPV killer drones. Workplace Integrity Push: Apostle Dr Nyamekye urged Zoomlion Kenya staff to lead with competence, integrity and faithfulness as the firm expands in East Africa. Sports Spotlight: Antoine Semenyo’s backheel fired Manchester City past Chelsea to win the FA Cup final at Wembley. Corruption Education: Ghana’s NCCE director in Tamale urged students to become active anti-corruption ambassadors and report wrongdoing. Local Governance Friction: Kadjebi District Assembly nearly stalled over delayed sitting allowances, with members demanding immediate payment. Business Disruption: A Pokupharma warehouse at Fumesua was ravaged by fire, destroying large quantities of pharmaceuticals. Urban Plans: Accra’s Marine Drive Project is being revised, with updates expected in about three months. Civic Pressure on Rights: Keta residents condemned xenophobic attacks in South Africa and called for stronger protection of foreign nationals. IMF Exit Reality Check: Commentators warn Ghana’s IMF exit is “probation,” not instant prosperity—stability hasn’t yet fully reached people’s pockets. Fuel Costs: Pump prices are projected to rise again from today, as the cedi remains under pressure.

Bank of Ghana Reset: Government says it will fully recapitalise the central bank by 2032 after Parliament amended the law—phased support, with “automatic recapitalisation” built in, as BoG’s negative equity worsened to GH¢96.28bn by end-2026. IMF Exit, Growth Push: IMF urges Ghana to use the new fiscal space to fund jobs and strategic investment as the country wraps up its US$3bn ECF and shifts to a 36-month policy support track. Food Security Pressure: NAFCO warns rice and grain mop-up is being blocked by storage—warehouses are full and many are leaking—despite GH¢300m released for strategic reserves. Transport Cost Shock: Diesel subsidy is cut again (GHS 1.07 per litre from May 16), just as pump floors rise—raising the effective starting price for motorists. Telecom Power & 5G: MTN CEO calls SMP a “badge of honour” and links its 5G push to inclusive deployment. Governance & Accountability: Parliament’s new Office for Value for Money aims to stop contract padding and inflated procurement.

IMF Exit, Big Signals: Ghana has officially completed its 17th IMF programme, with government saying the Extended Credit Facility ended ahead of schedule and Ghana will now shift to a non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument to keep reforms on track. Cedi Watch: The cedi slipped on Friday, with forex bureaus quoting about GHS12.20 per $1 on sales, while the interbank rate hovered around GHS11.42. Mining Tensions: The Chamber of Mines warns that lease revocations and renewal delays could scare off investors, especially as Gold Fields’ Tarkwa talks drag on. 24-Hour Economy Push: The NPA’s pilot for petroleum downstream operations gets backing from BOSTenergies, while districts keep rolling out 24-hour market projects. Politics & Free Speech: Bawumia condemns arrests of NPP members, calling it intimidation and warning of an “accountability day.” Health Upgrade: Ghana commissions a nuclear medicine facility (PET-CT) to cut outbound cancer travel.

MTN Ghana 30th Anniversary: MTN has kicked off its 30 years of “Progress, Powered by You,” doubling down on digital inclusion and Mobile Money as the engine of financial access. 24-Hour Economy Push: Ghana launched a pilot for 24-hour petroleum downstream operations, aiming to boost productivity and create jobs by keeping fuel supply moving beyond the usual hours. Digital Infrastructure Sprint: Government set a target of 70% nationwide 5G coverage by March 2027, while the Communications Minister urged balanced spectrum pricing to avoid choking investment. Fraud Alert: GETFund warned the public about fake contract award notices circulating in its name. Legal Shockwave: A Supreme Court ruling on compounded interest has sparked alarm over potential financial fallout. Sports & Youth: Three clubs—Port City, FC AshantiGold ’04, and Debibi United—earned historic Premier League promotion, while Ghana’s One Million Coders programme faces a massive scaling challenge. World Cup Momentum: Black Stars fundraising continues with fresh corporate donations.

BoG & cedi in focus: The cedi slipped further on Thursday, with forex bureaus quoting about GHS12.15 per $1 on sales, while the interbank market held near GHS11.35—fueling fresh debate on currency stability. Central bank accountability: A Chartered Accountant pushed back on politicised claims about Bank of Ghana losses, saying they reflect policy intervention costs and accounting rules, not “failure,” and urged Ghanaians to stop “weaponising” BoG reports. Procurement reform row: In Parliament, critics say the Value for Money Office Act risks becoming another layer of politically supervised bureaucracy, not a true anti-corruption shield. Education overhaul: President Mahama says Ghana will phase out the “double track” system by 2027, alongside a World Bank-backed plan to upgrade 50 SHSs. Water utility dispute: Ghana Water Limited rejects claims it’s drifting from its mandate as NDPC questions rising non-revenue water and commercial ventures. Digital & telecom pressure: The telecoms chamber warns fibre cuts have surged past 8,000 annually, straining operators. Regional security: Xenophobic violence in South Africa continues to drive Ghana’s evacuation plans for about 300 citizens.

Zero-Tariff Boost for Africa Trade: China’s expanded zero-tariff treatment for all 53 African diplomatic partners is already cutting costs for African-linked imports in Hunan, with one South African wine shipment saving about 21,000 yuan in duty and expected annual savings of roughly 5 million yuan. South Africa Xenophobia Response: Ghana has started repatriating about 300 citizens from South Africa amid deepening xenophobic attacks, prioritising people targeted in harassment and forced business takeovers. Drug and Border Crackdowns: Nigeria’s Ogun Customs says it seized contraband worth over N6.77bn in 41 days, including “Ghana Loud” cannabis and other goods; meanwhile AFP reports Indian pharma firms are still flooding West Africa with powerful opioids like tapentadol, now linked to “zombie drug” kush. Education and Integrity: CTVET begins harmonised TVET exams for 61,506 candidates, while University of Ghana sanctions cheating students and offers counselling. Health Policy: Mahama ends blanket tax exemptions on medical equipment, approving relief case-by-case as PET-CT services expand. Energy Pressure: Dumsor complaints keep rising as ECG schedules maintenance and fuel price relief is set to expire.

Banking Leadership: Standard Chartered Bank Ghana appoints Xorse Godzi as CEO and Managing Director effective 11 June 2026, taking over from Mansa Nettey. Opposition Clash: Bawumia accuses the NDC government of suppressing free speech and intimidating NPP supporters through arrests and harassment. Public Finance Debate: Osahen Afenyo-Markin says the new Value for Money Office Act should strengthen existing accountability institutions, not create new ones. Mining & Local Control: Apinto Gyaasehene endorses the Damang Mine handover to Engineers and Planners (E&P), while Sophia Akuffo urges Ghana to reject Gold Fields’ Tarkwa lease renewal. 24-Hour Economy Push: Ghana Shippers Authority moves to round-the-clock operations and expands ShippersApp for complaints as ports and corridors gear up. Money & Markets: BoG mops up GH¢19.06bn via a 14-day bill auction; cedi trades around GHS12.15 per $ on forex bureaus. Roads Pressure: Roads Minister Agbodza orders Top Engineering International to account for slow work on Enchi–Elubo Road after only ~5% progress. Digital & Consumer Protection: MTN Ghana stresses consumer protection in digital credit; Fidelity Bank backs Africa-led digital infrastructure at 3i Africa Summit. Crime Update: CID/BNI arrests East Legon influencer “SoAfrican” over alleged online sexual exploitation and non-consensual sharing.

Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana’s government is moving to protect its people as experts warn South Africa’s rising xenophobic tensions could dent its global reputation—amid reports of attacks, including the torching of anti-foreigner activist Ngizwe Mchunu’s home. Mahama Cares Rollout: The state has published a list of approved hospitals for the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, with applications routed digitally through specialist clinicians and eligibility tied to citizenship, NHIS status, and approved conditions. Rent De-dollarisation: The Rent Commissioner and Bank of Ghana have started talks to stop landlords charging rent in US dollars, with plans to amend the 1963 Rent Act by end-2026. Security Upgrade: Ghana Police begin a 10-day intelligence and undercover training in Accra with FBI support to tackle cross-border and cyber-enabled crime. Infrastructure Pressure: Roads Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza threatens to strip a contractor over the stalled Enchi–Elubo road after months of no meaningful work despite a GH₵80.2m mobilisation payment. Cocoa & Finance Watch: Fitch upgraded Ghana’s credit rating to B with a positive outlook, while the IMF’s final review is due May 15—both raising the stakes for the next policy step.

TCDA Partnerships: Tree Crops Development Authority signs MoUs to boost beekeeping, reclaim degraded land and pilot rubber plantations, aiming to raise farmer income and restore landscapes. Flood Preparedness: VRA steps up emergency sensitisation in Anloga on spill-related flooding, while residents press for dredging at the Fuveme estuary to stop recurring inundation. Food Safety: A Swindon town centre restaurant that previously hit a zero rating is now back to a “generally satisfactory” score after a new inspection. Free SHS Feeding: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says feeding challenges under Free SHS have been fixed, with stronger funding to prevent school closures. Security & Trade: Driver and conductor remanded for allegedly transporting large quantities of ammunition; meanwhile, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare meets UK and China envoys to advance investment and zero-tariff trade. Cocoa Finance Shock: Banks begin seizing PBC assets over a GH¢257m debt crisis, threatening cocoa purchasing and farmer payments. 24-Hour Economy: NPA says 268 fuel stations, 8 depots and 2 refineries will be brought into the pilot rollout. World Cup Push: GCB Bank pledges GH¢5m to Black Stars and Ghana secures broadcast rights for 2026 matches.

Water Enforcement: Ghana Water Limited has recovered about GH₵3.7m from customers caught in illegal connections and meter bypasses, uncovering nearly 400 cases in Accra as a nationwide anti-water theft push intensifies with National Security support. Legal Education Shake-up: Conflicting views are emerging over whether the Ghana School of Law entrance exams still hold after President Mahama assented to the Legal Education Reform Act—some say the exam system is abolished, others argue it can still run this year. Hajj Logistics: The first batch of 433 Ghanaian pilgrims has departed Accra for Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj, with officials urging patience and unity. Public Finance Oversight: The Finance Ministry says the proposed Value for Money Office will certify contracts beyond single-source deals, aiming to ensure every cedi delivers real value. Trade & Diplomacy: China’s ambassador says Ghana–China trade hit US$14.1bn in 2025 and points to Beijing’s zero-tariff policy as a boost for Ghanaian exports. Mining & Environment: In Prestea, residents say a Chinese firm was chased out of a mining concession after alleged illegal operations and regulatory breaches.