AGP Executive Report

Health & Jobs: Northern Ghana’s youth are being urged to stop waiting for jobs and instead build local solutions, with HeFRA’s Prof Vida Nyagre Yakong warning the region has “a shortage of problem-solvers, not job seekers.” Education Funding: Eduwatch says Free SHS has widened inequality by pulling more money per learner into secondary education while basic schools remain under-resourced. Roads & Trade Logistics: Tema Port congestion is blamed on a mismatch between rising cargo volumes and infrastructure, with government pointing to road/harbour route upgrades and more berths. Banking & Payments: FirstBank is promoting PAPSS for faster cross-border payments in local currencies, cutting delays and FX headaches. Cocoa Value Addition: Germany backs Ghana’s 50% local cocoa processing policy, pushing the country further toward finished chocolate and higher-value exports. Financial Discipline: BoG’s new dud cheque rules raise levies and can restrict credit access for repeat offenders. Energy for Food Security: A renewed push argues Africa’s agriculture needs reliable energy for irrigation, cold storage and processing. Natural Resources Scrutiny: Lands Minister Armah-Kofi Buah calls for more investigative, data-driven journalism to improve accountability in mining and extractives. Healthcare Rollout: Free Primary Healthcare has started in 135 districts, with targets to expand to 150 by year-end.

Telecom Resilience: Ghana recorded 8,578 fibre cuts so far this year, with road construction driving 49% and illegal mining (galamsey) 25%; government says telecom operators will spend about US$20m this year to repair damage, as data demand keeps rising. Digital TV Financing: Government will introduce a new cost-sharing model for stations on the DTT platform, with each station paying US$7,000 monthly in the initial years, alongside reviews of 15 ICT laws. Petroleum Cooperation: Ghana and Uganda’s regulators are deepening upstream oil peer learning on governance, cost control, safety, environment, investment and local content. Skills & Jobs: Hyundai, KOICA and Plan International launched the Hyundai KOICA NextGen project (2026-2030) to train youth for automotive and EV skills, targeting women and out-of-school youth. Business & Markets: The GSE Composite Index rose 71.9% year-to-date with trading activity up sharply, while investors drove market momentum. Security & Trade Environment: Police recalled personnel from checkpoints along the Aflao-Akatsi highway after complaints of harassment and extortion. Diaspora Support: Foreign Affairs says 4,972 Ghanaians have been repatriated since 2025, and government spent GH¢49.72m on South Africa xenophobic-attack evacuations and reintegration. Agribusiness: Tomato prices are expected to drop as farmers begin dry-season harvesting, supported with irrigation and inputs.

AI & Entrepreneurship: British entrepreneur Timothy Armoo’s Legon Fund will invest about $6.7m (£5m) in minority-led AI startups, aiming to lower barriers for young founders. Cybercrime & Public Safety: Ghana Police, via international cooperation, recovered about US$70,000 linked to romance scams and sextortion, arresting suspects and rescuing four children. Youth Skills & Jobs: SebAid Foundation will hold a National Entrepreneurship & Skills Acquisition Conference in Accra on Sept 26, with sessions on AI for business plus practical low-capital and digital marketing tracks. Trade & Logistics Costs: ICC Ghana warns port inspection delays are raising the cost of doing business, calling for better coordination and wider use of the Authorised Economic Operator programme. FX & Mining Finance: Ghana Gold Board projects US$1.4bn FX inflow in September, with half for market stability and half for reserve accumulation. Currency Outlook: Bank of Ghana expects the cedi to stay relatively stable through 2026 despite rising Christmas import demand. Roads & Commuting: GARID warns a Pamprom Junction closure will worsen Kaneshie traffic and urges motorists to use alternative routes. Road Safety: Somoco Ghana launches its 2026 “Safe Journey” campaign with NRSA and DVLA to push safer riding, licensing support and helmet use. Local Industry Ownership: Olive Africa Partners acquires TexStyles Ghana’s GTP and Woodin brands, moving the textile icon into Ghanaian ownership. Capital Markets: Government’s new four-year Treasury bond attracts GH¢4.46bn bids, with GH¢3.15bn accepted at a 12.00% yield. Education Support: Sagnarigu MP Atta Issah donates 1,500 dual desks to GES, targeting to close a large furniture deficit. Second-Hand Device Risk: A warning highlights how stolen phones and laptops sold as “UK-used” can land innocent buyers in criminal cases.

Government Finance: Ghana’s 4-year fixed rate bond auction drew GH¢4.46bn in bids and accepted GH¢3.15bn at a 12.00% yield, signalling steady institutional appetite for medium-term government paper. Youth & Reparations: An International Youth Forum in Accra urged African youth to push for economic emancipation through debt cancellation and reparations, linking today’s constraints to colonial legacies. Packaging & Trade: Institute of Packaging Ghana joins the World Packaging Organisation to mark World Packaging Day, spotlighting packaging’s role in food protection, innovation, sustainability and intra-African trade. Cocoa & Climate Risk: A new study finds cocoa farmers in Wassa Amenfi East believe they’re prepared for climate hazards, but measured preparedness intensity is low—raising urgency for better adaptation support. Energy & Transport Cost Pressure: With fuel prices biting, electric motorcycles are gaining traction as riders seek cheaper, more reliable charging over volatile petrol costs. Mining & Community Safety: Tension in Gbane (Upper East) is rising over a mining dispute, with youth groups warning enforcement of a court order could trigger violence without stronger state protection. Poultry Value Chain: The 24-Hour Economy Secretariat mobilised over GHS1bn to boost Ghana’s poultry value chain—from feed and chicks to processing and veterinary services—aiming to cut import dependence. State-Owned Enterprises: SOEs’ dividend payments to government fell 45.5% in 2025 to GHS16.0m, with only Ghana Re and Tema Development paying dividends during the period. Regional Security: Ghana and Burkina Faso signed a defence cooperation deal to protect trade routes and borders, reflecting deeper regional security for shared economic corridors.

Accra-Kumasi Expressway Prep: The Ghana Armed Forces has cleared the full 175.6km right-of-way for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway in 19 weeks, a week ahead of schedule, bringing the six-lane project closer to construction. Telecoms for Rural Ghana: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George says rural telephony sites will be upgraded to at least 4G and that rural calls/data should become cheaper by Q1 2027 through revised charging arrangements. Agbogbloshie Cleanup Plan: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says drones and AI will map the Agbogbloshie waste heap to guide a major clearance operation, with trucks and heavy equipment and an engineered landfill off Nsawam Road. Port and Trade Pressure: Ghana Shippers’ Authority is assessing Tema Port congestion and clearance delays as cargo volumes rise, with proposed fixes including customs risk reviews and coordinated inspections. Financial Sector Resilience: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson says Cabinet approval is at the final stages for reforms to strengthen governance, capitalisation, supervision and risk management in Ghana’s financial sector. Mining Royalties Target: MIIF is targeting about GH¢9bn in mineral royalty receipts by end-2026, reporting GH¢5.3bn in the first half of 2026. Customs Clarity: GRA explains red and green channels at Kotoka/Accra airport, stressing the green channel doesn’t mean zero checks.

SOE Accountability: A legal practitioner says celebrating State-Owned Enterprises’ declared surpluses is meaningless unless output and efficiency are benchmarked, warning that past losses were often masked by spending beyond budgets and taxpayer bailouts. Pan-African Youth Activism: At a University of Ghana forum, youth and activists pushed for debt cancellation, reparations, and African resource sovereignty, arguing the crisis is tied to slavery, colonialism and neocolonial control. SME Finance Discipline: MTN Ghana urged entrepreneurs to separate personal and business funds, track cash flow with digital tools, and avoid confusing sales with profit. Customs Duty Clarification: GRA reminded travellers that gifts bought abroad for family may attract customs duty depending on value, quantity and whether items are for personal use or others. Rural Connectivity Cost Cut: The Communications Ministry says it will work with NCA, GIFEC and operators to make rural calls and data cheaper by Q1 2027. Public Health & Waste: Local government minister vows a major operation to evacuate the Agbogbloshie waste heap, while Zoomlion expands disinfection after flooding. Transport Safety: A mandatory towing regime is planned for 2027 to remove broken-down vehicles and reduce crashes. Skills & Jobs: KOICA and Hyundai launched the five-year NextGen automotive TVET project to train Ghana’s youth for industry jobs and entrepreneurship.

Financial Literacy Push: Prudential Life Insurance Ghana launches LEVELA, a free web app aimed at helping young people manage savings, investments, insurance and pensions amid rising scams and complex products. Governance & Accountability: Transparency International Ghana demands Parliament disclose details of an alleged GH¢70,000 payment linked to vetting ministerial and Supreme Court nominees, after Patricia Appiagyei denied the claim. Capital Markets: The Ghana Stock Exchange posts strong August performance with the Composite Index up 71.90% and Financial Stocks Index up 70.09%, alongside a surge in trading activity. SME Support: MTN Foundation disburses GHC5m to 454 MSMEs via Innohub, with grants of up to GHC20,000 and a focus on youth, women and PwDs. Security: Parliament’s Majority Leader says over 300 people were arrested for suspected extremist recruitment along Ghana’s northern border between 2023 and 2025. Energy & Industry: GPHA reports GH¢2.82bn net profit in 2025, up 17.18%, as cargo services and Meridian Port Services boost returns. Digital & AI: MTN Ghana and the University of Ghana sign an MoU to move student AI projects from classrooms to real-world deployment.

SME Finance Discipline: MTN Ghana’s financial literacy push urged SMEs to separate revenue from profit, track cash flow, and stop dipping into business funds for gifts or unplanned spending. Workforce & Skills for Mining: GCB Bank’s People & Culture head said automation and AI mean mining firms must plan for future roles, reskill staff, and build digital fluency. Roads & Local Durability: Eastern Region residents asked for asphalt overlays on the Somanya-Dodowa corridor due to heavy limestone trucks, while the Finance Minister confirmed Dunkwa–Ayanfuri road construction will start in 2027. Accra–Kumasi Expressway Funding: Government communications said cleared land is in place and full funding for the expressway will be ready by end-2026 without external borrowing. Port Costs from Congestion: GSA moved to tackle Tema Port delays as cargo volumes surge, warning that without action clearance and turnaround times could worsen. Banking & Cyber Trust: BoG warned against illegal cedi note “decorations,” while the Cyber Security Authority stressed cybersecurity as a customer duty amid rising online fraud. Health & Regulation: FDA ordered recall of Arcan Bitters over undeclared sildenafil, and urologists urged prostate cancer screening for early detection. Digital Growth Partnerships: MTN Ghana signed an MoU with the University of Ghana to bridge academia and industry for AI-led innovation.

Energy & State Returns: BOSTenergies has paid its first-ever dividend to the Government of Ghana—GH¢34.2m—after a strong 2025 performance, with revenue rising to GH¢3.81bn and profit after tax up 72% to GH¢683.96m. Upstream Oil & Gas: Oando Energy Resources is calling for tighter collaboration between regulators, governments, operators and host communities to unlock long-term investment in Africa’s upstream sector. Textiles Deal: Olive Africa Partners has acquired Vlisco’s stake in Tex Styles Ghana, taking over the GTP and Woodin brands while keeping current operations running. Customs Clarity: Ghana Revenue Authority says arriving passengers with more than two phones or laptops won’t face automatic duty; customs will assess personal use versus commercial quantities. Digital Finance & Fraud: Ghana’s banks say they are frontline partners in fighting fraud, urging trust and intelligence-sharing as Cyber Security Awareness Month begins. Ports & Logistics: GPHA recorded GH¢2.82bn net profit in 2025, with revenue up to GH¢7.62bn, supported by cargo services and Meridian Port Services. Health & Industry Impact: Hepatitis B is linked to about three in four liver cancer cases in Ghana, with calls for earlier testing and treatment to protect workers and families.

Telecom Regulation: Communications Minister Sam George says AT Ghana’s operator, PPL Net Ghana, must clear audited-account arrears before the NCA can allocate spectrum, even as a new board is sworn in and spectrum is earmarked in three bands. Port & Industry Costs: Cement makers face a looming price shock as COCMAG introduces a temporary GH¢12 per bag clinker demurrage surcharge, citing Tema Port vessel delays and soaring demurrage charges. Road Safety & Transport: Somoco Ghana and NRSA launch the 2026 “Safe Journey” campaign, pushing rider training, licensing support, and protective gear for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators. Customs Clarity: GRA clarifies that carrying more than two phones won’t automatically trigger duty; Customs will assess whether devices are for personal use or commercial intent. Public Health & Policy: AGI calls for healthier, more affordable diet policies to tackle rising diabetes risk, urging more vegetables and protein. Environment & Urban Living: Government plans to redevelop the Korle Lagoon enclave without mass displacement, using low-cost and vertical housing while mobilising equipment to clear waste. Finance & Markets: GSE is projected to close 2026 with about 81% returns, supported by strong earnings and disinflation. Stock & Inclusion: Minority backs unemployed graduates with disabilities, citing constitutional and Persons with Disability Act obligations for recruitment and enforcement. Digital Economy: MTN Ghana trains media and CSOs on responsible AI use as part of capacity building for emerging tech. Sports Business: GFA and FIFA hold a workshop to improve commercial prospects of Women’s Premier League clubs. Corporate & Mobility Deal: Uber’s $16.9bn acquisition of Delivery Hero could reshape Africa’s delivery market, including Glovo operations across multiple countries.

Gold Policy & Exports: GoldBod has barred the export of unrefined gold doré bought by Self-Financing Aggregators from Sept 1, requiring local refining before export—raising stakes for Ghana’s gold value chain and transparency. Digital Finance & Fraud: The Cyber Security Authority says Ghana recorded 1,818 online fraud cases from Jan–July 2026 (about 47% of reported cyber incidents), warning that rising cyber-enabled fraud could erode trust in digital finance. Banking Sector Resilience: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson says government is seeking Cabinet approval for a new macroeconomic policy to strengthen the financial sector, including restructuring microfinance into four categories. FX & GoldBod Liquidity: BoG has cut September FX support to $500m as GoldBod boosts dollar supply, while inflation is reported at 5% in August. Trade & Payments Infrastructure: AfCFTA and Quest Ghana signed a US$5.17–5.2bn digital trade corridor deal to cut cross-border transaction costs via a digital marketplace, commodities exchange and interoperable payments. Local Industry Support: A call urges Ghana to help entrepreneurs sell what they already produce—arguing production without a market is not industrialisation. Business & Mobility: Uber exits Nigeria and Uganda immediately, leaving Ghana, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa as its remaining African markets. Waste Management: Government plans to clear 30 years of Korle Lagoon waste to a 200-acre landfill at Nsawam, using the Jospong Adipa facility.

Constitutional Review: The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) warns Ghana’s constitutional review could weaken judicial independence, and it rejects proposals to extend President/MP terms to five years without “cogent” proof. State-Owned Enterprise Governance: IEA also wants Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MPs barred from serving on SOE boards, arguing competence should trump politics. Power & Utilities: PURC urges ECG to tackle outages and meter delays, citing complaints across Greater Accra. Cybersecurity & Finance: CSA says online fraud drove 47% of Ghana’s reported cyber incidents (Jan–July 2026) and stresses cybersecurity as a customer duty. Energy & Health Supplies: Health Minister moves to prevent HIV, TB and malaria stockouts amid Global Fund discussions. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Residents along the Abor–Tsiame–Atiavi road demand repairs; Keta residents react to a fresh fuel price hike. Public Services: Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie says legal vacation won’t stop urgent court cases. Business & Trade: Gold dominates Ghana’s exports to South Africa in Q1 2026, nearly all of the value. Transport & Safety: Police engage traders over alleged extortion on the Aflao–Accra highway. Sports/Football: Ghana retains coach Carlos Queiroz after the World Cup.

Gold Transparency Push: NPP’s Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam demands publication of foreign gold buyers, contracts, prices, discounts and financing terms, saying Ghana must know if it’s getting value from the gold purchasing programme. Courtroom Accountability: In the Adu-Boahene cybercrime trial, Samuel Atta Akyea’s cross-examination is said to have exposed gaps in the state’s case over the disputed GH¢49.1m, including how funds were handled and who had control. Transport Costs: GPRTU says public transport fares will rise this week as operators face higher fuel and operating costs, with the exact percentage to be confirmed by end of week. Energy & Trade Signals: Ghana’s Q1 2026 external trade hit GH¢174.6bn with a GH¢46.1bn surplus, though real terms show a deficit; meanwhile TOR returned to profit in 2025 after years of losses. Digital Finance Safety: BoG and SEC warn the public about a “Daily Wealth Guide” crypto scam and urge Ghanaians not to be misled by doctored endorsements. Roads & Waste Pressure: Transport and sanitation issues keep mounting—GPRTU faces fare hikes, while Accra’s sanitation crackdown targets polluters and property-rate defaulters. Mining Governance: Minerals Commission says traditional authorities should play a bigger role in mining, with “social licence” required beyond licences. Education Policy Watch: CPS warns Free SHS isn’t fully “free” due to hidden costs and quality concerns like reduced instructional time. Fire Safety Digitised: GNFS launches an online Automated Fire Compliance and Safety System for permits, certificates and equipment tagging.

Made-in-Ghana Push: Citi FM/Channel One’s “This Is Ghana Exhibition” drew 200+ Ghanaian businesses to showcase locally made goods across agriculture, agro-processing, fashion, beauty and manufacturing, with calls to use AfCFTA to expand markets. 24-Hour Economy & Jobs: Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu was commissioned as an anchor light-industrial investment, targeting thousands of jobs and adding inclusion measures like a clinic and crèche. Energy Transition at AOW 2026: President Mahama urged a pragmatic energy mix—oil and gas alongside renewables—to tackle energy poverty, as Shell and Chevron sign MoUs with GNPC on exploration prospects. State Enterprise Watch: SIGA highlighted Tema Oil Refinery’s turnaround to GH¢1.093bn net profit in 2025; NEDCo board chair Seidu Dapilah defended improved SOE accountability. Finance & Inclusion: BoG Governor Asiama reiterated non-interest banking’s role in inclusion and manufacturing support; One Africa Securities gained BoG and SEC sandbox admissions for asset tokenisation. SME Support: Telecel Ghana launched SME Month 2026 to help entrepreneurs scale with digital tools and market access. Trade & Credit: GNCCI warned access to affordable credit remains a major hurdle despite lower interest rates. Governance & Accountability: NPP demanded answers over the disappearance of a Dambai resident, while police moved to address alleged extortion of traders on the Aflao–Accra route. Public Health & Waste: Local Government Minister Ayariga toured waste facilities and called for a full overhaul of the waste management value chain under a polluter-pays approach; Zoomlion launched a regionwide disinfection exercise in the Upper West.

Gold & FX Policy: Ghana will replace the Bank of Ghana reference rate with Bloomberg gold pricing for gold transactions, as government pushes more market-driven pricing under GANRAP to strengthen reserves. GoldBod Targets: GoldBod says it aims to generate US$1.4bn in forex in September 2026, splitting proceeds between commercial banks and reserve accumulation. Banking & Digital Finance: BoG and SEC have approved Universal Merchant Bank’s virtual accounts offering, while One Africa Securities gains admission into the SEC virtual asset sandbox for tokenisation trials. Energy & Transport: EV charging stations will require Energy Commission approval to protect the grid as demand rises; meanwhile, Star Oil holds petrol at GH¢14.97 but raises diesel to GH¢16.97. Agribusiness Jobs Push: A US$270m poultry deal under 24-Hour Economy/24H+ is set to cut chicken imports by more than half and create 12,000 jobs. Trade Snapshot: Ghana posted a $4.3bn trade surplus in Q1 2026, driven mainly by gold exports. State Firms Watch: SIGA reports Ghana’s state-owned enterprises returned to profit in 2025 (GH¢19.8bn) after years of losses, while Ghana Digital Centres’ loss nearly tripled to GH¢6.06m. Tourism & Business Events: GTA extended the deadline for December in GH proposals to Sept 7, 2026, as the country gears up for the cultural season.

Education & Skills: Accra Institute of Technology held its 22nd graduation, with 572 students graduating (8 PhD, 69 master’s, 495 bachelor’s), pushing its PhD alumni to over 100. Public Finance: Government will issue a four-year Treasury bond on Sept 1, 2026 to raise funds from the domestic market and build buffers for upcoming debt payments. Democracy & Media: NCCE warns that misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and deepfakes threaten Ghana’s democratic stability, urging stronger media partnership and civic education. Transport Costs: GPRTU says it may be hard to keep fares unchanged if fuel prices rise again, as COMAC projects petrol and diesel increases from Sept 1. Teachers: Teacher unions suspended a planned strike after talks with the Education Minister over delays in placing promoted teachers on correct salary scales, pending further negotiations. Energy & Gold Policy: Afenyo-Markin urges government to plug loopholes in ECG and GoldBod/DGPP operations instead of adding burdens on Ghanaians. Forex & GoldBod: GoldBod targets US$1.4bn FX generation in September, with US$700m for commercial banks and up to US$700m for BoG reserve accumulation. Agribusiness Deal: 24H+ and partners sign a US$270m poultry transformation programme to cut chicken imports and create 12,000 jobs. Ports & Trade: GUTA calls on GPHA to tackle Tema port congestion, citing delays in discharging empty containers and rising demurrage charges. SOEs Performance: SIGA reports SOEs posted GH¢19.8bn net profit in 2025 on GH¢176.43bn revenue, reversing prior losses. Cocoa Markets: Cocoa prices jump on concerns about West African bean quality and smaller Ghana and Ivory Coast crop outlooks.