AGP Executive Report

Oil & Industry: President Mahama says GNPC’s ExploreCo will start onshore drilling in the Voltaian Basin before year-end, while TOR has resumed crude processing and will ramp up in July, as Phase 2 of the Sentuo refinery expansion in Tema is broken ground to boost output and local value. Energy & Power Access: World Bank and AfDB report that Mission 300 has connected over 50 million Africans to electricity since July 2023, pushing toward 300 million by 2030. Housing Policy: Works Minister Gilbert Adjei tells Parliament government will replace outdated rent laws with a single consolidated Rent Act to better protect tenants and guide landlords. Labour & Public Sector Pay: Vice President Opoku-Agyemang says 2026 won’t bring major public-sector salary renegotiations, opting for targeted, modest improvements while remuneration reforms are completed. Mining & FX: Ghana Gold Board deal confirms large-scale miners will cede 30% of gold output from July 1 for local refining and delivery to BoG to support reserves. Digital Economy: Govt, via the Communications Ministry, is in talks with Development Bank Ghana to unlock long-term patient capital for tech startups. Press Freedom: Herald editor Larry Dogbey gets bail on a 10-day conditional window to file a substantive appeal after a contempt conviction. Migration & Social Stability: South Africa’s xenophobic violence and June 30 ultimatum continue to drive mass processing and repatriation queues, with Ghana among countries affected. Sports (Business Angle): Sports Minister Kofi Adams hints at assessing Carlos Queiroz’s future after the World Cup, as Ghana targets qualification vs Croatia in Philadelphia.

Gold & FX Policy: Ghana will buy 30% of large-scale miners’ gold output from July 1 via GoldBod, paid in cedis at a 0.55% discount to the BoG reference price, to boost foreign reserves and expand local refining. Energy Sector: PURC says the GH¢1 fuel levy helped clear about $8bn in energy arrears, restore risk guarantees for the Sankofa gas project, and stabilise Ghana’s credit standing. Budget Accountability: Ghana’s budget transparency score fell to 22/100 in the 2025 Open Budget Survey, blamed on delays in publishing key fiscal documents. Banking & Payments: Bank of Ghana tightens sanctions on dud cheque offenders, with penalties rising for repeat cases. SME & Skills: MTN supports young entrepreneurs through side-hustle webinars and a Telecel Ashanti Codes robotics programme for 1,000 learners. Digital & Travel Fraud: VFS Global urges Ghanaians to use official channels and avoid visa fraudsters. Governance & Assets: President Mahama directs drafting of a State Asset Protection Bill to stop indiscriminate disposal of state assets. Disaster Readiness: NADMO calls for a preventive national disaster risk reduction strategy. Sports Business: Ibrahim Mahama pledges special bonuses for Black Stars ahead of the Croatia decider.

World Cup & Sports Diplomacy: A high-powered Ghana government delegation visited the Black Stars’ camp in Rhode Island ahead of the Croatia decider, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa backing Ghana to win and reach the knockout stages, Sports Minister Kofi Adams urging the squad to feel the backing of “35 million” Ghanaians, and businessman Ibrahim Mahama promising a special bonus for beating Croatia; President Mahama also confirmed a “special package” for the team after the tournament as Ghana’s squad departed for Philadelphia. Gold & Industrial Policy: GoldBod will buy 30% of large-scale mining gold output from July 1, with purchases in cedis and plans to support local refining aligned to LBMA standards by 2030, while Parliament heard GoldBod spent US$16.11bn between Jan 2025 and May 2026 to purchase gold and formalise traceability. Banking & Payments: The Bank of Ghana will surcharge first-time dud cheque offenders by 10%, report them to Credit Reference Bureaus, and place them under at least one year of close monitoring. Energy Costs & Jobs: Manufacturers under the Association of Ghana Industries warn utility tariff hikes could trigger layoffs and even a shift from manufacturing to importation. Sanitation Accountability: Sanitation stakeholders urged government to strengthen engagement and publish MMDAs’ sanitation KPI performance to improve accountability, as the Free Primary Health Care rollout begins in South Dayi. Media & Justice: The GJA said it is monitoring the High Court jailing of Herald editor Larry Dogbey for contempt, while civil society groups question the legal basis and call for updated jurisprudence. Environment & Health Tech: Afri-SET West will launch Ghana’s first air quality sensors loan library in July to expand public monitoring access.

Stablecoin Payments: Nigeria’s Daya raises $2.4m to expand its stablecoin-powered cross-border payments network for African businesses, aiming to settle dollar transactions via regulated banking partners plus blockchain rails. Retail & Regulation: A Ghanaian advocate, Nana Dwomoh Sarpong, questions the rapid spread of “China Malls,” urging stronger environmental and traffic due diligence before approvals. Corporate Performance: Unilever Ghana posts strong 2025 revenue growth to GH¢1.039bn (+11.6%), citing brand investment, innovation and efficiency. Digital Assets Oversight: Bank of Ghana says it will deepen engagement with fintech and virtual assets operators, using a regulatory sandbox and a dedicated Virtual Assets Department. Food Safety: Veterinary Services Director Dr Benjamin Sasu urges everyone in Ghana’s food value chain to follow safety standards to curb foodborne illness. Construction Costs: Ghana’s building cost inflation edges up to 2.7% in May, with materials still driving the trend. Drugs Crackdown: NACOC destroys narcotic drugs worth over GH¢37m, including cannabis, cocaine and cannabis-laced drinks. Markets & Utilities: GUTA asks PURC to suspend July 1 electricity and water tariff increases, arguing the economic case is weak. Housing Enforcement: Rent Control warns landlords against demanding rent advances beyond six months and signals enforcement actions. Agriculture Inputs: National Seed Council inaugurated to regulate, certify and develop quality seeds to improve yields. Energy & Industry: President Mahama to sod-cut Phase 2 of the Sentuo Oil Refinery in Tema, boosting local refining capacity and jobs. Tech for Homes: MTN Ghana launches new speed-based unlimited fibre packages up to 500Mbps. Trade & Tourism: Spain’s Taste Spain Accra returns to deepen commercial ties through a food and trade exhibition.

Digital Identity & Payments: NITA is set to consult the market on a Ghana Electronic Document Wallet (GEDW) using competing private providers, with wallets storing metadata and secure links to documents from issuers. Banking Discipline: The Bank of Ghana introduces tougher sanctions on dud cheque issuers, including a three-year cheque ban and limits on new credit facilities. Energy & Industry: President Mahama will cut sod for Phase 2 of the Sentuo Oil Refinery in Tema, building on the refinery’s near-$2bn investment and its shift to processing Jubilee crude locally. Education Infrastructure: GPMS hands over a 10-unit classroom block with facilities at Bugubelle to a contractor for completion in six months. Flood & Citizenship Debate: Volta officials call for inland checkpoints to be restored for security, but managed to protect citizenship and dignity. Environment & Seeds: CSIR-PGRRI and partners highlight how women safeguard Ghana’s disappearing indigenous crops and biodiversity. Regional Cooperation: Ghana and Burkina Faso re-launch reaffirmation of their shared land boundary and set up a joint technical committee. Crime & Enforcement: NACOC says it has arrested the lead shipper in a Ghana-Australia meth case and warns of more arrests.

Gold Market Regulation: GoldBod will scrap live gold prices and switch to LBMA benchmark-based purchase pricing from July 1, publishing two official rates daily and making them mandatory for licensed buyers, with breaches treated as offences. Power Costs: PURC approved electricity tariffs up 3.49% and water up 0.85% effective July 1, citing cedi moves, inflation, gas costs and the hydro-thermal mix—renewing debate on whether tariff reviews alone can fix sector inefficiencies. Local Governance & Sanitation: Government says sanitation will become a key performance indicator for MMDCEs, pushing cleaner environments and stronger accountability at district level. Digital Connectivity: MTN Ghana launched faster speed-based unlimited fibre packages (up to 500Mbps) to boost home broadband access. Finance & Markets: Ghana’s Treasury bill auction saw weaker demand and higher yields, while market optimism faces FX and inflation pressures. Trade & Industry: Speaker Bagbin urged Ghana to leverage its location and transport/port upgrades to deepen inter-regional trade and investment. Health & Inclusion: DACF raised the disability fund allocation to GH¢438.5m for 2026, aiming to accelerate inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Utility Tariffs: PURC has set new electricity and water tariff increases effective July 1—electricity up 3.49% and water up 0.85%—prompting NPP’s Kofi Tonto to accuse the government of breaking its cost-of-living promises. Gold Market Rules: GoldBod is tightening Ghana’s gold trading compliance with rapid purchase reporting (within five minutes) and a new official pricing regime from July 1, shifting to LBMA AM/PM benchmarks and capping buyer pricing add-ons. Flood Response & Food Security: Ketu North Municipal Assembly says a blocked natural waterway—caused by salt pond bunds—triggered severe flooding at the Weta irrigation scheme, threatening 880 hectares of rice farms; Zoomlion has also begun nationwide fumigation in flood-hit Accra areas. Road Safety & Infrastructure: NRSA commends the Kpone-Katamanso MCE for clearing medians on the N1 to improve visibility and reduce crashes, while CUTS International urges higher road maintenance funding in the 2026 mid-year review. Regional Finance & Insurance: NAICOM and Ghana’s insurance regulator Dr. Abiba Zakariah move to deepen cross-border insurance innovation and inclusion with Nigeria. Cultural Restitution: Netherlands and Germany plan to return over 2,000 looted cultural artefacts to Ghana as part of reparatory justice efforts. Business Tech: Trident Digital Tech launches Sikaflow in Ghana to help MSMEs formalize commerce and access financial services. Energy for Industry: Daystar Power expands solar installations across four Nestlé facilities, nearly 7MW installed capacity. Sports & Economy Angle: Ghana’s cedi is reported to have surged about 6% in two weeks amid BoG FX support, as World Cup fever peaks with England vs Ghana tonight.

Road Maintenance Funding: CUTS International is urging Ghana to boost road maintenance allocations in the 2026 mid-year budget after heavy rains worsened potholes into deep gullies, raising transport costs and safety risks. Water & Flood Response: NADMO in the Central Region says it will fumigate flood-affected communities, including cemeteries inundated by recent floods, to curb water-borne disease outbreaks. Utilities Costs for Industry: FABAG warns that repeated electricity tariff hikes are a disincentive to manufacturing and industrial growth, following PURC’s 3.49% electricity and 0.85% water tariff increases effective July 1. Digital Work Protection: The NYA is calling for urgent reforms to extend labour protections to Ghana’s growing digital workforce, including ride-hailing, content creators and freelancers who lack pensions and health insurance. Food Systems Skills: WFP graduated 70 youth under its CODE4FOOD Security Fellowship, training them in digital tools to support Ghana’s food security and agriculture. Trade & Jobs Outlook: FAGE projects Ghana could surpass US$15bn in non-traditional export earnings by 2030 if value addition and financing improve. Water Loss Crackdown: Ghana Water Limited has charged a customer GH¢74,000 over an illegal reconnection after disconnection for three months. World Cup Business Angle: FIFA’s universal hydration breaks are drawing debate, with England coach Thomas Tuchel saying the stoppages disrupt match flow ahead of Ghana’s clash.

World Cup Business & National Pride: Ghana’s Black Stars edge Panama 1-0 and now face England in a Group L showdown, with coach Carlos Queiroz saying Ghana will “control” England’s intensity and chase qualification. Public Safety & Regulation: Ghana’s Interior Ministry suspends Kantanka Security Services’ licence after alleged use of unprescribed uniforms and unauthorised firearms/ammunition during an incident at Kwabenya, directing the firm to cease operations and cooperate with police. Drug Enforcement: NACOC arrests three suspects in Volta Region over a suspected cannabis production/storage hub, while separate reports highlight Australia’s interception of a 320kg meth shipment allegedly linked to Ghana. Infrastructure & Cost of Living: CUTS International urges higher road maintenance funding in the mid-year budget after heavy rains worsen potholes, gullies and drainage failures. Mining & Value Addition: Guinea bans export of unrefined gold to force local processing, echoing Ghana’s own push to tighten raw gold exports. Trade & Investment Promotion: Parliament Speaker Bagbin pitches Ghana as a gateway for African, Euro-Med and Gulf trade, citing ports and the 24-hour economy. Food Systems: Ghana’s rice shortfall is framed as a broken business ecosystem—imports still dominate despite local production potential. Reparatory Justice: African and Caribbean nations adopt a 19-point reparations framework in Accra calling for formal apologies, compensation and debt relief.

Ofori-Atta Trial in Absentia: The Office of the Special Prosecutor says Ken Ofori-Atta cannot be tried in absentia until formal service of charges is completed, warning that “duly notified” under the Constitution requires strict legal process, not social media or phone calls. Reparatory Justice Push: President Mahama renewed calls for slavery reparations to fully address the suffering of enslaved women, as global leaders keep pressing for concrete action following Ghana-led UN momentum. Financial Inclusion Drive: Stanbic/SIMS urges stronger partnerships among rural and community banks, fintechs and mobile money operators to deepen access to investment and banking services. Macroeconomic Outlook: Standard Bank Research projects Ghana’s economy will grow 5.9–6.1% in 2026, supported by infrastructure and improved FX buffers. Exports & Jobs: GEPA reports non-traditional exports have crossed US$5bn, while handicrafts exports surged about 500%. Consumer Protection: GSA orders mattress manufacturers shut for substandard products to recall items within one month. Education Labour Tension: UTAG gives government a June 30 deadline to resolve welfare and conditions-of-service issues or face strike action. Agribusiness Partnership: Sesi-Edem partners a US agro firm to improve soil health and boost crop productivity.

Agribusiness & Jobs: Government says the first batch of 11 Farmer Service Centres under the Feed Ghana Programme will be completed and ready for operation by October, offering mechanisation, inputs, extension, finance and market linkages. Education Policy: The Ghana Education Service bans post-examination flamboyant celebrations on school premises, including lavish gifts like cars and money bouquets, warning heads of schools will face sanctions. STEM & Skills: Coderina Edutech donates robotic kits to the Ministry of Education/GES to boost STEM learning, with kits targeted for schools participating in an August robotics competition. Healthcare Access: The Central Regional Free Primary Health Care policy is launched in Cape Coast, making CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics free for residents, with added screening and logistics support. Digital Learning & Youth: A survey finds many young Ghanaians now use social media and AI tools for study and productivity, raising questions about how learning is changing. Public Health & Care: Korle-Bu receives 1,000 branded children’s clothing from the National Blood Service for World Blood Donor Day, adding comfort support alongside clinical care. Creative Economy: Creation Africa Ghana awards up to €30,000 grants to 15 creative entrepreneurs to scale businesses and expand impact.

Banking & Growth: The Bank of Ghana has urged banks to move beyond lending and act as partners for business growth, offering advisory support, entrepreneurship help and market access—especially for manufacturing, agriculture and export-oriented firms. MSME Risk: Ahead of MSME Day, new data highlight a deep insurance gap: small businesses drive much of Ghana’s GDP and jobs, yet insurance penetration is around 1%, leaving most firms exposed to fire, theft and health shocks. Climate Finance: Ghana says Africa needs far more climate money than it receives, pushing reforms to route funding to local governments and align responsibilities with resources. EU Youth Funding: Ghanaian youth groups have until 29 June to apply for EU-backed grants up to €10,000 under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab. Reparatory Justice: African and Caribbean leaders adopted a 19-point reparations roadmap in Accra, calling for apologies, debt relief, a global reparations fund and return of looted artefacts. World Cup Business Push: Ghana plans to use World Cup attention to court investment and trade via forums in Canada and the US, including a Trade House in Philadelphia. Identity & Politics: The Asantehene says he works with whoever Ghanaians elect as President, stating he is currently advising President Mahama.

Reparatory Justice Push: African and Caribbean nations meeting in Accra backed a 19-point reparations “Next Steps” plan, calling for formal apologies and debt relief, plus return of looted artefacts and a global reparations fund, with Ghana’s President Mahama urging “responsible heirs.” Ghana World Cup Trade Boost: Ghana plans to convert World Cup attention into investment and export deals via Invest Ghana business forums in Montreal, Toronto and Philadelphia, highlighting energy, agribusiness, mining value-addition, healthcare, tourism and the digital economy. Growth Outlook: Standard Bank research projects Ghana’s economy could grow 5.9%–6.1% in 2026, supported by gold expansion, infrastructure spending and improved FX buffers. Accra Revenue Crackdown: AMA begins revenue enforcement on June 22, warning it will lock and close premises over unpaid business operating permits, property rates and rent. Education Policy: The Education Ministry suspends SHS graduation ceremonies nationwide over concerns about excessive wealth displays. Ports & Investment: Port of Keta draws interest from 42 firms after EPA environmental clearance, with shortlisted bidders expected after proposal reviews. Green Business Move: SIC Insurance launches an electric vehicle fleet as part of its green transition agenda. Crypto Regulation: Ghana’s virtual asset sandbox is about three months in, with first licensing decisions expected around September.

Gold Sector Control: Ghana is weighing transferring control of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine to local firms when leases expire next April, with bids to be assessed on jobs, local suppliers and environmental rehabilitation. Ports & Investment: Keta Port’s EPA EIA certificate has unlocked strong investor appetite, with 42 firms expressing interest in developing the project. Economic Recovery & Jobs: Vice President Opoku-Agyemang told the Ghanaian diaspora in Canada that the “24-Hour Economy” and the “Big Push” infrastructure plan are central to cutting costs, easing inflation and creating employment. Banking & Regional Expansion: Absa plans to raise its stake in Absa Bank Kenya to 85%, signalling deeper South African bank competition across East Africa. SME Financing Pressure: A think tank warns Africa’s debt burden is choking capital for entrepreneurs, citing Ghana’s 2022 default as a trigger for higher SME lending costs and slower venture funding. Drug Trafficking Probe: NACOC has started investigations after Australia intercepted about 320kg of methamphetamine allegedly linked to Ghana, worth an estimated A$296m. Public Health Focus: Parliament’s Health Committee chair and KNUST leadership renewed calls for genotype awareness and free/expanded sickle cell treatment under broader primary healthcare reforms. Flood Disruption: Central Region flooding has paralysed parts of Cape Coast and surrounding areas, stranding commuters and damaging buildings. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean states backed a 19-point reparations plan in Ghana, calling for apologies, debt relief and a global reparations fund.

Budget Execution Watch: Government’s first-quarter under-spend is leaving about GH¢24bn unspent, with spending at roughly 73%—raising fresh questions on how quickly approved funds translate into roads, schools, hospitals and other priorities. Anti-Corruption Scrutiny: Civil society groups are challenging the Mahama administration’s ORAL push, pointing to alleged port irregularities and asking for the same intensity of scrutiny applied to other corruption claims. Trade & Exports Momentum: GEPA says Ghana’s non-traditional exports have crossed US$5bn for the first time, up about 30%, with cocoa products leading; handicrafts are also up sharply, recording around 500% export growth. Local Revenue Crackdown: AMA says it will lock up shops and advertising properties over unpaid business operating permits, property rates and outdoor advertising fees, with legal action for defaulters. Industrial Skills Push: Trade Minister cuts sod for the CSIR ITAED-HUB in Accra to close the skills gap and boost entrepreneurship and workforce planning. Health Delivery: GHS launches the 2026 mass drug administration campaign targeting neglected tropical diseases across endemic districts. Aviation Connectivity: Emirates adds four weekly flights to Accra, bringing the route to 11 weekly services and improving cargo and business travel links. Sanitation Accountability: Government elevates sanitation as a key performance measure for MMDCEs, tying environmental sanitation to local delivery. Cocoa Price Pressure: CEMAC data show cocoa export prices fell 24.6%, with analysts linking the drop to global supply shifts. Crime & Security: Australian authorities report a 320kg meth shipment concealed as charcoal from Ghana, with charges filed against suspects. World Cup Business Angle: Ghana’s World Cup exposure is being framed as a trade and investment opportunity, while local businesses and services gear up for match demand.

Ethical Manufacturing Boost: Northshore Apparel GH Ltd. secures WRAP certification after an independent audit of its Savelugu operations, reinforcing “Made in Northern Ghana” for global buyers. Public Health Drive: Ghana Health Service begins a nationwide Mass Drug Administration from June 20 to July 3, targeting nearly 8 million people for three Neglected Tropical Diseases. Banking for Growth: Bank of Ghana Governor urges banks to back the real sector—agriculture, manufacturing, services and exports—while keeping the Monetary Policy Rate at 14%. AI & Cyber Security: KAIPTC launches a continental AI cyber security governance project with UNDP support, funded by Japan, to tackle rising digital threats. World Cup Trade Push: Ghana plans business forums in Canada and the US around FIFA World Cup 26 to attract investment and expand exports. Education Pressure: Education Minister says Ghana needs 50,000–90,000 more teachers but can recruit only 7,000 under current budget. Food Security Funding Gap: NAFCO says ¢300m for grain reserves is a start, but Ghana needs about ¢1.5bn for meaningful buffer stock operations. Banking Returns: Ecobank Ghana shareholders approve a 256.8% dividend jump as profits rise to GH¢3.03bn. Forex Watch: Street FX premium stays above 10% despite cedi gains and BoG interventions. Climate Project Prep: FSD Africa, UK High Commission and GIIF launch a Green Project Preparation Facility to turn climate infrastructure ideas into bankable deals.