AGP Executive Report

Oil Palm Industrialisation: Development Bank Ghana (DBG) marks its 5th anniversary with a pledge to transform Ghana’s oil palm sector from smallholder farms into processing-led “giants,” aiming at more jobs, exports and local palm oil consumption. Mobile Money & Fintech: MTN Ghana says it will reward 30 loyal customers with an all-expense FIFA World Cup experience in North America, while MTN’s wider fintech push (including MoMo revival efforts) signals how telcos are trying to deepen financial services adoption. Investment Push via World Cup: Ghana plans Invest Ghana Business Forums and exhibitions in Canada and the US to convert World Cup visibility into foreign investment across energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, mining, digital, healthcare, tourism and real estate. Food Systems & Farming Profitability: A food scientist argues Africa’s food future must be homegrown using indigenous crops, as another feature asks why young people aren’t farming despite opportunities. Public Finance & Research: President Mahama releases GH¢100m to operationalise the Ghana National Research Fund, with graduate researchers urging transparent, equitable access. Agribusiness Exports: Ghana Standards Authority launches a national Organic Certification Scheme to help farmers and agribusinesses access premium international markets. Cybersecurity: The Cyber Security Authority urges universities and critical operators to strengthen defenses after the University of Nottingham breach exposed about 450,000 records. Health Delivery: Health Minister tasks MMDCEs to drive the Free Primary Healthcare programme, stressing community mobilisation and access to quality care. Fuel Policy: Government scraps remaining diesel price relief as another pricing window approaches. World Cup Business Shock: Ghana’s Thomas Partey is ruled out of the opener after a Canadian court upholds the visa denial, adding uncertainty for the Black Stars’ Group L campaign.

Business Compliance: The Registrar of Companies has set a hard June 30 deadline for annual returns filing and business name renewals, warning no extensions and sanctions including penalties and possible delisting. Cybersecurity: The Cyber Security Authority urges Ghana’s educational institutions and other critical sectors to strengthen protection after the University of Nottingham breach exposed large volumes of student data. Research & Innovation: President Mahama allocates GH¢100m to operationalise Ghana’s National Research Fund, pushing transparent, results-driven grants and doctoral/postdoctoral programmes. Capital Markets & Industry: Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare hails Kasapreko’s oversubscribed IPO and listing on the GSE as proof of indigenous competitiveness, with proceeds earmarked for new production capacity. Maritime Skills: Ghana’s seafarer programme targets scaling registered workers to 20,000 by 2036, with guaranteed sea-time placements and digital certification. Energy & Business Continuity: ECG announces planned maintenance outages across parts of Accra East, Ashanti, Volta and Western regions. Agriculture & Food Security: Government distributes 40,000 fertilizer bags and drones under Feed Ghana, while PFAG urges immediate rice import quota implementation to protect local farmers. Governance & Accountability: The OSP clarifies it has no role in US immigration proceedings affecting Ken Ofori-Atta’s residency, stressing Ghana courts handle the credibility of charges.

IMF & Debt Restructuring: Parliament has approved a debt restructuring deal with 25 creditor nations, setting up the next hurdle for Ghana to meet IMF targets to unlock fresh credit. Procurement & Roads: Government says the Roads Ministry did not abuse single-source procurement in “Big Push” road contracts, while also recommending tighter discretion, more disclosure and stronger oversight. Cocoa Policy: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson pushes Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire to align cocoa pricing and regulation to protect revenues and raise farmer incomes amid EU deforestation compliance pressure. Local Governance: Chief of Staff Julius Debrah says MMDAs will receive over 80% of the Common Fund directly to boost decentralisation and service delivery. Health Funding: MahamaCares receives GH¢6.1m from the President and government appointees to support specialist care as blood demand outstrips supply. Banking & Markets: Ghana stocks rose as the GSE Composite gained Monday; Kasapreko PLC lists on the GSE, signalling more capital-market access for growth. Energy Transition: IAEA backs Ghana’s nuclear readiness, focusing on institutional and regulatory capacity for a future energy mix. Blue Economy: Ghana announces Africa’s first Blue Food Innovation Hub to mobilise private investment and revive fisheries and aquaculture. Corporate Fraud Clampdown: ORC and CID renew cooperation to prevent and prosecute corporate fraud. Crypto Rule Tightening: Bank of Ghana orders banks to cut ties with unauthorised foreign-currency crypto wallet services. World Cup Economy: MP John Dumelo’s free community viewing initiative in Ayawaso West Wuogon is creating jobs and boosting local vendors during the tournament.

Ghana Outsourcing Push: BOSAG and Ghana Digital Centres used a London roundtable to pitch Ghana as a preferred BPO and digital services hub for the UK and Europe, stressing talent and digital readiness. Banking & Regulation: Bank of Ghana moves to curb crypto-linked USD wallet services, ordering banks to cut ties with unauthorised foreign currency crypto platforms. Public Finance Oversight: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson tasks the newly inaugurated Internal Audit Agency board to reform the 2003 Act, cut waste, and strengthen accountability. Cocoa Sector Reform: Finance Minister calls for a more resilient, profitable cocoa industry through deeper Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire cooperation, with reforms aimed at protecting farmer livelihoods. Road Contract Accountability: A governance think tank urges transparency in road contract awards and execution, focusing on performance and enforcement rather than personalities. Floods & Sanitation: Accra’s flooding debate intensifies as calls grow for collective action on drainage and waste management, while sanitation leaders highlight Ghana’s exportable waste solutions. Court Update: An Accra High Court struck out lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi’s bid to withdraw from the Wontumi-linked Samreboi mining case; judgment date remains July 3. Local Economy & Jobs: The 24-hour economy market project at Elubo is set to expand trade and create jobs for border communities. Human Capital: Telecel Ashanti Codes launches to train 1,000 students in coding, robotics and IoT across the Ashanti Region.

Banking & Remittances: Bank of Ghana has extended the registration deadline for International Money Transfer Operators to July 31, 2026, warning non-compliant IMTOs will be shut out and partnerships with banks/SDIs/PSPs rendered void. BoG Crypto Crackdown: The central bank also ordered financial institutions to stop supporting unauthorised crypto dollar wallet services. Digital Fraud Focus: A Graphic Business/Stanbic breakfast meeting in Accra will bring together regulators, law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to tackle rising financial fraud. Cocoa Reforms: Ghana Cocoa Board/COCOBOD’s new “new dawn” package includes a producer price adjustment guaranteeing farmers at least 70% of gross FOB, cedi-denominated cocoa bonds, and a push to process more cocoa locally. Agribusiness Pressure: Banana traders at Suame Market say sales are falling after allegations of chemical ripening; farmers also warn delayed fertilizer subsidies could hurt the 2026 planting season. Mining & Jobs: Global Ore Industries announces plans for the Abosso-Bompieso mining project, including a modern processing facility and tailings management. Markets & Finance: Government’s latest Treasury bill auction was oversubscribed, raising GHS 8.29bn; meanwhile, the GSE rally continues as investors rotate toward equities. Policy & Governance: A legal challenge questions whether the GTA board chair meets the Tourism Act requirement given her role as CEO of a state enterprise. Regional Migration Fallout: South Africa’s anti-immigrant backlash is spilling into business, with Ghana-linked firms and returnees affected.

Banking & Payments Regulation: The Bank of Ghana extended the registration deadline for International Money Transfer Operators to July 31, 2026, and ordered banks and other regulated institutions to stop supporting unauthorised crypto platforms offering foreign-currency fiat wallets to Ghanaians. Public Finance Oversight: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson says government will set up an “Auditors’ Court” to strengthen internal audit oversight and sanction auditors over repeated infractions. Lottery Governance: The Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA) pushed back on comparisons between NLA payments by private lotto operators and KGL, arguing the business models differ and the figures are being misread. Cybersecurity & Regional Tech: Nigeria won the $10,000 grand prize at the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, with Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority among partners. Health & Research: KNUST joined the DENSTAR project to fast-track dengue vaccine trials in Africa, backed by €11m+ from GH EDCTP3 and the EU. Agribusiness & Youth: KNUST and the Nkabom Collaborative opened a pitch session to support young agripreneurs with business funding after greenhouse and agribusiness training. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa reported repatriating 2,745 foreigners in a week amid tougher anti-illegal immigration enforcement, while officials acknowledged xenophobia backlash is hurting its economy and image. Local Community Health: KGL Foundation ran free health screenings in Bolgatanga, covering HIV, malaria, hepatitis, blood sugar, blood pressure and mental health checks.

Mining & Regulation: Ghana has ruled out automatic extension of mining leases, signalling tighter scrutiny for major operators like Gold Fields’ Tarkwa as part of a 2026 permits reform push. Banking & Crypto Oversight: The Bank of Ghana has ordered banks to stop supporting unauthorised crypto platforms offering fiat (US dollar) wallet services, warning such arrangements may breach payment and foreign exchange rules. Macroeconomy: Ghana’s economy grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, driven by mining and ICT, with price pressures easing as the GDP deflator fell sharply. 24-Hour Economy Investment: The 24-Hour Economy Authority says it has signed bankable agreements worth over US$8bn in 90 days, aiming to crowd in private capital along economic corridors. Finance Inclusion: Microfinance operators are urging BoG to reconsider a proposed jump in minimum capital to GH¢50m, warning it could wipe out indigenous firms and hurt access to credit. World Cup Politics: Ghana is pressing Canada to review its denial of Thomas Partey’s entry ahead of the Black Stars’ opener, while FIFA and sports authorities face calls to safeguard participation rights. Local Development & Land Disputes: A High Court ordered the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, to be served with contempt motions tied to the Dodowa Market/forest land litigation. Infrastructure Disruption: Heavy rains have slowed Big Push road works in Ajumako, leaving some equipment idle. Trade & Logistics: Ghana Shippers’ Authority highlights supply-chain pressures and commits to stronger collaboration with high-value shippers. Road Safety: A Konongo crash involving a container truck, fuel tanker and taxi left multiple injured.

World Cup & Diplomacy: Ghana has protested Canada’s denial of Thomas Partey’s visa ahead of the Black Stars’ opener against Panama, calling the move “high-handed and extremely unfair” and urging a review based on the presumption of innocence. Forex & Markets: The cedi strengthened against the dollar, trading around GHS11.09 buying and GHS11.94 selling on average, while the Ghana Stock Exchange kept a positive May momentum with the Composite and Financial indices up 63.67% and 68.99% respectively. Banking & Regulation: Bank of Ghana extended the deadline for International Money Transfer Operations registration to 31 July 2026, warning non-compliance means losing the right to operate. Energy & Business Performance: GOIL PLC posted GHS90.67m net profit for 2025 and declared a dividend, citing cost optimisation and improved earnings per share. Health & Social Policy: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh inspected a Free Primary Healthcare market health kiosk in Dzodze and reiterated the policy’s focus on free primary care at CHPS/health centres/polyclinics. Child Labour Push: Stakeholders in Ahafo and Wa East backed campaigns and children’s parliaments to tackle child labour, including cases linked to rural poverty and illegal mining. Environment & Flooding: MPs and NGOs renewed calls for better drainage investment and attitudinal change as Accra flooding risks persist. Education & Skills: KNUST School of Business launched a Digital Skills Laboratory to close employer-demanded tech gaps for graduates.

World Cup & Sports Governance: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams hit back at FIFA and Canada over Thomas Partey’s visa denial, calling it unfair and a dangerous precedent for player participation. Diplomacy & Consular Services: Philippines President Marcos announced new embassies in Kazakhstan and Ghana, plus a planned consulate in Miami—aimed at boosting people-to-people and economic ties. Skills & Jobs: HR professionals were urged to bridge academia and industry to tackle Ghana’s skills mismatch and improve workforce readiness. Industrial Policy: Government says tax incentives will support factories set up outside Accra to decentralise industry and reduce congestion. Agri-Value Chain: AAK launched the AAK Academy in Ghana to strengthen innovation in chocolate and confectionery, while Afarinick distributed 400,000 improved cocoa seedlings in Volta. SMEs & Trade: Trade Ministry says over 1,000 SMEs have been screened for AfCFTA opportunities. Energy & Finance: GOIL reported 2025 profit growth and a GH¢1billion bond programme; GOIL also posted higher profit at its AGM. Tourism: GTA reports 1.31m international arrivals in 2025, up 1.4%, with domestic travel driving resilience. Digital & Community: MTN employees supported Street Academy with learning materials and cash, and Karpowership Ghana planted 1,000 trees in the Western Region. Legal Education Reform: Transitional measures were announced for LLB graduates ahead of the Legal Education Act 2026.

Sports Funding: Government has released GH¢76.47m for the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup campaign—GH¢58.93m as an advance for preparations and group-stage costs, plus GH¢17.54m to settle outstanding qualification bonuses. Visa Shock: Thomas Partey has been ruled out of Ghana’s opening match against Panama after Canada refused his visa, forcing him to miss the Toronto game but remain eligible for later fixtures. FX Watch: The cedi strengthened sharply as the dollar rate fell below GH¢11.10 on the interbank market after Bank of Ghana injected $1.2bn into the forex market earlier in June. Cocoa Support: COCOBOD kept the 2026 light crop producer price unchanged despite lower global prices, maintaining GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag for Grade I and II. Corporate Results: Unilever Ghana reported 62% profit growth in 2025 and proposed a GH¢1 per share dividend. Energy & Industry: GOIL posted higher 2025 profit and unveiled a GH¢1bn bond programme for expansion, while Ghana’s industrial output grew 3.2% in 2026 Q1 on stronger manufacturing and a mining rebound. Trade & Integration: ECOWAS ministers meet in Accra to push AfCFTA implementation and regional trade integration, with Ghana urging “mine together, process together” to boost value addition.

School Feeding & Agriculture: WFP, Lions Clubs International Foundation and World Food Program USA launch a Home-Grown School Feeding pilot for about 33,598 children daily across 100 schools in Karaga and Sekyere Central, linking schools to local smallholder farmers under a $12m, three-year model. Capital Markets: Kasapreko’s IPO pulls in GH¢1.72bn in bids—more than double its GH¢700m target—with trading set to begin June 15 on the GSE. Trade & Regional Integration: ECOWAS trade ministers warn that bilateral deals outside the customs framework could fracture the bloc, citing non-tariff barriers that add 15–20% to cross-border costs. Finance & Risk: Ghana’s microfinance sector fears BoG’s rushed recapitalisation rules could spark deposit runs, with compliance deadlines looming. Cocoa Markets: Côte d’Ivoire’s larger-than-expected unsold cocoa stock is weighing on global prices, with supply forecasts shifting upward. Food Prices: Ghana’s inflation story is being hit by charcoal, while food inflation edges up and tomatoes show sharp price jumps. 24-Hour Economy Test: World Cup kick-off is set to stress Ghana’s night economy plans as model markets are still not fully open. Governance & Procurement: CIPS warns procurement corruption is deterring investors across Africa, urging stronger ethics and transparency. Local Business Climate: Vehicle dealers demand reforms over unfair competition from Chinese brands benefiting from duty exemptions. Energy Reliability: Utilities freeze non-critical maintenance and man key substations around the World Cup to protect power supply.

Digital Geoscience Boost: GGSA signs a one-year MoU with Seequent/Bentley Systems to modernise Ghana’s geological data management with modelling software and training. Banking Leadership Shake-up: Ghana International Bank (GhIB) sacks CEO Dean Adansi and names Ian Owulakwao Greenstreet as incoming CEO pending clearance. Payments Regulation: enza wins a Central Bank of Ghana PSP Enhanced licence to expand regulated digital payments services. Food Security Push: Government distributes 1.7 million poultry birds under Feed Ghana (“Nkoko Nkitsinkitsi”) and registers 45 licensed buying companies to buy grains at guaranteed minimum prices. Water Sector Governance: Ghana Water Ltd inaugurates the governing council of the Ghana Water Institute to drive training and research for the sector. Mining & Capital Markets: Ghana to ban export of unrefined gold by 2030; Ghana Chamber of Mines elects Frederick Attakumah as President. Local Economy & Jobs: MP Oppong Nkrumah flags youth unemployment at 32–32.5% and NEET figures near 2 million. Trade & Investment: Ghana-Canada Investment Forum set for Toronto to spotlight the 24-hour economy and export development. Protests & Business Risk: “South Africa Must Go” protesters storm MTN Ghana HQ amid rising xenophobia-linked tensions.

Port & Trade: Tema Port’s container terminal operator MPS won praise after a working visit by Transport Deputy Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey, highlighting major investments and expansion plans that support Ghana’s logistics push. Growth Watch: Ghana’s economy grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, led by 7.1% services growth (with ICT up 25.2%) and 6.9% industrial expansion, according to GSS. Health & Jobs: The Vice-President and Health Minister stressed that Universal Health Coverage hinges on a resilient, well-distributed health workforce, with the 2026 Annual Health Summit in Accra focusing on workforce gaps and reforms. Water & Infrastructure: Ghana Water Limited says repairs at Barekese Water Treatment Plant’s transmission pipeline are completed early, restoring supply to affected Kumasi areas. Digital & Income: A Bolt–Ipsos study estimates Ghana’s digital services economy at about $1bn annually and shows platform-based activity is boosting income generation, especially via ride-hailing and e-commerce. Mining & Investment: GNPC says Ghana is positioning for new oil and gas investment by backing additional exploration fields and improving execution certainty for global investors. Road Safety: DVLA reports 4,896 drivers were denied licences last year after failing mandatory eye tests, as enforcement tightens to cut accidents. Business & Regulation: EPAC calls for better packaging investment to help Made-in-Ghana brands compete locally and globally. Energy & Oil: Tullow Oil received approval for further drilling on the Jubilee Field, enabling up to 20 additional wells after the current campaign. Sports & Culture: Casting director Mawuko Kuadzi won Ghana’s new Best Casting Director category at the 15th Ghana Movie Awards, while MTN’s home connectivity push targets 20m homes across Africa.

Macroeconomy Update: Ghana’s real GDP grew 6.4% in Q1 2026, with services expanding 7.1% (ICT up 25.2%) and industry rebounding on mining and oil recovery. Banking & Markets: SG Ghana posted GH¢397m profit after tax for 2025, with improving asset quality and a sharp share-price jump. Payments & Trade: Yuno partnered Onafriq to help merchants access pan-African payments across 43 markets, cutting the friction of connecting to local rails. Governance & Accountability: EOCO declared Jennifer Yormesor wanted over alleged theft and fraudulent embezzlement. Public Services: MoGCSP launched an investigation into meal quality at Buaduyili Primary under the School Feeding Programme. Water & Infrastructure: Ghana Water Ltd restored production after completing repairs at Barekese, improving supply for Kumasi and nearby communities. Sports Business: GBC secured exclusive free-to-air FIFA World Cup 2026 rights via a national broadcast consortium. Energy & Finance: Ghana expects an extra US$500m in petroleum revenue in 2026 as crude prices stay above budget assumptions. Security & Tech: Teams from 12 West African countries are competing in Accra’s ECOWAS cybersecurity hackathon to tackle ransomware and scams. Mining & Fiscal Debate: Ghana’s Chamber of Mines says gold contributed nearly 10% of GDP in 2025 and is pushing for clarity on the mining fiscal regime.

Water & Urban Resilience: Ghana Water Limited says it will shut down the Barekese Water Treatment Plant for 48 hours (June 9–11), affecting most of Greater Kumasi and cutting supply to about 2.6 million people, citing emergency pipeline repairs. Emergency Care & Systems: A new “No-Bed Syndrome” feature argues Ghana’s real gap is not beds but the ability to move patients safely under pressure, calling for disciplined, designed emergency systems. Capital Markets: President Mahama says the Ghana Stock Exchange has regained international recognition after strong 2025 performance, with renewed listings including Kasapreko expected to list June 15. Corporate Finance & Industry: Kasapreko’s IPO oversubscribed by more than double its target, while GIISDEC plans a data centre to improve traceability in industrial materials regulation. Agribusiness & Trade: Peasant farmers demand a six-month rice import ban to clear unsold local stocks; meanwhile Mahama announces Belarus will supply 1,840 agricultural machines and a delegation visit next week to explore more investment. Policy & Tax Incentives: Government plans tax incentives for factories set up outside Accra to decentralise industry. Energy & Gas: Ghana calls for stronger private-sector financing to make West African gas projects bankable. Environment & Waste: ECOWAS urges tougher action on plastic pollution and waste disposal as it worsens flooding and public health risks. Health Security: Ghana activates surveillance and isolation systems at border posts to prepare for possible Ebola spread. Business & Growth Ecosystem: A pharma expo opens in Accra to push Ghana as a West African health investment and manufacturing hub.

MASLOC Corruption Fallout: US extradites former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu to Ghana to serve a 10-year sentence over alleged misappropriation of over $6m; she arrived in Accra and was taken into custody, while former Greater Accra minister Titus Glover publicly questioned whether she will serve the full term. Mining Governance: Cabinet clears a revised Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703) and a new National Mining Policy for Parliament, signalling tougher enforcement, stronger environmental and community compliance, and tighter licensing oversight. Energy & Trade Logistics: Government revises 2026 petroleum revenue target to about $1.5bn as crude prices rise; Air Ghana plans to partner Ghana Shippers’ Authority to expand air cargo capacity. Cedi & Markets: Bank of Ghana urges media restraint on forex reporting, warning that incomplete exchange-rate narratives can fuel panic demand and volatility. Border Business & Compliance: Customs Commissioner assures Aflao women traders of action against illegal extortion and clarifies duty rules to improve trade facilitation. Food Security & Agriculture: TEMBO Africa pilots Germination Index Insurance for smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana to cushion erratic rainfall impacts; COCOBOD advances local cocoa financing in tranches and Afarinick distributes 400,000 cocoa seedlings. Public Services: Transformer fault leaves Tema Community One Site 500 without power as ECG replacement is delayed by unauthorised structures. Sports Business Integrity: FIFA and GFA warn the public about an Accra-based firm selling purported World Cup ticketing/hospitality packages without authorisation.