AGP Executive Report

Sanitation Push: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga and the Christian Council are urging Ghanaians to stop treating cleanliness as a one-off reaction, calling for sustained community action to prevent the next flood cycle. Waste & Enforcement: Accra’s AMA warns residents and traders to join the post-Homowo clean-up on Sept. 5 or face arrest, fines, and prosecution, with shops forced to close during the exercise. Road Durability: Somanya and nearby communities in the Eastern Region want asphalt overlays on key roads to withstand heavy limestone truck traffic and repeated deterioration. Plastic-Free Events: Climate Change Advisors Ghana and the Buzstop Boys clean Cape Coast ahead of Fetu Afahye, targeting plastic pollution and clogged drainage channels. Biodiversity in Focus: MTN Ghana and the Ghana Wildlife Society held a bird walk at Legon Botanical Gardens to boost public appreciation for wildlife and reduce plastic use. Youth & Health: AfriYAN Ghana trains adolescent girls as peer champions to tackle teenage pregnancy and GBV, while the GFA rolls out safeguarding education and welfare monitoring at the Elite U-19 tournament. Local Food Choice: Spring Agro Industries urges Ghanaians to patronise local rice to protect jobs and investment as imports dominate the market.

Environment Leadership: Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings formally assumed duty as MEST Minister, pledging science-and-technology-led development that protects Ghana’s natural resources amid climate change and ecological degradation. Illegal Mining & Water Pollution: Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah says Ghana is “turning the corner” on illegal mining after intensified, intelligence-led operations along the Ankobra River, while warning pollution must be tackled consistently for the river to recover. Waste Management in Accra: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says government will mobilise state and private resources to clear Jamestown’s waste backlog, with equipment and contractors lined up after inspections of key waste sites. Marine & Biodiversity Pressure: A marine scientist warns Ghana’s marine ecosystems face mounting pollution, declining fisheries, habitat loss and climate stress, with mercury and microplastics reported in coastal waters. Plastic & Waste Solutions: Zanetor signals a push for waste segregation and local, research-backed alternatives to plastic waste, including CSIR-linked biological options. Fisheries Subsidy Enforcement: Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur orders MMDCEs to stop Landing Beach Committees from selling premix fuel above approved prices, citing the need to protect subsidised support for artisanal fishing. Climate Adaptation: Mahama is considering capturing Bagre Dam spillage for dry-season farming instead of only evacuating and providing relief. Health & Breast Cancer: Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai cautions pregnant and breastfeeding women not to ignore persistent breast lumps, urging prompt medical assessment.

Korle Lagoon Redevelopment: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says the Korle Lagoon enclave will be redeveloped with low-cost, high-rise housing and without mass displacement, alongside waste clearance and lagoon dredging. Sanitation Push in Accra: AMA announced a Post-Homowo clean-up on Sept 5 (6am–12noon) targeting road medians, refuse removal, weeding and sweeping across major roads, markets and lorry parks. Waste Evacuation Plan: Government says it has mobilised over 100 trucks plus excavators and loaders to clear Korle Lagoon waste, with cleared material headed to Adepa Waste Management Centre at Nsawam. Low-THC Cannabis Research: NACOC and CSIR are partnering to support regulated cultivation and research into hemp with no more than 0.3% THC, including lab testing and traceability. Pedestrian Safety on Roads: A geography and transport researcher urges Ghana to prioritise safe sidewalks and crossings in road design, arguing roads are “incomplete” if pedestrians and wheelchair users can’t move safely. Ocean Conservation Funding: Bloomberg Philanthropies pledges $260m more to expand ocean protection, aiming to turn conservation promises into enforceable high-seas safeguards. Responsible AI Training: MTN Ghana trained media and CSOs on responsible AI use, including practical prompting for research and content work. Galamsey & Hazard Risks: Police seized suspected sodium cyanide alongside food and contraband items in Jema, with EPA and Standards Authority sampling for lab analysis.

Waste & Sanitation: Government moves to clear a 30-year Korle Lagoon waste backlog, evacuating heaps from James Town to the Adipa engineered landfill at Nsawam, with logistics and capacity checks underway. Marine Conservation: A marine scientist urges stronger national action to protect Ghana’s oceans and safeguard the blue economy, food security and coastal livelihoods. Plastic & Biodiversity: MTN Ghana and the Ghana Wildlife Society host a bird walk at Legon Botanical Gardens, spotlighting biodiversity and warning that plastic pollution and microplastics threaten marine life. Vulture Protection: West Africa’s vulture rescue plan is struggling to take off, with experts citing weak coordination, limited funding and ongoing poisoning and habitat loss. Health & WASH: A WHO/UNICEF report flags poor sanitation in healthcare facilities, with Ghana’s basic sanitation coverage at just 16% in 2025. Civic Integrity & AI: NCCE warns that misinformation, deepfakes and hate speech can’t be treated as “proof” of what people see or hear, urging stronger media-civic partnerships. Policy & Finance: Finance Minister says a new macroeconomic policy is nearing Cabinet approval to strengthen financial-sector resilience.

Marine Conservation Reality Check: Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area is being questioned as fishermen in places like Akwidaa say they still fish “as usual,” raising concerns about enforcement and coastal livelihoods. Sanitation & Public Health: Wenchi plans a modern slaughterhouse singeing plant to stop butchers using discarded tyres, while Ho’s Assembly and ENVIRON LADIES mobilise for a major clean-up ahead of National Sanitation Day. Waste & Mining Safety: NADMO urges regular risk assessments at mining sites after a deadly galamsey pit collapse, as calls grow for stronger safety and security against illegal miners. Climate & Flood Preparedness: The AV-STEC project brings Ghana and Burkina Faso together to tackle why flood warnings still fail communities downstream of Bagre Dam releases. Youth, Jobs & Skills: NDPC says 72% of Ghanaian youth want to emigrate, pushing TVET and job creation as the antidote. Health Commodities: Health Minister meets the Global Fund to prevent HIV, TB and malaria stockouts and improve procurement and co-financing coordination.

Galamsey Crackdown: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says Accra’s sanitation indiscipline will be met with tougher enforcement, urging MMDAs to collect IGF and apply the polluter-pay principle instead of relying on the Common Fund. Mining Governance: The Minerals Commission says proposed mining law amendments will require “social licence” from host communities and early engagement with chiefs and landowners to reduce conflicts. Illegal Mining Human Cost: A Volta NPP chairman warns that galamsey deaths are now “counted in bodies,” citing abandoned pits and alleged chemical exposure as risks to children and communities. Marine Pressure: A marine scientist warns Ghana’s ocean health is being squeezed by pollution, declining fisheries, habitat damage and climate change, with pollutants like mercury and microplastics detected in coastal waters. Cybersecurity & Digital Finance: The Cyber Security Authority calls for stronger collaboration to curb cybercrime as AI is said to drive 55% of reported cases and losses hit $484m. Free SHS Sustainability: A UEW researcher warns inadequate stakeholder consultation and politicisation could threaten Free SHS long-term financing and continuity. Energy Transition Funding Gap: At Africa Oil Week in Accra, IPPG says over 150 oil and gas projects across Africa are stalled as international capital retreats under decarbonisation pressures. SME Sustainability Push: MTN Ghana and ACCA launch a sustainability workshop and competition to help SMEs embed responsible practices.

Waste Management Overhaul: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga toured Accra’s waste sites and called for a full reset of the waste value chain, backing the polluter-pays principle and warning that DACF should not be used to fund Accra’s sanitation gaps. Public Health & Plastics: EPA took its styrofoam ban awareness drive to the Central Expo in Cape Coast, urging businesses to get permits and switch to safer alternatives. Sanitation Response in Flood Zones: Zoomlion launched a regionwide disinfection and disinfestation exercise in Ghana’s Upper West Region after heavy rains, disinfecting toilets and refuse dumps and pushing for regular follow-up with MMDAs. Illegal Waste Product Crackdown: VAST Ghana praised FDA, police and National Security for seizing “cigarette rod lollipop” and urged nationwide enforcement plus lab testing to protect children. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: GAIP and AgroT Hub sensitised farmers in Pru West and Atebubu-Amantin on agricultural insurance covering crop and livestock losses from disasters. Energy Transition Debate: President Mahama urged a pragmatic Africa energy mix—oil and gas alongside renewables—at Africa Oil Week in Accra, as Ghana seeks more energy investment. Cyber & Media Responsibility: CSA boss Divine Selase Agbeti urged media to correct misinformation fast and with equal prominence, especially on national security and public emergencies.

Environment & Climate Policy: Newly sworn-in Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings says Ghana must make science and innovation practical, and tackle climate change, illegal mining, waste, pollution and forest/water protection with decisive action. Coastal & Marine Health: A EU-focused piece argues ocean protection and coastal livelihoods are inseparable, warning that climate change, overfishing and habitat damage are undermining resilient seas. Galamsey & Mining Oversight: Adamus Resources says it welcomes a government reprieve and a 12-month roadmap to restore its mine to sustainable operations, while Ghana’s broader push to formalise and regulate gold pricing continues. Gold Market Reform: Ghana will replace the Bank of Ghana reference rate with Bloomberg gold pricing for transactions, aiming for more market-driven pricing and stronger reserve accumulation, alongside traceability plans. Civic Education & Media: NCCE calls for stronger media partnerships to fight misinformation, deepfakes and hate speech, urging journalists to help strengthen constitutional awareness and democratic stability. Water & Sanitation: ASA Savings and Loans installs a mechanised borehole and water treatment plant for Nungua SHS girls’ dormitory to end years of salty, irregular water supply. Jobs & Skills for Sustainability: Telecel Ghana’s CEO urges mining firms to build “future-ready” talent—adaptability, continuous learning and diversity—to benefit from AI and new tech. Food Systems: AGRA highlights that Africa’s agrifood progress must translate into higher farmer incomes and resilience, not just production gains.

Climate & Energy Fallout: Africa’s climate goals are getting derailed as wars and energy shocks push up fuel, food and shipping costs, forcing painful trade-offs between stabilising prices and protecting public services. Democracy & Media Integrity: Ghana’s civic watchdog warns that misinformation, deepfakes and hate speech are now undermining democratic stability, urging stronger media-civic partnerships. Maritime Accountability: MP Sammi Awuku demands GMA explain the legal basis for waiving a US$1m penalty over MV Sankofa, after claims of missing ship records and serious seaworthiness concerns. Student Housing Pressure: Rising hostel fees are squeezing access to tertiary education, with government moving to investigate the hikes and curb exploitation. Sanitation & Field Delivery: A public service delivery critique says Ghana’s problem isn’t lack of expertise, but weak field presence—leading to flooding, poor enforcement and slow utility fixes. Food Systems Jobs Push: 24-H+ signs a US$270m poultry transformation deal to cut chicken imports and create jobs. Cocoa & Farm Incomes: Cocoa prices rise on West African quality fears, while Fairtrade Africa presses for living income reference prices to close the gap for farmers. Plastics & Waste: EPA says the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a single-use plastics crackdown, with calls for strict enforcement. SOE Performance: SIGA reports SOEs rebounded in 2025 with GH¢19.8bn net profit and GH¢176.43bn revenue—an environmental and economic reset signal for state capacity.

Industrial Jobs & Clean Manufacturing: President Mahama commissioned the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu, a regenerative, zero-waste garment plant expected to create 2,300 direct jobs now and up to 10,000 at full capacity, with 24-hour shifts and export focus. Port Congestion & Trade Costs: The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana urged GPHA to convert some Tema Port private spaces into modern container-handling areas to ease congestion and protect trade gains. Plastics Crackdown: EPA says the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a wider push to eliminate non-biodegradable single-use plastics, citing drain blockage and risks to health and marine life. Border Safety & GBV: Ghana Immigration held a capacity-building durbar in Denu to strengthen community awareness and reporting on GBV, PSEAH and sex trafficking. Media & Security: National security leaders urged journalists to avoid “neutrality” when facts are clear, and called for closer media–security collaboration. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Security forces arrested 10 suspected illegal miners at Kpali, seizing excavators, fuel equipment and firearms amid reported environmental destruction. Policy & Governance: Parliament approved Mahama’s nominees for Local Government and Environment, and also cleared three Supreme Court nominees.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Ten suspected illegal miners were arrested at Kpali in Savannah Region, with excavators and fuel seized after reported environmental damage. Plastics & Public Health: EPA says the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a wider single-use plastics crackdown, citing drain blockage and risks to people and marine life. Green Skills for Jobs: Ghana launches the Green TVET Initiative with ILO support to train youth for climate-resilient, environmentally responsible work. Community Cleanliness: Awutu-Senya District Assembly and Zoomlion lead a clean-up in Awutu Bereku ahead of the Awubia Festival, targeting markets, gutters and town roads. Power Access Push: Government plans to connect 206 unelectrified Volta communities to the national grid within six months under the REIP “Big Push,” with major transmission upgrades also announced. Agriculture Export Logistics: A 150-acre air cargo hub is set for Tamale Airport to speed exports of northern fruits and vegetables. Media & Security: Cyber Security Authority urges media to protect press freedom while strengthening collaboration with security institutions. State Sector Watch: SIGA releases the 2025 State Ownership Report, highlighting a turnaround to consolidated profitability for state entities. Ghana’s Poverty Reality Check: World Bank flags that 56.4% of Ghanaians remain in poverty even as growth and inflation improve. Health & Care: A Ghana study finds a short training workshop can boost ICU nurses’ knowledge to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, but stresses system gaps like electricity and supplies.

Environment Governance: President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, tasking her to lead science- and technology-led development while acting firmly against illegal mining that destroys forests and water bodies. Climate Action & Local Accountability: Mahama also swore in Mahama Ayariga as Local Government Minister, urging decentralisation that delivers clean surroundings, reliable local roads, and responsive services—while climate resilience must be practical and urgent, with flooding and coastal erosion already hitting communities. Youth Climate Demands: Ghanaian youth at LCOY Ghana want at least 40% of the national climate adaptation budget directed to Upper East, Upper West, Northern and Savannah regions, with public scorecards to track delivery. Waste & Circular Economy: The African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit (ASCES 2026) in Cotonou brought together sustainability leaders to push circular solutions and resilient communities. Rural Roads & Livelihoods: A rural roads push is needed as feeder roads in places like Mion District and Oti Region remain badly eroded and impassable in rains, blocking farmers’ access to markets. Digital Access: Residents of Nwawasua (Bono) say poor telecom coverage forces them to climb trees or mountains just to connect online.

Environment Leadership: President Mahama has sworn in Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Environment, Science and Technology Minister, charging her to make science-led development create jobs without harming forests, water bodies, or public health—and to lead a tougher, more decisive response to galamsey. Accountability & Governance: He also swore in Mahama Ayariga as Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, urging meaningful decentralisation with assemblies that are accountable, financially disciplined, and responsive to communities. Climate Urgency: Mahama stressed Ghana’s climate response must be practical and urgent, citing flooding, coastal erosion, shifting rainfall and rising temperatures already affecting livelihoods and infrastructure. Local Impacts: In Sunyani, residents of Nwawasua say poor telecom coverage forces them to climb trees or mountains just to connect online. Green Economy & Waste: Ghana-linked sustainability momentum continues with the African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit in Cotonou, pushing circular solutions and resilient communities. Mining Reform Consultations: NPP flagbearer Bawumia met small-scale miners to discuss reforms aimed at responsible mining that protects the environment and livelihoods.

Virtual Assets & Banking: UMB becomes the first Ghana bank approved by BoG and SEC to offer virtual accounts for eligible businesses in the virtual asset ecosystem, signalling tighter regulation as digital finance grows. Agriculture & Food Security: Striga (witchweed) is blamed for up to 60% cereal crop losses in Northern Ghana, with awareness campaigns pushing control measures to protect sorghum, millet, maize and upland rice. Environment & Climate Resilience: REIP electrification is set to connect 206 Volta communities to the national grid under the Big Push, aiming for universal access by 2030. Clean Energy & Industry: A US$270m poultry deal targets an integrated value chain to cut chicken imports and strengthen local production. Jobs & Sustainable Manufacturing: Mahama commissions the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu, promising thousands of jobs and zero-waste production practices. Policy & Governance: Mahama is set to swear in Environment Minister-designate Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Local Government Minister-designate Mahama Ayariga, alongside Supreme Court nominees. Construction Costs: Building cost inflation rises to 4.0% in July, with pressure mainly in plant/equipment and installation-related works.

Food Security Threat: Striga (witchweed) is driving up to 60% cereal crop losses in Northern Ghana, with severe infestations capable of wiping out entire farms, as FONAR warns farmers and pushes Striga control awareness in Nabdam. Labour & Rights in Informal Work: ActionAid Ghana is engaging informal business operators in Northern Ghana on labour rights, gender equality and decent working conditions to improve compliance and safer workplaces. Circular Economy in Action: Recycle Up! Ghana holds a Demo Day for youth climate startups, awarding grants to businesses turning rice husks and plastic waste into eco-friendly school desks and other green solutions. Port Safety for the 24-Hour Economy: IEAG calls for stronger security at Ghana’s ports after attacks on transporters, warning that unsafe conditions could derail round-the-clock trade plans and investor confidence. Clean-Up After Flooding: Zoomlion intensifies disinfection and disinfestation across Oti Region, targeting markets, drains, refuse sites and flood-prone areas to reduce disease risks. Climate Heritage Protection: Ghana and Korea launch a five-year heritage project to protect forts and castles from coastal erosion and climate change impacts. Energy Access: Government launches a GHS598m electrification project to connect 206 Volta communities to the national grid within six months. Wildlife/Environment Reporting Under Pressure: A new report says environmental journalists across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, face assaults and threats for covering illegal mining, deforestation and oil issues.

Roads & Transport: Roads Minister Kwame Agboza says Ghana’s US$10bn “Big Push” will target rehabilitating and upgrading key corridors, after the World Bank reported only 27% of the 94,200km network is paved. Urban Flood Risk: SPEAR Institute warns Accra’s drainage planning is outdated, citing June 29’s 169.2mm rainfall overwhelming existing infrastructure. Public Health After Floods: Zoomlion begins disinfection and fumigation across Volta Region after June floods, aiming to curb disease and pests. Illegal Mining & Forests: Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings calls for an all-of-government approach to galamsey, while Betterland Ghana denies illegal mining in Draw River Forest Reserve, saying its work is lawful under a licence. Plastics Pollution: As environment minister-designate, Zanetor proposes funding CSIR to develop biodegradable plastics from cassava and hemp, plus stronger landfill standards. Mining Reforms: Bawumia consults small-scale miners on reforms to formalise and support them while protecting the environment. Water Access: Denmark’s ambassador backs a $5.8m water project for Wa and surrounding communities, targeting safe drinking water for about 105,000 people. Digital Finance Oversight: Bank of Ghana inaugurates the Virtual Assets Coordinating Committee to regulate Ghana’s fast-growing virtual assets sector.