AGP Executive Report

Water Security Push: Ghana is scaling up nature-based watershed protection, with the Water Resources Commission partnering The Nature Conservancy to restore river basins battered by illegal mining, deforestation and sand winning—starting from the White and Black Volta pilots. Monetary Policy Watch: The Bank of Ghana kept the policy rate at 14%, with Governor Dr Johnson Asiama pointing to Middle East tensions as the “elephant in the room” for inflation risks. Finance Sector Shift: Ghana is set to issue its first non-interest bank licence this year as BoG’s framework nears readiness. Business Cleanup: The Registrar of Companies moves to dissolve 318 firms for persistent non-compliance. Local Environment Alarm: Ga East chiefs and residents are urging the MCE to act over Dakobi River encroachment, warning the bridge is starting to sink and flooding is spreading. Digital Tax Rollout: Trident Digital Tech and the Ghana Revenue Authority launch a digital tax and MSME formalisation platform for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Sports & Culture: Ghana’s athletics scene celebrates continental gold in Accra, while ICAG donates GHS10,000 to a Volta youth fund.

Decentralisation Push: Government is set to roll out the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (NDPS) 2026–2030, aiming to bring governance closer to people, boost citizen participation, and tighten accountability at the local level. Galamsey Pressure: ACEPA is urging Parliament to act decisively in the next sitting, calling illegal mining an “existential” threat that can’t be treated as routine. Court Update: Prosecution has closed its case in the GIIF “Sky Train” trial, setting up a key decision on whether the accused will be called to defend themselves. Cocoa Income Signal: Fairtrade announced new Living Income Reference Prices for cocoa for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, to take effect from the 2026 harvest season. Public Health & Waste: A new report highlights the hidden toll of e-waste in Africa—survival work, but with serious health risks. Tourism Jobs Angle: The Tourism Minister urged MMDCEs to invest in local tourism potentials, backed by a higher share of the Common Fund. Refugee Safety: Police and city authorities moved against “dumped” foreigners who say they fear for their lives.

Climate & Food Security: Kenya’s AGRA just rolled out ClimVAT in Eldoret, a new climate vulnerability tool that gives planners sub-county maps of where drought and other shocks hit hardest—aimed at protecting smallholder farmers who feed most of the country. Energy & Industry: In Ghana, Agility’s Tema Logistics Park warehouses earned EDGE Advanced certification for big energy and water savings, while AETC’s Accra conference pushed “from borders to bridges” energy tech for intra-African trade—and Ghana’s Chief of Staff Julius Debrah says a 1,000MW nuclear plant is in advanced talks. Cocoa vs Galamsey: Cocoa farmers accuse COCOBOD officials of private buying that undermines fair competition, as warnings grow that cocoa decline and high-tech galamsey are colliding into a national crisis. Governance & Local Power: Government is drafting a 2026–2030 decentralisation reset to boost accountability and citizen participation, with media urged to act as a stronger watchdog. Economy Watch: Bank of Ghana data shows public debt at GH¢674.1bn in Feb 2026, with the debt-to-GDP ratio falling to 42.2% as growth and fiscal performance improve.

AI & Healthcare Reality Check: Ghana’s 2026 AI strategy puts healthcare first—but a key warning is that AI won’t help if it’s treated like “innovation hype” instead of being properly integrated into real clinical workflows and systems. Telecom Push & Policy Pressure: The U.S. is funding a feasibility study for about 1,500 mobile base stations across West Africa, while Ghana’s telecom chief warns policy gaps could slow 5G—especially as smartphone affordability still lags. Energy Skills Boost: VRA begins a solar mini-grid training-of-trainers workshop for 20 energy professionals to close the renewable energy engineering gap. Consumer Protection: GSA shuts down a Chinese-owned mattress maker over alleged substandard production. Student Housing Relief: Rent Control orders private hostel owners to pause 2026/2027 fee hikes after public backlash. Climate Funding Gap: Ghana faces a US$9.3bn climate financing shortfall, with flood and heat risks threatening long-term stability.

Regional Mobility Boost: Togo has abolished entry visa requirements for nationals of all African Union member states with valid passports, effective immediately, positioning Lomé as a hub for trade and services under AfCFTA. Economic Tension at Home: Ghana’s political debate is heating up as the NPP Minority Caucus attacks the economy and the return of “dumsor,” arguing cocoa price cuts are hurting farmers while power stability remains unresolved. Central Bank Focus: Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama opened the 130th MPC warning that Middle East-linked energy and commodity shocks could lift inflation again, even as the PCI with the IMF is framed as technical support to strengthen the BoG balance sheet. Cocoa Financing Shift: BoG says 2026/2027 cocoa purchases will be funded with $1b raised locally via domestic bonds to deepen the market and reduce dollar dependence. Governance & Integrity: ICAG leaders push AI, ethics and accountability for accountants, while the Rent Control Department pauses hostel fee hikes for 2026/2027. Security & Services: Police say they’ve doubled the Police Academy intake to 700, and Mamprobi Hospital reports improving maternal care attendance after a baby abduction scare.

Global Governance Pressure: Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang told the Oxford Africa Conference that Africa’s progress is blocked by unfair global rules and weak representation, urging stronger institutions, accountability, and resilient economies. Health Shock From Aid Cuts: At the World Health Assembly, President Mahama said Ghana lost about $78m after USAID programmes were suspended, warning the knock-on effects could push millions into poverty; he also said Ghana is on track to exit Gavi vaccine funding by 2030. Cocoa Traceability: A German Embassy official visited Nanketewa to observe Ghana’s nationwide cocoa traceability system, with emphasis on meeting EU deforestation rules on time. Telecom Stability: The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications wants a one-time SIM re-registration instead of repeated exercises that reset digital identity. Galamsey Water Crisis: Residents in Tanoso say Tano River pollution has forced them to rely on sachet water. Mining Value Retention: Damang Gold Mine delivered 121kg of gold to GoldBod—its second full output delivery to the state. Spectrum Reform: The NCA says spectrum licensing must translate into real service improvements, with QoS/QoE now central.

Sovereignty Training Launch: A new Sankoree Institute of Global Negotiators (SIGN) has been unveiled in Kigali to train and certify Africa’s sovereign negotiators for high-stakes deals on debt, mining, trade, climate finance and tech. Mineral Nationalisation Debate: Economist Prof. Godfred Alufar Bokpin warns Ghana isn’t ready for full-scale resource nationalisation yet, citing gaps in capacity across the value chain. Trade Integration Push: AfCFTA chief Wamkele Mene says protectionism and a weakening global rules system make deeper intra-African trade more urgent. Illegal Mining Crackdown: NAIMOS arrested a Chinese national at Dawusaso and destroyed illegal mining setups after river diversion concerns. Climate Funding Plan: Ghana is seeking about $53.3bn to implement its 10-year climate action plan. Health Money Unlocked: President Mahama says NHIS reforms freed an extra GHS 3bn for healthcare. Tourism Boost: GTDC unveils six digital tools to modernise tourism and drive domestic travel.

Wildlife Trade Watch: Hong Kong and Singapore imported over 1 million live wild birds from 2006–2020, with nearly two-thirds from Africa, raising alarms about weak regulation, invasive species and disease risks. Ghana’s Post-IMF Reality: Ghana has exited its US$3bn IMF programme, but the IMF says “the grass is still not green,” flagging SOEs, quasi-fiscal risks and commodity price swings as key threats under a new policy support pact. Central Bank Reset: Government says it will fully recapitalise the Bank of Ghana by 2032, using a new legal trigger for automatic injections if minimums are breached. Financial Sector Signals: BoG reports assets up 23.3% to GH¢647.25bn in 2025, as regulators push tighter, more integrated supervision. Mining & Jobs Pressure: A new push for local control in Tarkwa grows louder as MPs oppose lease renewals, while WAMPEX heads to Accra in June with 6,000+ delegates. Public Safety & Weather: Dr Antwi-Danso urges Ghanaians to take personal security into their own hands, as GMet warns of heavy rains and storms in several regions.

Galamsey Crackdown: A NAIMOS team led by Colonel Dominic Buah is being praised for its sustained fight against “high-tech galamsey,” with the focus on dismantling sophisticated illegal mining operations. IMF Exit, PCI Reality: Ghana has officially wrapped its $3bn IMF bailout and is moving to a non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument—yet critics warn it’s still IMF-shaped oversight, while economists say the real test is discipline after the programme ends. Jobs vs Stability: The TUC is pushing back hard, saying macro stability hasn’t translated into work for young people, and calling for a shift toward production and industrial growth. Water Stress: In Volta, Ghana Water Limited has shut down the Kpeve plant due to extreme turbidity, raising fears of recurring shortages. Governance & Integrity: Otumfuo and other leaders are urging business and event operators to put ethics and safety first. Local Economy Push: A 24-hour economy market project is set to begin, and Manhyia will partner AGAM to boost local garment procurement.

IMF Exit, No Cash Drop: Ghana has officially wrapped its $3bn IMF bailout, ending the Extended Credit Facility and moving to a non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument—meant to keep reforms on track without new disbursements. IMF Exit, Big Pressure Next: Even with “stabilisation gains” cited (lower inflation, stronger cedi, better reserves), analysts warn the real test is whether discipline holds—because spending pressure is likely to rise fast. Water Crisis Watch: In Volta, Ghana Water Limited shut the Kpeve treatment plant over extreme turbidity and unsafe raw water, raising fears of recurring shortages unless the intake area is protected. Integrity as Policy: The Asantehene and other leaders are pushing a blunt message for business and public life: trust is the foundation—without integrity, growth won’t stick. Galamsey Crackdown, More Guards: Ghana graduated 452 Blue Water Guards, bringing trained and deployed numbers to about 2,071 to patrol rivers and curb illegal mining. Youth Innovation: Tamale students unveiled crypto-incentivised smart litter bins to reward proper waste disposal. World Cup Heat & FIFA Fees: FIFA’s 2026 World Cup is flagged as a “fleecing” risk—while players face intense U.S. summer conditions.

Counter-Drone Drills: The U.S. Army is testing its “Bumblebee” anti-drone system during African Lion 26 in Morocco, pushing faster ways to protect troops and bases from cheap FPV killer drones. IMF Exit Reality Check: Ghana has wrapped up its $3bn IMF programme and is moving to non-financing policy support, but economists and the EU are warning: stability is not the same as prosperity, and citizens must keep leaders accountable. Anti-Galamsey Enforcement: Blue Water Guards just graduated 452 new recruits in the Western Region, bringing trained and deployed personnel to about 2,071 across 100+ districts to patrol waterways and curb illegal mining. Water, Food, and Rights: UN experts urge Ghana’s farm reforms to protect peasants, artisanal fishers and pastoralists, while a UCC academic argues schools should plant fruit trees to boost nutrition and restore green cover. Digital and Jobs Push: Ghana TVET Service launches a TVET leadership workshop, and MTN’s CEO frames SMP as a duty to deliver affordable, resilient connectivity as 5G spectrum bidding approaches.

IMF Exit, BoG Fix: Ghana has officially ended its US$3bn IMF Extended Credit Facility and will shift to a 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument, with the IMF urging the country to use its “fiscal space” to fund growth and jobs—while warning against gold-price shocks and fiscal slippage. In the same breath, government says it will fully recapitalise the Bank of Ghana by 2032 after Parliament amended central bank laws, as BoG’s negative equity widened to GH¢96.28bn by end-2026. Climate & Transport Tension: Diesel bus purchases are back in the spotlight: 300 diesel buses arrive just as Ghana pushes electric mobility in its Paris plans, raising fears over credibility with climate financiers. Energy Costs Bite: Diesel subsidy relief has been cut again as pump prices rise, leaving motorists paying more. Conservation Win: London Zoo is moving two rare Ghanaian frog species into its habitat as part of efforts to stop extinction. Rural Livelihoods: Solar irrigation and cooperative training are helping Namiyela farmers grow onions year-round. Governance Watch: STMA rejects a claim that it spent GH¢5.2m repainting offices, saying the real cost was GH¢319,683.

IMF Exit: Ghana has officially exited its 17th IMF bailout, moving to a non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument after “frontloaded” fiscal consolidation and reforms that restored stability and improved inflation and the cedi. Mining Pressure: The Ghana Chamber of Mines warns lease revocations and stalled renewals could scare investors, while NAiMOS dismantled illegal mining setups along the Butre River at Ewusiejo. Digital & TV Costs: Government has opened talks with broadcasters on a cost-sharing model for the Digital Terrestrial Television platform, aiming for sustainability without turning it into a quick-profit scheme. Women’s Football Funding: Ghana joined FIFA’s Women’s Football Commercial Strategy Programme as the only African member selected, with support for revenue and brand-building. Food Security Risk: A new warning says the Iran-linked Hormuz disruption could trigger another food shock via fertilizer shortages, hitting planting decisions later this year. Education WASH: New school projects must now include full water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. Sports & Youth: Black Starlets squandered a two-goal lead to draw Algeria in the U-17 AFCON opener.

Political Heat in the US: A mobile billboard in Los Angeles is reportedly targeting Mayor Karen Bass with Ghana-linked taunts, mixing wildfire imagery and World Cup messaging—an awkward reminder that international trips can turn into domestic political fire. Digital Push: MTN Ghana kicked off its 30th anniversary, doubling down on digital inclusion and Mobile Money as a driver of opportunity. Energy Productivity: Ghana launched a pilot 24-hour petroleum downstream push, starting with 268 fuel stations, aiming to cut downtime and boost jobs. Health System Gap: Africa CDC warns most countries can’t quickly confirm hantavirus tests, exposing a major diagnostic weakness tied to the MV Hondius outbreak. Community Peace: Youth groups in Walewale marched for interfaith unity, urging residents to reject division. Marine Protection: Ghana’s new Marine Protected Area risks becoming a “paper park” unless monitoring and funding catch up. Economy & Work: A US-based economist says Ghana’s labour market needs better data and a real jobs-first focus, not just inflation talk.

EU-Ghana Investment Push: EU Ambassador Rune Skinnebach says the EU has already committed over €1bn to Ghana under the Global Gateway and is tying more support to growth, stability and youth jobs. Water Governance Row: Ghana Water Limited rejects claims it’s drifting from its mandate, insisting reforms target safer potable water even as critics cite rising non-revenue water and commercial ventures. Identity Drive: NIA says it has registered and issued Ghana Cards to 32,000+ children aged 6–14 in Volta and Oti. Health System Crackdown: NHIA suspends three pharmacies over suspected NHIS fraud. Youth & Green Skills: YEFL-Ghana trains 125 young eco-preneurs (second cohort starting May 11). Learning Tech Deal: Astria Learning and the University of Ibadan sign an MOU to launch an AI-powered UI eCampus for postgraduate programmes. Sports Admin Fix: Ghana Athletics Association says early hiccups at the African Senior Athletics Championships have been addressed.

Mining Value-Chain Push: Ghana is wooing global investors in New York with a “Reset Agenda” pitch to move beyond raw exports—promising opportunities from extraction to refining and downstream processing. Energy Pressure: The Minority NPP has petitioned President Mahama over renewed “dumsor,” rising fuel levies, and cocoa pricing stress—warning the energy squeeze is hitting businesses and livelihoods. Trade for Jobs: A World Bank-led seminar urges Ghana to rethink trade strategy to unlock export-led growth and jobs under the 24-hour economy. Fisheries Transparency + Mariculture: Ghana is advancing FiTI to fix opaque licensing and weak data, while also issuing its first mariculture provisional licence to cut the fish gap. Women’s Empowerment: MTN’s Nkosuo initiative is boosting women tailors with digital and business skills, and FIFA’s programme is set to strengthen Ghana’s women’s league commercial future. Education Debate: Free SHS is being reviewed for financing, infrastructure and quality—while critics warn the minimum wage and education system are still failing many households.