AGP Executive Report

Plastic & Jobs: Accra’s first industrial-scale plastic pyrolysis push is moving from promise to implementation, with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly signing a feedstock deal to supply 100 tonnes of plastic waste daily—projected to create about 1,500 jobs across collection, sorting and plant operations. Flood Risk & Planning Enforcement: Ada East District says about 70% of buildings lack permits, warning that structures on waterways and flood-prone areas face demolition as enforcement tightens to cut disaster risks. Extreme Weather: GMet links Accra flooding to a rainstorm drifting in from Nigeria, stressing that poor drainage and rapid urbanisation often worsen impacts even when rainfall totals aren’t extreme. Agriculture for Self-Sufficiency: MOFA partners with FarmMate to boost tomato production and processing, targeting 250 acres in Offinso North to reduce import dependence, stabilise prices and cut post-harvest losses. Mining & Environment: The Ghana Chamber of Mines says artisanal and small-scale mining produces about 52% of Ghana’s gold but contributes under 2% of tax revenue, calling for stronger formalisation without crushing livelihoods. E-Waste: An e-waste drive saw hundreds of items donated for refurbishment or recycling, with many residents citing environmental help as their main reason. Water & Safety at Events: FIFA bans reusable water bottles at World Cup venues, directing fans to alternative hydration options. Human Security at Borders: A human security analyst urges calm over Interior’s warning of over 100 unauthorised entry routes along the Volta-Togo border, saying the focus should be on state accountability for who uses informal paths.

Climate & Clean Transport: In Bawku, residents marked World Environment Day with “Ride for Clean Air,” shifting from petrol motorbikes to electric bikes to cut pollution and push local climate action. Forests for Finance: Forestry Commission’s Elikem Kotoko says Ghana’s forests should be treated as investment assets too—linking restoration and REDD+ to climate finance, jobs, biodiversity and better governance. REDD+ Update (Atewa): The World Bank says it’s “modestly satisfied” with REDD+ progress in the Atewa Hotspot Intervention Area, citing community-led conservation and support for cocoa farmers. Air & Reporting Safety: Ashanti GJA and RSF Germany are training journalists for safer, more accurate environmental reporting as mining and galamsey impacts stay in the spotlight. Flooding & Daily Life: Accra commuters report worsening rainy-season hardship—vehicle shortages, traffic and poor road conditions turning commutes into a daily struggle. Electric Mobility Rollout: DACF and Wahu Mobility plan 5,000 smart electric motorcycles nationwide, starting with a pilot for MMDAs to support revenue collection and environmental health work. Mining Certainty: Ghana reassures mining investors amid Gold Fields’ Tarkwa lease renewal debate, stressing stable, predictable rules and “no nationalisation” signals. Cocoa Price Volatility: Cocoa and coffee farmer groups warn persistent market price swings are undermining livelihoods and slowing investment across the value chain. Green Infrastructure at Takoradi: UK-backed PIDG is investing £101m in a ship repair and dry-docking facility at Takoradi Port, with jobs and a new climate-focused project preparation push.

Nature Finance & Biodiversity: Ecobank has launched a $450m Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange to channel capital into sustainable farming, deforestation-free supply chains and water systems, aiming to close Africa’s nature-finance gap. Cocoa & Forest Risk: COCOBOD proposes up to 10 years in jail for cocoa smugglers, with confiscation and heavy fines, as Ghana pushes to meet the EU deforestation rules and tighten farm-to-port traceability. Soil & Battery Pollution: A new report highlights how sulphuric acid and lead from used car batteries are poisoning Ghana’s soil and affecting people’s health. Invasive Pests: West African experts are meeting in Accra to strengthen pest risk analysis against invasive species, with estimates putting losses at about US$7bn a year across the continent. Flooding & Planning: Accra flooding is being linked to drainage failures and floodplain encroachment, with calls for better rainwater storage and smarter land-use decisions. Clean Energy for Health: A Ghanaian wind-solar microgrid has delivered 6,000+ hours of clean power to rural health centres in the Eastern Region, cutting diesel costs and supporting maternal care. Food Security: WFP says a daily school meal is keeping 60,000 children in class in Northern Ghana, improving attendance and health while supporting local farmers. Investment & Jobs: The UK–Ghana Growth Partnership (2026–2028) is set to unlock private investment, including a £101m ship repair/dry-docking facility in Takoradi.

Flood Resilience in Accra: The Ghana Institution of Engineers says Accra’s worsening flooding can’t be solved by drainage alone and is pushing mandatory rainwater harvesting and on-site storage for homes and estates, so storm water doesn’t rush into the city at once. Plastic Pollution Pushback: Ghanaians are reacting to the government’s ban on Styrofoam containers, with some welcoming cleaner drains and others warning small food vendors may struggle unless affordable alternatives are ready. Clean Water Access: The Ghana Maritime Authority is extending mechanized boreholes to six Upper West communities, aiming to cut the daily burden of water collection and improve school attendance and WASH. Fisheries Enforcement: Two inshore fishing operators were arrested at Tema Harbour for operating without valid licences and using unapproved gear, as authorities intensify action against illegal fishing. Ocean Governance Call: Ahead of Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, Oceana urges stronger protection for marine habitats and more transparent fisheries decisions that put small-scale fishers and coastal communities first. Climate Justice in Court: A landmark climate case is before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking what duties African governments have to protect people from climate harms. Cocoa Financing Shift: COCOBOD is close to launching a locally financed commercial paper programme using pension funds, banks and value-chain players to fund cocoa purchases and reduce reliance on foreign syndicated loans. UK-Ghana Green Maritime Deal: A £215m UK-Ghana growth partnership includes a £101m Takoradi floating dock project and an £85m reforestation fund to restore degraded land and support rural jobs.

Climate-smart food systems: Vice President Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang urged West Africa to invest in rice across the value chain, warning that importing too much food also imports vulnerability. Flood resilience: Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) says Accra’s flooding is an engineering problem and calls for a radical shift to rainwater harvesting and storage at homes and estates. Plastic and waste-to-wealth: CORD Ghana trained youth in green business skills to turn waste into products, pushing resource recovery as a livelihood and sustainability pathway. Food import pressure: Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability Issifu Seidu called for climate-smart agriculture to cut Ghana’s dependence on imports, citing heavy poultry import costs. Illegal fishing and enforcement: Fisheries enforcement at Tema Harbour arrested inshore operators for operating without valid licences, as Ghana pushes harder against illegal fishing. Local governance and gender: The Gender Minister launched a programme to prepare 30 women for the 2027 district elections, aiming to strengthen leadership and representation. Transport costs: Volta GPRTU denied authorising a 20% lorry fare increase circulating online, warning drivers against unilateral hikes. Health equity research: Ghanaian global health scholar Dr. Godfred Boateng is leading work linking inequality, poverty, resource insecurity and environmental challenges to health outcomes.

Flood Risk & Drainage Reform: The Ghana Institution of Engineering says Accra’s flooding is now a structural crisis, driven by clogged drains, rapid urban growth, weak land-use planning, and fragmented agency control—calling for a shift to decentralised, nature-based stormwater systems like bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and rainwater harvesting. Plastic Pollution Numbers: A new look at Ghana’s plastic crisis estimates about 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly, with less than 2% recycled—fueling clogged drains, polluted coasts, and pressure on marine life. Clean Water Support: Republic Bank commissioned solar/electric mechanized boreholes in Pwalugu and Dingoni, targeting SDG 6 clean water and training residents to operate and maintain the systems. Health & Tech Safety: The Ghana Association of Radiologists warns diagnostic centres against issuing AI radiology reports without licensed doctor oversight, stressing patient safety and legal compliance. Fisheries Education Push: Fishing community stakeholders are urging scholarships for students from riparian areas to train as teachers and nurses, improving access to education and healthcare. Ghana-UK Growth Deal: Ghana and the UK signed a £215m Growth Partnership (2026–2028), including a £101m Takoradi ship repair facility and climate-focused forestry support.

Climate Justice in Court: A landmark climate case is before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, with civil society asking judges to clarify states’ duties to protect people from climate harms and shift away from environmentally damaging economies. Waste Trade Rules: An opinion piece argues Africa’s own treaty could help fix global waste trade loopholes that enable toxic dumping and “toxic colonialism.” Flood Risk & Urban Planning: A commentary revisits Accra’s recurring flooding, blaming weak land-use planning and clogged drainage systems packed with refuse, urging a radical shift in flood management. Clean Water Push: Republic Bank inaugurated mechanized boreholes in Pwalugu and Dingoni after a documentary showed communities competing with animals for water—clean water as health and dignity. Responsible Mining Training: Government-backed training for small-scale miners in Eastern Region focuses on compliance, safety, and environmental protection to curb harmful illegal practices. Air Quality Monitoring: Breathe Accra expands municipal pollution data collection, aiming to map air pollution even where monitors are scarce. Consumer Safety: CDA Consult’s “Verify Before You Buy” campaign targets counterfeit and unsafe goods through public education and stronger collaboration with regulators.

Galamsey Crackdown: Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi says illegal mining will face tougher enforcement, including procuring 10 high-tech speedboats to patrol river bodies and building a traceability system to track gold to its source. Toxic Battery Waste: New reporting warns unsafe disposal of sulphuric acid and lead from used car batteries is contaminating Ghana’s soil and groundwater, with UNICEF estimating over 1.7 million children at risk of elevated blood lead levels. Flood & Urban Planning: A commentary flags an emerging trend of vehicle sales points popping up across Accra, arguing it harms road safety and greenery and adds to environmental strain. Rural Roads & Access: The World Bank approves US$500m for Ghana’s Market Access and Connectivity Project, targeting feeder road rehabilitation and maintenance across multiple regions to cut transport costs and post-harvest losses. Health & Prevention: Ghana’s Health Service urges pregnant women to avoid tobacco and nicotine, warning of risks like premature birth and low birth weight. Skills for Jobs: TVET graduation coverage highlights skilled youth as a route to employment and industrial growth, while a separate item notes TTU’s innovation win at ARCTUG 2026.

Climate & Flood Risk: Ghana Water Ltd says Weija flooding is driven mainly by heavy rains and long-standing settlement planning failures, not dam spillage—while residents link recent damage to Weija Dam operations. Air Pollution Data: EPA is partnering with Columbia University to map PM2.5 across Ghana, even where monitors are missing, to better track health risks and pollution trends. Climate Finance for Resilience: Government commits over GH¢442m for climate disaster recovery and coastal protection, including resettlement after the 2023 Akosombo spillage and new coastal erosion and flooding interventions. Agriculture Insurance Innovation: TEMBO Africa is piloting germination index insurance for smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana, using rainfall triggers to pay out when early rains fail. Health & Tobacco Control: GHS urges pregnant women to avoid tobacco and nicotine ahead of World No Tobacco Day, while VALD calls for AI and digital tools to strengthen tobacco enforcement against fast-shifting online marketing. Public Health in Markets: AMA warns meat sellers over expired medical certificates and signals possible prosecution. Eye Health Screening: A free eye screening in Wa found only 98 of 1,123 children had normal vision, with most needing treatment or glasses. Menstrual Health Advocacy: Sensels School marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day with renewed calls to tackle stigma and improve access and support for girls. Governance & Environment Justice: A commentary pushes the idea of “Courts of the Living,” urging Ghana’s legal system to treat ecosystems and biodiversity as central to environmental decisions.

Land Restoration & Anti-Galamsey: Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah handed over sites for reclamation of 800 acres of galamsey-degraded land along the River Subile in Ellembelle (Anwia, Teleku-Bokazo and Nkroful), with Ecorestore Ghana and funding from Zijin Golden Ridge—aimed at restoring soil, ecology and long-term productivity. Domestic Violence Support: Government commissioned a new shelter for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, promising refuge and services like counselling, medical care, legal aid and psychosocial support. Fisheries Governance: Chief fishermen and queen fishmongers appealed for formal recognition of inland fishing communities and their leadership as key partners in Ghana’s fisheries development. Sanitation & Waste Jobs: BuzStopBoys says its clean-up and recycling push has grown into 15 youth groups and is asking for land and backing to expand plastic recycling into jobs. Eye Health for Children: A free screening in Wa found only 98 of 1,123 pupils had normal eyesight, with most needing treatment—under the BS4Ks project. Illegal Fishing Push: Ahead of Global IUU Day, canoe fishermen leaders urged stricter enforcement against illegal fishing to protect marine resources and livelihoods. Rural Roads: The World Bank approved US$500m for Ghana’s rural feeder and market access roads, targeting climate-ready designs and jobs for rural communities.

Rural Roads Boost: The World Bank approved a US$500m package for Ghana to improve at least 1,000km of rural agricultural and market access roads, aiming to cut transport costs, reduce travel time and post-harvest losses while creating thousands of jobs. Mosquito Resistance & Sanitation: A University of Ghana medical entomologist warned that widespread agricultural pesticide use is helping mosquitoes develop resistance to insecticides, while also urging stricter local sanitation enforcement to remove breeding sites like stagnant water and clogged drains. Cocoa Financing Shift: The Bank of Ghana says cocoa purchases for the 2026/27 season will be financed with $1bn raised from the domestic bond market, reducing reliance on foreign dollar funding. Transport Costs: GPRTU announced a 20% fare increase from June 2, citing higher fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. Climate-Linked Land Restoration: TreeAid Ghana and Nviron Hive launched a Yendi project targeting 100,000 trees planted, 100,000 regenerated and 1,000 hectares restored to support livelihoods and climate resilience. Tax Targets: GRA set a goal to reach GH¢310bn in tax revenue by 2028, pointing to digital enforcement to improve compliance.

World Bank Roads Boost: The World Bank approved a $500m Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project to rehabilitate and maintain 1,000+ km of rural feeder roads, cutting transport costs and post-harvest losses while creating jobs for rural communities. Plastic Pollution Push: GIZ and partners launched InnoWaste, a youth-focused project turning plastic waste into livelihoods, while AERC Ghana backed EPA’s styrofoam and takeaway-pack ban effective Jan 2027—urging a nationwide foam-free transition plan so small vendors aren’t left behind. Nature Finance Deal: OmniBSIC Bank and Indelible/Pay2Nature signed a partnership to route small contributions from everyday payments into verified biodiversity projects, using blockchain-backed claims. Shea Value Chain + Parklands: TCDA and Golden Forest signed an MoU to invest in shea processing, research, and reforestation/restoration of shea parklands, with support for women cooperatives. Disaster Preparedness: NADMO reaffirmed its EU partnership to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and coordination. Water & Mining Concerns: Communities in Oti Region urged transparency over Gyamonome iron ore exploration, citing worries about water pollution and compensation. Renewables in Parliament: Parliament plans solar installations to move from awareness to practical clean-energy action. Menstrual Health Call: Stakeholders marked Menstrual Hygiene Day, pushing a period-friendly Ghana where severe pain isn’t dismissed as “normal.”

Renewables Push: Ghana plans to scale up solar, mini-grids, rooftop systems and other off-grid renewables nationwide, moving from pilots to bankable projects at constituency level, with Parliament also set to install solar panels as a “from awareness to action” signal. Energy Policy: The Energy Commission is rolling out a national net-metering framework so households and businesses with rooftop solar can sell excess power back to the grid, alongside a PF-SEAP programme to cut public-sector electricity use and arrears. Public Health & Pollution: Ghana is stepping up action on lead poisoning risks, with journalists trained to report on contamination sources and prevention, while a global air-pollution report flags polluted air as a major driver of NCD deaths—especially in low- and middle-income countries. Waste to Wealth: The InnoWaste project launches to turn plastic waste into income through circular-economy jobs for women and youth, supported by local governance partners. Wildlife Reminder: A reflective piece notes the cuckoo’s decline in Ireland, underscoring how environmental change can silence familiar nature sounds. Climate & Conflict: Research warns war-driven emissions are pushing fragile systems closer to collapse, adding another layer to climate risk.

Mining Enforcement: EPA shuts down Gan-He Company Limited in Wassa Amenfi East over persistent environmental violations, including cyanide-laden tailings, contaminated water discharge, and missing permits. Flood Risk & Waste: Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo urges residents to stop dumping refuse into drains and avoid building on watercourses as flooding returns with the rainy season. Climate Resilience Tech: NADMO and UNESCO launch an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot to improve “last mile” disaster risk communication for floods and droughts. Water Security Funding: ECA calls for urgent financing to close Africa’s water and sanitation gap, linking safe water to resilience and development. Indigenous Seeds: Bolgatanga Seed Fair pushes preservation of indigenous seeds to boost biodiversity and climate-resilient farming. Digital Divide: Telecel Ghana renovates an ICT lab for Achiase students, funded by staff donations. Identity Security: Incode reports zero bypasses in independent adversarial testing of its mobile biometric verification. Extractives Policy: Government backs a hybrid financing model for mining—keeping foreign participation while tightening revenue and local content rules.

Land Restoration & Galamsey Recovery: Govt launched an 800-acre reclamation drive in Ellembelle along the River Subile, aiming to restore degraded land, vegetation and water quality after mining damage, financed through a partnership with Zijin Golden Ridge. Energy Security: Tema Oil Refinery received about one million barrels of Shell’s Bonga crude via its tolling arrangement, a step toward stabilising refining output and cutting dependence on imported fuel. Climate & Flood Readiness: Ghana Meteorological Agency urged citizens to heed rainy-season advisories as rainfall becomes more erratic, and called for more investment in weather monitoring, radars and climate resilience systems. Digital Governance & Data Trust: Debate continues around Ghana’s NITA Bill, 2026, with calls for a binding national framework to stop failed or duplicated digital projects and improve accountability. Cybersecurity Risk: A professor warned that AI-enabled hacking is raising the stakes for Ghana’s fast-growing digital finance and governance systems. Mobile Money Consumer Protection: CUTS International praised Bank of Ghana for suspending a proposed 0.75% wallet-to-bank fee pending consultations. Health & Community Support: MTN Ghana begins its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign (June 1–21) to equip health centres with beds, targeting gaps in access to care. Water Management: Water Resources Commission and University of Johannesburg signed an MoU to strengthen water governance, research and capacity building. Humanitarian Response: Ghana repatriated 300 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic violence, prioritising vulnerable people facing harassment.

Galamsey Repair Drive: Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has kicked off a new 800-acre land reclamation and reforestation push at Nkroful in the Western Region, targeting degraded plots along the River Subri and handing the site to RM Ecorestore Ghana Limited, with funding linked to Zijin Golden Ridge Limited. Water Governance: The Water Resources Commission and the University of Johannesburg signed a three-year MoU to strengthen Ghana’s water management through research, innovation, and capacity building, including tackling pollution and scarcity. Marine Protection Planning: A marine spatial planning workshop stressed better coordination for fishing, transport, oil exploration and tourism, with stakeholders validating datasets and discussing nature-based solutions and payment for ecosystem services. Flood Fix Debate: Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio says desilting the Odaw River won’t stop Accra’s flooding, urging upstream retention and slowing runoff instead of treating symptoms. Renewables Push: Ghana’s solar momentum continues, with new projects expanding clean power options and supporting the country’s renewable targets. Business Energy Costs: GNCCI is targeting a cut in energy-related spending for firms to about 20% to boost competitiveness, backed by an Energy and Climate Desk with GIZ. Eid Evacuation & Safety: Ghana repatriated the first batch of citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic tensions, while authorities promise reintegration support on arrival.