AGP Executive Report

Sanitation Emergency in Accra: Government has started a 90-day evacuation of about one million tonnes of waste piled along the Odaw River at Agbogbloshie, moving it to the Adepa Engineered Landfill near Nsawam, with the Ghana Armed Forces supporting security as the reclaimed land is set for an industrial park. Water Governance & WASH: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS met in Abidjan to strengthen transboundary water management across shared river basins, while World Vision Ghana says US$51m will fund WASH services from 2027-2030 for over a million people. Climate, Displacement & Security: ECOWAS warns climate change and environmental degradation are driving displacement and instability across West Africa, with millions affected by floods and disasters. Food & Health Risks: MoH and SEND Ghana launched a push for front-of-pack warning labels as childhood obesity and NCDs rise. Illegal Mining Spotlight: Ghanaians abroad at the UN again demanded action on galamsey and accountability for environmental commitments. Agriculture Insurance Innovation: GAIP pilots Germination Index Insurance to compensate smallholders for rainfall-related crop losses using weather data. Regional Farmer-Herder Lessons: ECOWAS lawmakers urged stronger conflict prevention and early warning after Nigeria’s farmer-herder crisis.

Maritime Safety & Environment: Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has rejected claims that its vessel monitoring system is ineffective, saying it runs 24-hour surveillance to track, verify and ensure compliance—supporting safety, security and environmental protection in Ghana’s waters. Education & Community Development: Residents of Damanko (Oti Region) are demanding the urgent commissioning of the long-stalled E-Block Community Day SHS, arguing the near-complete project has left families paying extra to send children outside the district. Climate, Displacement & Regional Security: ECOWAS Parliament opened an Accra session focused on climate change, environmental degradation, population displacement and insecurity, urging climate commitments to become funded laws and practical action. Biodiversity & Conservation Methods: Nepal is preparing to overhaul how it counts one-horned rhinos, moving beyond risky old field methods toward camera traps and genetic sampling to improve population management. Green Growth & Skills: CSIR Minister Zaneto Agyeman-Rawlings called for stronger CSIR-government-private sector links to turn research into commercially viable products, while Ghana’s TVET Service and Tema Oil Refinery partnership targets industry-ready skills ahead of National TVET Week. Bushfire Readiness: Ghana’s National Bushfire Prevention Campaign is set to launch Sept 25 in Atebubu, with calls for PPE, tools and community support to reduce wildfire risk.

Climate Security & Displacement: ECOWAS warns climate change and environmental degradation could drive 32 million people into internal displacement by 2050, with women and children making up about 80%, as insecurity worsens across the region. Regional Policy Push: Ghana’s Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang urged ECOWAS to move from climate promises to funded action, stronger laws, early-warning systems, and better support for host communities. Cocoa & Low-Carbon Finance: Absa Bank Ghana and IFC announced a $50m facility to help Licensed Buying Companies finance traceable cocoa purchases from 139,000 smallholders, with support for more sustainable farming aligned with the Paris Agreement. Agbogbloshie Cleanup: President Mahama’s 90-day operation to clear Agbogbloshie’s waste heaps and move material to engineered landfill sites continues, with plans to transform the site after evacuation. AI Governance: Ghana’s Minister Samuel Nartey George says the country will regulate AI risks without killing innovation, focusing on harms in high-stakes uses. Rhino Conservation (Global): Nepal plans a new one-horned rhino census method, shifting from risky elephant-based counts to camera traps and genetic sampling.

Water & Accountability: Ghana Water Limited faces a potential US$235m liability after an international arbitration ruling tied to the stalled Teshie-Nungua desalination plant, with the Republic of Ghana also found liable under a state guarantee. Media Freedom: Deputy spokesperson Shamima Muslim urged broadcasters to stay professional, impartial and independent, warning that democracy needs trusted journalism—not government-aligned coverage. AI Governance: Ghana says it will regulate AI risks without killing innovation, with rules focused on harms and high-risk uses, while training and public-sector AI adoption expand. Clean Mobility: The Energy Commission has laid EV charging and battery-swap regulations before Parliament to guide safe, orderly growth of electric mobility. Climate, Displacement & Security: ECOWAS warns climate change and insecurity could drive internal displacement to nearly 32m by 2050, pushing the region toward urgent early-warning and resilience investment. Food Safety: Ghana launched a 5-year plan to cut heavy metals in food (2026–2030), targeting lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic with stronger monitoring and lab capacity. Illegal Mining Crackdown: NAIMOS and GIISDEC confiscated mining equipment in Akango as operators reportedly move deeper into remote areas along the River Ankobra. Agri & Livelihoods: CSIR-SARI trained women and youth in Upper East soap and pomade production using shea butter to reduce pressure on restored landscapes. Regional Climate Action: ECOWAS Parliament sessions in Accra pushed “substance over solemnity,” calling for practical climate displacement responses. Health Capacity: WHO handed ICT and media equipment worth GHS 258,000 to the University of Ghana School of Public Health to strengthen emergency preparedness and research.

Sanitation & Coastal Recovery: President Mahama has kicked off a 90-day push to remove about 1 million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie, Old Fadama and surrounding areas, aiming to reduce flooding and pollution while setting up a wider urban renewal plan. Waste Governance: A related editorial warns the clean-up must be followed by strict, sustained enforcement against renewed dumping and encroachment. Lagoon Restoration: Accra’s Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone is set for ecological restoration after illegal structures were demolished, with debris clearing and new vegetation to improve flood resilience. Climate Finance Pressure: Ghana’s EPA says the country needs $22.6bn by 2030 to deliver climate actions, calling for budgets, early warning systems and resilient infrastructure. Regional Climate Action: ECOWAS Parliament lawmakers in Accra urged practical responses to climate-driven environmental damage, displacement and insecurity. Energy Transition: Ghana’s PV capacity hit 276.7 MW by end-2025, with targets to scale solar and mini-grids. Health & Research: WANETAM-4 launched a five-year West Africa programme to strengthen TB, malaria and HIV research, training and lab capacity. Media & Society: Ghana won the bid to host the 6th FAJ Continental Congress, as journalists face rising attacks and economic pressure.

Fire Safety Reform: Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak commissioned a Ghana Fire Code Development Committee to draft a modern, enforceable national fire code, with support from the World Bank, to match fast urban growth and new building risks. Climate, Security & Displacement: ECOWAS Parliament seminar in Accra heard warnings that worsening climate impacts—drought, flooding, sea-level rise and land degradation—are driving displacement and could deepen insecurity across West Africa. Illegal Mining Threats: Conservation groups warn illegal miners are overrunning Atewa Forest Reserve, stripping cover and polluting streams, putting drinking water for millions at risk. Water Access in the West: Gold Fields Ghana Foundation handed over a GH¢616,858 water system in Brahabebome (40,000-litre storage, boreholes, standpipes) to improve safe water supply. Plastic Pollution Push: World Cleanup Day coverage urges Ghanaians to move beyond street sweeping by tackling plastic pollution and illegal mining, with shared responsibility across government, CSOs, businesses and communities. Education & Youth Pathways: Ghana’s U19 Premier League logo was unveiled to strengthen youth football pathways, while a call for basic coding for students highlights the need for digital skills for everyday life. Health & Patient Safety: FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital urged stronger patient education to improve non-communicable disease safety and outcomes. AI and E-waste: An environmental body warns AI could accelerate e-waste, with discarded electronics potentially creating major pollution and health risks.

ECOWAS Reform Debate: Experts in Accra say ECOWAS must reform to stay relevant as young people lose faith in elected governments and security alternatives gain appeal. Sanitation Funding Watch: Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee backed DACF sanitation use in Volta and Oti, praising boreholes and toilets while flagging reporting gaps in Nkwanta North. Illegal Mining Pressure: The Ghana Sociological and Anthropological Association calls galamsey “intolerable,” urging apolitical enforcement to protect water, farms, forests and biodiversity. One Health & Food Choices: Ghana Health Service warns NCDs drive 45% of deaths and pushes faith-led healthy eating and earlier screening. Standards & Pollution Risk: Ghana Standards Authority reports 18% revenue growth while tightening product testing; separate commentary urges vehicle import rules to focus on condition, not age alone. Climate Youth Action: A youth-led forest restoration movement traces its roots to a child’s climate question and highlights millions of trees planted worldwide. Mining Communities’ Voice: VOICES Project urged to link new mining-environment structures to established institutions so gains don’t collapse after two years. Heavy Metals in Food: Ghana launches a national plan to cut toxic heavy metals in food. Ghana’s Industrial Push: Trade and Industry officials unveil support for manufacturing via energy reliability and digital innovation.

Agbogbloshie Cleanup: President Mahama has launched a 90-day National Emergency Waste Evacuation at Agbogbloshie, aiming to move about one million tonnes of waste to the Adepa Engineered Landfill near Nsawam, using heavy equipment and support from the Armed Forces—part of a push to cut health and environmental risks to nearby communities and the Odaw River/Korle Lagoon. Sanitation Governance: Parliament’s Sanitation and Water Resources committee is urging tighter government–investor–private waste company collaboration to improve collection, disposal and recycling, warning Ghana’s sanitation push must go beyond dumping. Coastal Waste Action: India’s High Commission in Ghana joined volunteers for a major Ananse Beach cleanup in Nungua, backing ocean protection and citizen-led “Swachhata Hi Seva” style efforts. Weather Watch: GMet warns of an approaching thunderstorm and heavy rain system hitting Upper East, North East and Northern first, with gusty winds and flooding risks—urging residents and motorists to plan and drive carefully. Vehicle Import Rules: Ghana Standards Authority’s plan to tighten used-vehicle import standards from Oct 1, 2026 (including age limits) is sparking debate on safer, cleaner roads versus focusing on actual vehicle condition. Faith & Environment: Christians are being urged to treat environmental protection as a spiritual duty, with sermons linking galamsey to stewardship responsibilities. Regional Security Link: An ECOWAS lawmaker warns that environmental degradation can fuel flooding, displacement and insecurity across West Africa.

Agbogbloshie Sanitation Push: President Mahama has commissioned a 90-day National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise to remove about one million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie, using heavy equipment and support from the Ghana Armed Forces, with disposal at the Adepa Engineered Landfill near Nsawam; the reclaimed land is set for an urban renewal plan including an industrial park, but Mahama stressed enforcement to stop illegal dumping from returning. Waste Management Nationwide: Mahama also announced engineered landfill facilities for all 16 regional capitals, plus more recycling plants, household bins, and transfer stations—aimed at building a full waste system from collection to disposal. World Cleanup Day Drive: Ahead of 20 September, GF Foundation began sanitation education in Greater Accra, teaching safe waste disposal, hygiene, and gutter cleaning, and urging residents to join cleanup activities. Sanitation Funding Debate: Bekwai MP Ralph Poku-Adusei says Ghana must do more than the 10% DACF sanitation allocation, calling for long-term, sustainable waste systems and a dedicated sanitation fund. Food Safety & Heavy Metals: Ghana has launched a national plan to tackle heavy metals in food, targeting safer diets as contamination concerns grow. Coastal Climate Reality: A report from Keta highlights how storms and shifting coastlines are eroding land and disrupting lives, with climate change making flooding and sea damage worse.

Agbogbloshie Sanitation Push: President Mahama has ordered a 90-day operation to clear about one million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie to the Adepa Engineered Landfill near Nsawam, with enforcement meant to stop the area becoming an illegal dumping ground again and plans to turn cleared land into an industrial park. Heavy Metals in Food: Ghana has launched a National Strategic Plan to cut toxic heavy metals in food, targeting lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic with stronger surveillance, labs and regulation after alarming contamination findings. Waste Funding Pressure: Parliament’s Minority is calling for a dedicated sanitation fund, saying municipalities lack sweepers and stable waste contracts, making it hard to move beyond basic collection. Tree Planting Reality Check: A Daily Graphic investigation reports very low survival of seedlings under the Green Ghana Project in Upper East, raising questions about planting practices and capacity. Clean Air Spotlight: Ugandan-founded AirQo is a finalist for the 2026 Earthshot Prize for closing Africa’s air-quality data gap with low-cost monitors and open-data tools. Shea Sector Boost: At the World Shea Expo in Tamale, leaders planted a hybrid shea tree to speed up plantation-based production, while Ignite Social Enterprise also plans to push Ghanaian shea butter to international markets via a digital platform. Local Protest: Residents of Shai-Osudoku (Asutsuare/Akuse) protested poor roads and unsold local rice stocks, demanding action from government.

Waste & Health: President Mahama has launched a 90-day operation to evacuate about one million tonnes of accumulated waste from Agbogbloshie, using drone-assisted AI assessment and moving it to the Adepa Engineered Landfill near Nsawam under environmental safeguards. Toxic Food Safety: Ghana has launched a 2026–2030 national plan to cut exposure to heavy metals in food, targeting lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic—especially to protect children and pregnant women. Fire Safety Regulation: The Interior Minister commissioned a Ghana Fire Code Committee to develop a modern, enforceable national fire code to match Ghana’s growing urban and industrial risks. Maritime Security: MARSEC urged the Ghana Maritime Authority to sustain leadership in maritime domain awareness through stronger information sharing and multi-agency coordination. Forests & Youth: Young Forest Champions held a workshop to build a network of digitally enabled forest leaders, strengthening monitoring against degradation and illegal logging. Volta Aquaculture Investment: The Volta Regional House of Chiefs signed an MoU with a Chinese aquaculture firm to expand large-scale fish farming in the Volta Basin. Agriculture Nutrition: Scientists are urging wider use of cassava leaves, warning Ghana is missing a major nutrition opportunity while focusing on roots and starch.

Agbogloshie Cleanup & Jobs: President Mahama commissioned the evacuation of about one million tonnes of waste from Agbogloshie to the Adepa Engineered Landfill Site, using drone-assisted AI estimates and heavy equipment, with the work expected to finish in 90 days—clearing the way for an industrial park and a planned textile factory. Sanitation in Accra: Korle Klottey MCE commissioned a new sanitation facility at Tudu to improve hygiene and public health. Water Access: Afadzato South District Assembly is pushing 50 water projects, with a new one underway near Nyagbo Agordome to bring safe drinking water closer to households. Green Finance for SMEs: The EU, Netherlands and Fidelity Bank launched a €6.668m Green Innovation Fund to help Ghanaian businesses adopt green technologies and grow sustainably. Atewa Forest & Illegal Mining Pressure: Environmental groups renewed calls for National Park status for Atewa Forest as illegal mining threatens the water source for millions. Health & Food Safety: Stakeholders launched a campaign pushing front-of-pack nutritional labelling to help curb Ghana’s NCD burden. Education Support: NCPTA-Ghana urged parents to equip SHS/TVET freshers with basic needs, while UESD and Maleka Farms launched an aquaculture scholarship for financially challenged students. Coastal & Climate Tech: KNUST set to commission a Photonics and Optics Laboratory to support health, agriculture and environmental safety research.

Climate & Jobs: Green Prosperity Africa Foundation argues climate change is also an economic threat for Ghana, but says green entrepreneurship in areas like climate-smart farming, recycling, clean tech and agro-processing can cut poverty while building resilience. Digital Economy & Business Discovery: Accra’s business directory push is gaining momentum, with Modern Ghana’s Business Directory and the Accra Street Directory helping customers find services online instead of through word-of-mouth. Cost of Living Reality Check: A Greater Accra food and utilities analysis says inflation may be easing, but household costs are still shifting upward in daily life. Marine Conservation: Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area at Greater Cape Three Points is still not fully operational—no clear digital boundary on Global Fishing Watch and limited on-the-ground setup. Sanitation in Accra: KoKMA inaugurates a Tudu public sanitation facility to curb open urination and ease pressure on existing toilets. Urban Waste Crisis (Africa-wide): Reporting from Johannesburg highlights how illegal dumping and weak waste systems are choking cities like Accra, with waste outpacing collection and disposal. Infrastructure Planning: NDPC starts a review to end “stop-and-go” infrastructure development, targeting energy, water, transport, logistics and digital systems. Air Pollution Enforcement: EPA shuts down Empire Cement’s Weija plant over alleged air pollution breaches. Cocoa Sustainability: Meiji deepens Ghana cocoa partnerships, including a sustainable cocoa agroforestry model with Afarinick. Youth & Sports (Community Development): GFA and KIVO/JLAB back a three-year Colts U-17 Clubs Championship, with 10,000 footballs annually to strengthen grassroots football.

Journalism Safety: Government says it will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of journalists, reaffirming support for press freedom at an FAJ steering committee meeting in Accra. Gender & Rights: The Gender Minister urged women journalists to champion implementation of Ghana’s Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, pushing for real outcomes beyond legislation. Migration Governance: KMA and IOM inaugurated a Local Technical Committee on Migration to improve coordination and information sharing across Kumasi. Mining Communities & Environment: ActionAid Ghana launched a 24-month project to strengthen mining-affected communities’ voices, rights and monitoring of environmental and social impacts in four regions. Air Pollution Enforcement: EPA shut down Empire Cement’s Weija plant over alleged air pollution breaches, adding pressure on industrial compliance. Climate Finance Pressure: ActionAid reports climate-vulnerable countries spend about 25 times more on debt repayments than on climate action, calling for debt cancellation to free resources. Research-to-Impact: Chief of Staff Julius Debrah urged stronger links between universities, industry and policymakers so research becomes practical solutions for Ghana’s development. TVET Jobs Pipeline: Ghana TVET Service and DTI signed a partnership to strengthen TVET delivery and improve industry linkages for youth employment. Nuclear Power Prep: Environment Minister says Ghana’s nuclear programme is advancing with site characterisation, regulatory readiness and training capacity. Road Safety: GCB’s “Helmet On, Life On” campaign trained motorcycle riders in Accra CBD to improve safety and reduce crashes. Cocoa Sustainability: Afarinick and Japan’s Meiji signed an LOI to develop a circular agroforestry cocoa model, reusing farm waste to boost sustainability. Atewa Forest Push: Environmental groups renewed calls for Atewa Forest to be made a national park amid illegal mining threats.

Climate Resilience & Coastal Protection: UN-Habitat experts say mangrove destruction is driving worsening flooding and climate impacts along Ghana’s coast, urging sustained restoration and community sensitisation. Air Quality & Public Health: Presbyterian Relief Services and Development (PRESED) with the Clean Air Fund launched an inclusive clean-air campaign for persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities in Accra and Kumasi, targeting hotspots like wood dust, open burning and roadside pollution. Mining Communities & Environmental Accountability: ActionAid Ghana rolled out the VOICES project to strengthen mining communities’ voice and monitoring, training women and youth in extractive-sector governance, climate-resilient livelihoods and advocacy. Green Innovation for Trade: The new Green Innovation Fund will help Ghanaian businesses meet climate and digital requirements for global markets, including carbon-related standards and digital product passports. Local Governance & Planning: LoGSAPP urged MMDAs to put climate resilience and environmental protection at the centre of land use, drainage, waste, wetlands and green spaces planning. Infrastructure Sustainability: Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson inspected the Sekondi Sports Stadium rehabilitation and called for a long-term utilisation and revenue plan to prevent renewed decay. Drones & Aviation Oversight: GCAA is strengthening drone regulation with a risk-based framework as unmanned aircraft use expands into health, agriculture, mining and inspections. Education Financing: Students Loan Trust Fund says it spent about GH¢600m this year, with plans to raise spending to nearly GH¢800m next academic year. Agriculture & Food Security: Ghana’s Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative targets 100,000 tonnes in 2026/27, scaling up to 400,000 tonnes annually, with irrigation, financing, insurance, processing and markets flagged as key.

Road Safety & Transport Costs: DVLA says it will judge success by fewer crashes and deaths, not just licences, as 2025 recorded 14,743 crashes and 2,949 deaths; energy analyst warns ad hoc fuel-price interventions won’t fix transport fare concerns and urges a fair fare-adjustment deal with unions. Media Freedom & Accountability: MFWA launches a GHC544,000 Legal Support Fund and runs legal training for journalists, urging reporting within the law to protect press freedom and reduce legal risks. Climate & Nature Restoration: MTN Ghana, Forestry Commission and Rainforest Alliance restore Chipa Forest Reserve with 1,666 trees (833 now, 833 when rains start). Plastic & Coastal Pollution: A Cape Coast feature highlights how beach waste threatens fishermen’s livelihoods, raising the question of what happens if waste-management services like Zoomlion ever fold. Local Service Delivery: Cape Coast Assembly donates streetlights and dustbins to SHSs to improve sanitation and security; DVLA expands with 29 new offices in 18 months, now 62 nationwide. Health & Women’s Safety: UNFPA calls for faster action on maternal deaths as Africa accounts for about 70% of global cases, tied to Ghana’s maternal health emergency response initiative. Education Strain: Bresuano MA Basic School still struggles after storm damage, with pupils crammed into makeshift spaces and only two teachers.