AGP Executive Report

Flood Response & Clean-Up: Christian Council and Assemblies of God Ghana have backed President Mahama’s nationwide clean-up on July 10–11, urging citizens and faith groups to tackle waste, choked drains and sanitation-linked diseases after the June 29 floods. Accountability on Floods: NPP’s Richard Ahiagbah says government ignored GMet warnings, while Labour Minister Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo calls the clean-up “a necessity” to stop the yearly disaster cycle. Road Safety Crackdown: Police in Kumasi impounded 188 vehicles over fake sirens and illegal modifications, removing unauthorized emergency gear to restore order on roads. Healthcare Upgrade: Mahama commissioned the Ghana Medical Trust Fund cardiac catheterization lab at Korle Bu to expand lifesaving heart care. Justice Reform: Parliament’s Community Service Bill is pushing non-custodial sentencing for minor offences, with calls for swift implementation. Digital Migration: NIA and IOM begin special Ghana Card registration for border communities from July 13. Security & Scams: Ghana extradited influencer Abu Trica to the US over an alleged $8m romance scam, while Interior Minister Muntaka says illegal firearms destroyed save lives.

5G Competition: MTN and Telecel are set to bid for Ghana’s 5G licences after the government ended NGIC’s exclusive wholesale network rights, with the auction expected to start within weeks. Criminal Justice Reform: Parliament has passed the Community Service Bill, 2026, allowing judges to replace custodial sentences for minor offences with supervised community service to cut prison overcrowding. Pensions Upgrade: SSNIT launched a Membership Value Programme with Ecobank to improve pension services, discounts and secure digital payments for contributors and pensioners. Agriculture Push: Government deployed 506 Feed Ghana Brigade officers nationwide to strengthen extension services and boost food production. Health & Tech for Care: MTN refurbished 3,888 hospital beds and rolled out WASH and screening programmes nationwide. Maritime Cooperation: Ghana and Nigeria signed a maritime MoU to deepen safety, security and Blue Economy collaboration. Sports & National Pride: After Ghana’s World Cup exit to Colombia, President Mahama urged Black Stars players to show patriotism, including singing the anthem. Football Talent: Sevilla signed Ghanaian winger Emmanuel Abrokwa on a deal running to 2029.

Road Safety Crackdown: Ghana Police in Kumasi intercepted 188 vehicles during an operation against unauthorised sirens, strobe lights, improvised headlamps and other illegal modifications, removing the devices and educating drivers. Flood Relief Call: Royal Women in Cinema Ghana is urging urgent support for Shime A and B in Anloga District after floods displaced families and hit the most vulnerable hardest. Tax Enforcement: The Ghana Revenue Authority sealed ElectroChem Ghana Limited’s administrative block over a GH¢8.6m tax debt, giving the firm seven days to settle or agree a payment plan. Drug Policy & Public Health: The Interior Deputy Minister called for urgent passage of an LI to fully operationalise the Narcotics Control Commission Act, while the Health Minister warned tapentadol (including “red”) is unapproved and illegal to sell or possess. Tourism & Education Warnings: GTEC cautioned against enrolling in 15 unaccredited public university learning centres/campuses, and GTA unveiled draft rules to tighten standards for event centres and tourism service providers. Sports Funding & Football Talk: MTN refurbished 3,888 hospital beds; EEZZY Group Foundation pledged GHS 800,000 for Team Ghana at Glasgow 2026, as football debate continues after Ghana’s World Cup exit.

Ghana–South Africa Diplomacy: Ghana has postponed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s planned state visit, citing xenophobic violence and safety concerns for Ghanaians in South Africa, with Pretoria insisting the visit was deferred rather than rejected. Economy & Trade: The 7th Ghana Investment and Trade Week opened in Accra with a push for green energy and the 24-hour economy, while the GSE Composite inched up 4.86 points as financial stocks fell. Education & Inclusion: Government says it will allocate GH¢100m annually via GETFund for free special needs education from 2027/28, including higher feeding grants and assistive devices. Public Accountability: The Auditor-General flags GH¢7.4m paid to four deceased pensioners, pointing to serious payroll and pension oversight failures. Health & Safety: Interior Minister Muntaka says 1,300 applicants tested positive for HIV during security recruitment medical screening. Sanitation & Transport: MPs blame government for the sanitation crisis; Police warn against unauthorized sirens and strobe lights. Sports & Culture: UniMAC appoints Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong as first chancellor; PAWA marks its 10th anniversary with a literary event.

Consumer Protection: CDA Consult has launched the nationwide “Verify Before You Buy” campaign, urging Ghanaians to check product safety and authenticity instead of chasing low prices that can lead to counterfeit, expired or dangerous goods. Public Safety & Justice: Ghana Police are investigating a fatal Sayerano shooting in Juaboso that killed two people; all eight officers involved have been interdicted. Education: GES says it has cleared three years of Academic Intervention arrears for eligible SHS and SHT staff, ending a long payment delay. Tax & Accountability: The Auditor-General reports Ghana’s 2025 financial irregularities hit GH¢5.26bn, with tax breaches driving most of the losses. Ghana–South Africa Tensions: Ghana has postponed Ramaphosa-related engagements and denied rejecting a state visit, citing xenophobic violence and safety concerns after hundreds of Ghanaians were repatriated. Economy & Trade: Canada says it is deepening responsible investment and trade ties with Ghana, while PwC expects the cedi to stay relatively stable in the medium term. Sports: Ghana’s Black Stars’ World Cup exit continues to spark backlash, while the GFA denies claims of money demanded from Prince Owusu for call-up.

Ghana–Russia Diplomacy: Ghana and Russia renewed commitment to deepen ties in trade, investment, humanitarian cooperation and legal frameworks ahead of the 3rd Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow in October. South Africa Evacuation Update: Ghana’s High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie says relations with Pretoria remain strong as 926 citizens are evacuated smoothly, with more groups ready to depart. Black Stars Aftermath: Carlos Queiroz has resigned after Ghana’s 1-0 World Cup exit to Colombia, while calls are growing for a grassroots rebuild and more local coaching investment. Football Governance Row: Sports Minister Kofi Adams rejects claims of political influence in Black Stars player selection, insisting squad choices rest with the coach. Digital Fraud Warning: Economist Prof. Godfred Bokpin says arrests alone won’t beat online fraud; Ghana needs stronger financial literacy and basic cybersecurity education. Eurobond Relief: Ghana has made an additional US$700m Eurobond repayment ahead of schedule, with payments aimed at boosting investor confidence. Crime Crackdown: Police arrest convicted fraudster Eric Afoakwa (“Chad”) after years on the run, to be handed to EOCO for enforcement. Public Health & Safety: President Mahama urges Ghanaians to join a nationwide “Clean Ghana, Save Lives” cleanup starting July 10–11 to prevent flood risks.

Black Stars World Cup fallout: Ghana’s Round of 32 run ended with a 1-0 loss to Colombia, and the aftermath is still rolling in—Carlos Queiroz has resigned, while players like Inaki Williams and Marvin Senaya thank Ghanaians and vow to bounce back. Football transfers: English-Ghanaian winger Tyrique George has made his Everton move permanent, and Charles Sagoe Jr keeps impressing for Kalmar FF with a brace of assists. Immigration & IDs: Ghana has started permanent Ghana Card registration for children aged 6–14 in Volta and Oti, and the Interior Ministry urged Immigration commanders to improve service delivery through stronger command synergy. Flood response & safety: Ghana declares July 10–11 National General Cleaning Days in flood-hit regions; GNFS is reviewing its flood and fire response, while World Vision donated relief items to flood victims in Agotime-Ziope. Digital finance & fraud: MobileMoney Fintech begins a nationwide KYC update for agents and merchants to curb fraud. Environment & health: Accra launches a LOW-Methane waste plan targeting a 30% cut by 2030, and a study found 100% of cabbage samples from Agbogbloshie and Madina markets fail pesticide safety tests.

World Cup Fallout: Carlos Queiroz has quit as Ghana Black Stars head coach after a 1-0 Round of 32 loss to Colombia, urging Ghana to build success “off the pitch” with stronger structures. Flood Response & Accountability: The World Bank says Ghana’s GARID flood project is being slowed by fiscal restrictions introduced by the Ministry of Finance, as Greater Accra reels from deadly June flooding. Education & Literacy: National Schools Awards launched to boost learning outcomes, while Channel One TV and Citi FM roll out the 2026 Literacy Challenge focused on AI risks and opportunities in education. Industry & Jobs: GIADEC signs a €300m deal with an Italian firm for an aluminium foil rolling plant and a Centre of Excellence in Tema. Public Safety: A push for Basic Life Support training highlights gaps in lifesaving skills, with calls for more community action during emergencies. Regional Trade: Nigeria and Ghana sign an MoU to deepen maritime cooperation and grow the Blue Economy.

Black Stars Exit & Leadership Shake-up: Carlos Queiroz has officially left the Ghana head coach role after the Black Stars’ Round of 32 exit to Colombia, urging Ghana to build success off the pitch with stronger structures. GFA President Kurt Okraku also told Ghanaians to stay optimistic and treat the setback as a foundation for the future. World Cup Aftermath: Ghana players pointed to key moments, including Marvin Senaya’s first-half injury, as decisive in the 1-0 loss; defender Kojo Peprah Oppong and midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi vowed to return stronger. Ghana–US Ties: President Mahama congratulated the United States on its 250th Independence Anniversary, reaffirming deepening cooperation across trade, investment, infrastructure, education and governance. Diplomacy: Australia appointed career diplomat Keara Shaw as its next High Commissioner to Ghana. Economy & Markets: Bank of Ghana’s latest Treasury bill auction showed slight rate increases across 91-, 182- and 364-day bills, hinting at higher borrowing costs. Health: GHS begins the 2026 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention campaign, targeting 1.5 million children and scaling mosquito net distribution. Weather: GMet warns of thunderstorms and rain across parts of northern and transition Ghana.

Black Stars World Cup Exit: Ghana’s 2026 campaign ended in Kansas City as Colombia edged the Black Stars 1-0, with Jhon Arias scoring in the 14th minute; Ghana managed no shot on target and were knocked out in the Round of 32. Coach and Captain Reaction: Carlos Queiroz said Colombia were better and blamed an early injury to Marvin Senaya for disrupting Ghana’s defence, while Jordan Ayew urged the GFA to keep Queiroz. Next Steps for Ghana Football: Sports Minister Kofi Adams and defender Gideon Mensah stressed unity and a quick reset toward the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Education Costs: Parliament’s Education Select Committee raised concerns about high distance-education fees and questioned the relevance of some university programmes. Health Infrastructure: GMTF and Ashanti officials inspected progress on KATH’s Cardiology Centre, targeting completion by end of August. Flood Prevention in Kumasi: KMA and Zoomlion launched a city-wide sanitation push to clear drains and reduce flooding risks. Tourism Boost: Ghana won hosting rights for the 70th UN Tourism Commission for Africa session in 2027.

World Cup Round of 32: Jhon Arias scored early as Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 in Kansas City, ending the Black Stars’ campaign and sending them home after a first knockout appearance since 2010; coach Carlos Queiroz blamed a lack of maturity and an early injury to Marvin Senaya that disrupted Ghana’s organisation, while Jordan Ayew and Jerome Opoku urged fans to be patient as the team rebuilds under Queiroz. Sports Spotlight: Asamoah Gyan said Ghana’s display was below average and lacked urgency, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah moved into the top three for African chance creation at a single World Cup, surpassing more Ghana legends on the list. Public Safety & Health: Ghana’s flood death toll rose to 34 as rescue and cleanup continue, with the Ghana Medical Association calling for tough, decisive action to end recurring flooding and protect public health. Community & Governance: The Paediatric Society of Ghana urged parents to protect children from rainy-season infections, while the GPGD Network demanded coordinated, long-term flood control through better drainage, waste management and enforcement. Youth Sports: Team Ghana has departed for Dakar for the CAA Region II U18/U20 Championships.

World Cup 2026: Colombia edged Ghana 1-0 in the Round of 32 in Kansas City, with Jhon Arias scoring in the 14th minute after a cross from substitute Luis Suárez. Colombia controlled the game in sweltering conditions, kept Ghana to zero shots on target, and booked a Round of 16 clash with Switzerland in Vancouver. Black Stars Exit: Ghana’s campaign ended as Carlos Queiroz blamed a lack of experience and composure under pressure, while players like Jordan Ayew and Asamoah Gyan pointed to poor attacking balance and urgency after going behind. Flood Response: Ghana has launched a national cleanup and reconstruction plan after late-June floods in Greater Accra, setting up a National Flood Mitigation Task Force led by the Armed Forces to restore normality and strengthen future preparedness, with emergency funding authorised by President Mahama. Youth Skills: YEFL Ghana supported apprentices across North East and Savannah with training kits and materials under its TUMA project, targeting fashion, hairdressing, makeup and weaving to boost employability.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars face Colombia in the Round of 32 in Kansas City, with captain Jordan Ayew and forward Antoine Semenyo insisting the team is ready and has grown in confidence under Carlos Queiroz, as heat warnings push extreme conditions for players and fans. Ticketing & Matchday: Switzerland’s win over Algeria sets up a Colombia-Ghana winner to meet them next, while Kansas City fan events ramp up ahead of kick-off. Flood Aftermath & Solidarity: Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio commiserated with President Mahama over the June 29 flood disaster, as Ghana continues recovery and support efforts. Health & Safety: Sentuo Group and Eezzy Foundation donated 10 ambulances to the Ghana Police Service to boost emergency response, and UNDP says outdoor air pollution costs Ghana about GH¢28bn and nearly 13,000 deaths in 2024. Governance & Rights: Ghana Bar Association warns of alleged extrajudicial killings in the Upper East Region, calling for urgent independent action.

World Cup Knockout Focus: Switzerland booked a World Cup last-16 spot with a 2-0 win over Algeria, courtesy of Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, and will now face the winner of Colombia vs Ghana in the next round. Black Stars Build-Up: Ghana’s Round of 32 clash with Colombia in Kansas City is framed as a must-win knockout test, with captain Jordan Ayew and coach Carlos Queiroz stressing focus and preparation after Croatia’s setback; Ghana also faces a defensive blow with Kojo Oppong Peprah ruled out through injury. Ghana–South Africa Diplomatic Row: South Africa rejected Ghana’s claim that a Ghanaian was killed during anti-immigrant protests, saying police believe the death was linked to extortion instead, as both sides trade accusations. Fraud & Justice: “Dada Joe Remix” pleaded guilty in a US court over a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, agreeing to about $4.4m restitution. Energy Costs: Ghanaians are being urged to use energy-efficient cooling as electricity tariffs rise. Banking Compliance: Apex Bank warns community banks that missing Bank of Ghana’s Dec 31 capital deadline could trigger sanctions. Public Service & Governance: Professor Kwaku Azar calls for stricter Electoral Commission oversight of major political parties. Digital Safety: Nadia Buari warns of WhatsApp impersonators after usernames for her name were reportedly taken by fraudsters.

World Cup Knockout Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars chase a Round of 16 spot against Colombia in Kansas City, with Carlos Queiroz saying “the real World Cup starts now” and urging courage and full focus; Ghana will also be without defender Kojo Peprah Peprah Oppong after injury ruled him out, while Jordan Ayew insists the Croatia loss was a “one-off.” Refereeing & Match Build-up: French referee Clément Turpin has been appointed for the Ghana–Colombia clash, with VAR support from Jérôme Brisard and a team of French officials. Public Accountability: President Mahama swore in Dr. Pamela Graham as Ghana’s 11th Auditor-General, urging independence, fairness and integrity to protect the public purse. Floods & Health Warnings: GHS officials urge strict hygiene to prevent cholera as Accra’s flood crisis continues, while GMet forecasts only moderate rainfall over the weekend. Diplomatic Tension: Ghana and South Africa remain at odds over the death of a Ghanaian migrant in Cape Town, with Pretoria disputing claims linked to anti-immigrant protests. Jobs & Industry: Tema Integrated Industrial Park is set to create 4,000 direct jobs and support Ghana’s manufacturing push. Transport Sector: The Transport Ministry defends refurbished diesel locomotives as revenue-generating assets, rejecting NPP claims they are outdated.

World Cup 2026: Ghana’s Black Stars have arrived in Kansas City ahead of Friday’s Round of 32 clash with Colombia at Arrowhead Stadium, with a place in the Round of 16 on the line. Flood Disaster: Heavy rains across West Africa have killed dozens, including 12 in Ghana’s Accra-area flooding, with thousands displaced and more downpours feared. Xenophobia in South Africa: Ghana has demanded a full investigation after a Ghanaian, Bashiru Isak, was shot dead during June 30 anti-immigrant protests in Cape Town, with repatriation steps underway. Public Sector Pay: Ghana’s Fair Wages and Salaries Commission says it expects a 90%+ reduction in strikes once the new Independent Emoluments Commission becomes fully operational. Digital & Jobs: Ghana Digital Centres Limited’s flood-related staff contract suspension was ordered reversed by the Communications Ministry. Health & Food Safety: The Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics launches National Nutrition Month 2026, pushing stricter food safety as ultra-processed foods and contamination risks rise.