AGP Executive Report

Flood Crisis in Accra: Torrential rains have left parts of Greater Accra submerged again, with roads and homes cut off, commuters stranded, and at least three deaths reported, including a man found dead near the Alajo railway track and two electrocutions. Government Response: Works Minister Kenneth Adjei says an assessment tour is underway with the Anti-Flood Task Force, while NADMO and emergency teams continue rescue and recovery. Weather Warning: GMet warns more downpours and thunderstorms across southern Ghana and Greater Accra, urging residents to stay safe and avoid flood-prone areas. Power Disruptions: GRIDCo and ECG temporarily shut down Mallam and Achimota substations to protect lives and equipment as flooding threatens infrastructure. Food Safety Alert: Ghana Standards Authority reports high pesticide residue non-compliance in cabbages sold at Agbogbloshie and Madina markets. Black Stars Update: Ghana’s Round of 32 ticket support has ended after 2,922 tickets were distributed; Ghana will face Colombia in Kansas City, with ticket prices announced. Sports & Culture: Hearts of Oak mourns former Welfare Officer Sabhan Quaye, while Stonebwoy calls for collective action to prevent future flooding.

Aviation Watch: Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority has opened an investigation into allegations that KLM mistreated passengers on Flight KL059 from Amsterdam to Accra, after videos showed stranded travellers complaining about a tarmac delay and their treatment; the probe will engage KLM and other stakeholders. Safety & Repatriation: About 900 Ghanaians in South Africa have been moved to safe havens ahead of repatriation before June 30 anti-immigration protests, following the earlier return of 938 people, with police notified to protect the locations. World Cup Money & Next Test: Ghana’s Black Stars have secured at least $13.5m in FIFA prize money after reaching the Round of 32, where they face Colombia on July 4 in Kansas City. Sports Development Funding: Youth and Sports Minister Iddie Kofi Adams says all World Cup revenue Ghana earns will go into the Ghana Sports Fund, not the Consolidated Fund. Utilities Costs Explained: An expert breaks down why electricity and water tariffs keep rising, pointing to long underinvestment and systemic pressures in the sector. Health & Care: Oxfam donated GH¢1.5m in medical equipment and drugs to Kasoa Polyclinic to boost maternal and reproductive healthcare. ESG Coordination: IFC convened development partners to strengthen collaboration on ESG adoption across Ghana.

World Cup 2026 (Ghana): Ghana’s Black Stars qualified for the Round of 32 after a 2-1 loss to Croatia in Philadelphia, with Derrick Luckassen equalising before Nikola Vlašić’s late winner. Next Match: Ghana will face Colombia in Kansas City on 3 July. Coach Reaction: Carlos Queiroz said the team learned from defensive mistakes and backed their evolution, while also attacking FIFA’s 48-team expansion as “vulgar and ordinary.” Fan Fallout: Hundreds of Ghanaian supporters were reportedly stranded outside Lincoln Financial Field due to ticketing confusion, with police clearing the gate area before kickoff. International Support: Former Italy star Mario Balotelli said, “There is no Italy, so I support Ghana,” after Italy failed to qualify. Media Law: The Ghana Journalists Association renewed calls for a dedicated defamation law, warning rising lawsuits are intimidating investigative reporting. Energy & Industry: China endorsed Ghana’s energy self-reliance push, backing the Sentuo Oil Refinery expansion in Tema to cut fuel imports.

Black Stars World Cup Run: Ghana’s first World Cup defeat of 2026 came in Philadelphia as Croatia beat them 2-1, with Petar Sučić and Nikola Vlašić scoring after Derrick Luckassen equalised. Ghana still advanced to the Round of 32 for the first time since 2010, finishing third in Group L and setting up a knockout clash with Colombia. Coach Carlos Queiroz: Queiroz said Croatia punished Ghana’s defensive errors and also criticised the 48-team expansion, arguing it can devalue qualification and reduce the tournament’s stakes. Croatia’s Response: Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić praised Luka Modrić as “fantastic” and said the win was a step toward bigger goals, with Croatia now facing Portugal next. Fans Left Outside: Reports say hundreds of Ghana supporters were turned away at the gate despite travelling thousands of miles. Food Safety Watch: A Ghana Standards Authority study found all cabbage samples from Agbogbloshie and Madina markets failed pesticide residue safety standards, while okra fared better. Mining Royalty Debate: A proposed Minerals Royalty Bill study recommends including landowners in community royalty payments to reduce conflicts in mining areas.

World Cup 2026: Ghana’s Black Stars have already booked a Round of 32 spot, but they still chase Group L top spot as they face Croatia in Philadelphia today. Team News: Carlos Queiroz rests Jerome Opoku (groin strain) and hands Derrick Luckassen a World Cup debut in defence, with Elisha Owusu and Kamaldeen Sulemana returning to the XI; captain Jordan Ayew leads the attack. Local Voices: Supporters in Sekondi-Takoradi and Kadjebi are upbeat, predicting victory and qualification momentum. Health & Community: President John Dramani Mahama urges Ghanaians to fully use the Free Primary Health Care initiative, while Ellembelle District launches the programme locally. Human Rights: MEHSOG calls for stronger rehabilitation and psychosocial support for torture survivors. Education Safety: GAIEC warns students to use only accredited education agents abroad to avoid fraud. Maritime: Ghana Navy names the Sekondi Naval Shipyard Slipway after its first Commanding Officer.

Gold Deal & Industry Upgrade: Ghana will buy 30% of large-scale miners’ gold output from July 1, with firms selling doré to the Gold Board at a 0.55% discount in cedis—aimed at boosting local refining and pushing for LBMA accreditation by 2030. World Cup Knockout Push: FIFA has confirmed Ghana’s Black Stars have qualified for the Round of 32 ahead of Saturday’s Group L decider vs Croatia; the match still matters for finishing position and who Ghana face next. Sports Spotlight: Antoine Semenyo urges Ghana to pressure referees after VAR frustrations in the England draw, while Carlos Queiroz says Croatia are “wounded” and Ghana must be “more strong and better.” Academic Freedom: ACAF’s 2025 report flags sexual harassment as the biggest threat to academic freedom in Ghana’s tertiary institutions. Healthcare Support: Ghana Medical Help donates 17 dialysis machines and imaging systems to hospitals in the Upper West and Upper East, targeting kidney-care gaps. Agriculture & Animal Health: FAO backs Ghana’s veterinary services with vehicles, labs and digital tools to improve disease surveillance. Crime Update: Police in Kumasi arrest multiple suspects and seize suspected cannabis, cocaine and other narcotics in drug crackdown operations. Xenophobia Watch: Ghanaian children in South Africa describe daily bullying and derogatory treatment linked to their nationality.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars head into the decisive Group L clash against Croatia in Philadelphia with qualification within reach after a 1-0 win over Panama and a 0-0 draw with England; coach Carlos Queiroz insists Ghana will play to win, while goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is set to chase another clean sheet after his comeback from a career-threatening injury. VAR and Pressure: Queiroz again questioned officiating after Ghana’s penalty claims in the England draw, as the team aims to avoid controversy and secure the Round of 32. President on the Move: President John Dramani Mahama begins his Central Region “Resetting Ghana Tour,” cutting sod for a new 24-hour economy market, inspecting roads, inaugurating a CHPS compound, and engaging citizens at Apam Junction. Energy and Industry: TOR has resumed crude processing after turnaround maintenance, and work starts on Phase 2 of the Sentuo oil refinery expansion to boost capacity and refine Ghana’s own crude. Health and Agriculture: FAO strengthens Ghana’s veterinary services with vehicles, digital tools, and lab support, while experts warn that burning crop waste is worsening air pollution and public health risks. Economy and Trade: Ghana will buy 30% of gold output from large-scale miners from July 1 via GoldBod, and the EU and Germany back the PharmaVax Programme with a €415,437 grant to grow local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Kwasi Sibo says the Black Stars will go all out for all three points against Croatia to finish top of Group L after the 0-0 draw with England, while coach Carlos Queiroz singled out goalkeeper Benjamin Asare for a standout defensive display. Gold & FX: Ghana will buy 30% of large-scale miners’ gold output from July 1, boosting reserves and local refining, as GoldBod reports $16.11bn spent on gold purchases since Jan 2025. Finance & Payments: The Bank of Ghana tightens sanctions on dud cheque offenders, with penalties rising for repeat cases. Governance: Ghana’s budget transparency score hits a record low, falling to 22/100, as key fiscal documents were delayed. Forests & Climate: Ghana and the UK move closer to signing a forestry partnership, and Ghana is close to issuing forest carbon credits under J-REDD+. Health & Society: NADMO urges a preventive disaster strategy; Imperial General Assurance and World Vision tackle period poverty in Eastern Region schools. Business & Banking: Standard Chartered plans to sell its Ghana retail business, while Trident Digital Tech launches Sikaflow to formalize MSME commerce.

Black Stars World Cup Focus: Sports Minister Kofi Adams told the Black Stars that “35 million Ghanaians” are behind them as they target victory over Croatia after a disciplined 0-0 draw with England, with midfielder Kwasi Sibo insisting Ghana will go all in to finish Group L top. Flooding & Engineering: Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II urged KNUST engineers to deliver practical, location-specific solutions to recurring flooding, citing poor waste management and weak public education. Drug Abuse Warning: Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah warned that drug abuse is destroying Ghana’s youth and called for churches, traditional leaders and opinion leaders to join the fight. Prison Custody Allegations: Parliament’s Minority alleged Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu spent 15 days outside prison custody after extradition, with calls for transparency on where she is held. Media & Ghana–China Accountability: ACCPA launched the second Ghana–China Media Fellowship and urged journalists to ask tough questions and hold power accountable in Ghana–China relations. Economy & Finance: Bank of Ghana sanctions first-time dud cheque offenders with a 10% surcharge, surveillance for at least a year, and reporting to credit bureaus. Health & Environment: Afri-SET West will open Ghana’s first air quality sensors loan library in July, while NCCE stakeholders in Akrofuom pushed for stronger action against rising gender-based violence.

World Cup 2026: Ghana’s Black Stars held England to a 0-0 draw at Boston Stadium, with Thomas Tuchel calling it one of the toughest defensive performances he’s seen, while Carlos Queiroz said Ghana’s plan was to frustrate and stay compact; England dominated possession but failed to break through, and the match sparked fresh VAR and penalty debate. Sports Business & Media: The BBC reported a record 15.4m peak viewers for England vs Ghana, making it the most-watched World Cup broadcast in its history. Health & Social Policy: Ghana still struggles to achieve nationwide newborn screening for sickle cell disease, leaving many babies—especially outside major centres—at risk of late diagnosis. Economy & Industry: Unilever Ghana posted strong 2025 revenue growth, while Citi Business Festival’s next roundtable focuses on Ghana’s automotive assembly industry and jobs. Governance & Public Trust: Bank of Ghana urged journalists to fight misinformation with accurate reporting, and experts called for measuring development beyond GDP. Local Development & Environment: Concerns were raised over the rapid proliferation of Chinese-owned malls in Ghana and whether proper environmental and traffic checks are being done. Education & Rankings: KNUST emerged top in Ghana and West Africa in a US News & World Report university ranking.

World Cup (Ghana-England): Ghana held England to a 0-0 draw in Group L at Boston, with England dominating possession but failing to break a deep, disciplined Black Stars defence; the result keeps both sides on four points as Ghana now targets a decisive final game against Croatia. Football Talk (Kane & Tuchel): England captain Harry Kane missed a late chance, while Carlos Queiroz and others pointed to officiating and VAR frustrations; Thomas Tuchel said England can’t rely on Bukayo Saka alone to fix their scoring issues. Digital Governance: NITA will consult the market on Ghana’s proposed Electronic Document Wallet, using competing private providers under regulatory standards. Biodiversity & Women: CSIR-PGRRI and partners highlight how women are safeguarding Ghana’s disappearing indigenous crops and seeds as biodiversity loss accelerates. Public Health Support: Oxfam donated GH¢1.5m in medical equipment and drugs to Kasoa Polyclinic to strengthen maternal and reproductive care. Security (Drugs): NACOC arrested a lead shipper in a Ghana-Australia meth trafficking case linked to a 320kg shipment. ECOWAS Court: The ECOWAS Community Court dismissed former Chief Justice Torkornoo’s claims against Ghana.

World Cup Group L Drama: Ghana held England to a 0-0 draw in Boston as Carlos Queiroz’s side defended in shape and frustrated the Three Lions despite 79% possession and 19 shots. VAR & Penalty Row: Ghana were furious after a late Konsa challenge on Prince Adu was not given as a penalty (and VAR did not review), with even former referee Darren Cann saying it “should have been referred,” while Queiroz joked VAR “went for a coffee.” Qualification Stakes: Both teams remain on four points heading into the final round—England face Panama, while Ghana meet Croatia, where a draw could be enough for the Black Stars to reach the Round of 32. Match Fallout: England coach Thomas Tuchel praised Ghana’s discipline but admitted England lacked clinical edge; Jude Bellingham urged calm after “second game fever,” and Harry Kane missed a late chance. Local Interest: In Accra, fans gathered to watch and celebrated the result as Ghana’s “football has changed.” Utilities Update: Ghana’s electricity and water tariffs rise from July 1 after PURC approved increases. Connectivity Boost: MTN Ghana launched faster unlimited fibre packages up to 500Mbps.

World Cup Group L Decider: England and Ghana clash at Boston Stadium in Foxborough at 4pm ET, with both sides on three points after opening wins—England beat Croatia 4-2, while Ghana edged Panama 1-0 through Caleb Yirenkyi’s late strike. England Team News: Thomas Tuchel makes two defensive changes: Marc Guehi and Djed Spence come in for John Stones and Nico O’Reilly, while Bukayo Saka remains on the bench as he manages an Achilles injury. Ghana Team News: Carlos Queiroz restores Thomas Partey to midfield after his Canada visa denial kept him out of the Panama game; Benjamin Asare starts in goal after Lawrence Ati-Zigi’s injury, with Inaki Williams also included. Partey Controversy: Partey has faced boos and scrutiny tied to rape and sexual assault charges; he denies all allegations. Match Build-Up: Fans in Boston are already in high spirits despite rain and late-night pub crackdowns, as Antoine Semenyo is billed as Ghana’s key threat.

World Cup Showdown (Ghana-England): Ghana’s Black Stars and England’s Three Lions meet Tuesday at Boston’s Gillette Stadium in a Group L decider, with both sides coming off opening wins—England beat Croatia 4-2 and Ghana edged Panama 1-0. Knockout Stakes: The winner can book a last-32 spot with a game to spare, and Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz insists the team can match England’s intensity (“33 million lions”). Key Ghana Storylines: Thomas Partey is set to return after missing the opener due to Canada visa issues, while Ghana captain Jordan Ayew vows “no regrets” and 100% effort. England Focus: England coach Thomas Tuchel says Bukayo Saka is fully fit, though his start is still uncertain. Local Ghana Relevance: Acting Rent Commissioner Frederick Opoku orders hostel operators to suspend rent increases or face legal action, and the Bank of Ghana urges journalists to help fight misinformation on monetary policy and exchange rates. Public Health/UK Angle: UK ambulance services brace for heat-related 999 call surges around the England-Ghana match.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars and England meet in Group L at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, with both sides chasing knockout qualification; England go in after a 4-2 win over Croatia, while Ghana edged Panama 1-0, and Thomas Partey says he’s “ready to play” after missing the opener due to visa issues. Team Talk: Carlos Queiroz calls England’s calibre the “easiest type of game” to approach, and Jordan Ayew stresses unity and readiness as Ghana aim to “make a statement.” Match Build-up: England’s Marcus Rashford urges an intensity Ghana “can’t live with,” while England’s Bukayo Saka training updates and possible selection calls keep fans on edge. Public Safety: Ghana’s Interior Ministry suspended Kantanka Security Services’ licence over alleged firearms and unapproved uniforms in Kwabenya, and police summoned Akofena as investigations continue. Drug Crime: Australia says it intercepted a 320kg meth shipment linked to Ghana, arresting three people. Civic Pressure: CUTS International urges government to boost road maintenance funding in the mid-year budget as heavy rains worsen damage. Reparations Push: African and Caribbean nations in Accra backed a 19-point reparatory justice framework calling for formal apologies over the transatlantic slave trade.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars head into Tuesday’s Group L showdown with England in Boston with confidence after a 1-0 win over Panama, and coach Carlos Queiroz says the team will improve “step by step” as they adapt to his system. Goalkeeping Update: Goalkeeping coach Daniel Gasper is optimistic Lawrence Ati-Zigi is progressing after being substituted at half-time in the opener, while he says Ghana’s keepers are being prepared for England’s physical and set-piece challenge. England Team News: Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice insists he is “fit and raring to go” after a precautionary withdrawal, but Bukayo Saka’s Achilles issue is being managed and Tuchel suggests he may not start until later. Governance Watch: The Council of State issue is back in the spotlight after former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo’s resignation was only publicly confirmed months later, raising questions about accountability. Consumer Protection: The Ghana Standards Authority has ordered mattress makers shut down for substandard products to recall items within one month. Economy & Trade: GEPA reports non-traditional exports have crossed $5bn for the first time, and Stanbic projects 5.9–6.1% growth in 2026 despite regional tensions.