AGP Executive Report

World Cup & Sports Funding: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says Black Stars players will get $100,000 appearance fees, but the GH¢150m World Cup budget is still awaiting Finance Ministry release; he also confirms the squad will be cut from 28 to 26, with two likely goalkeepers dropped. Ghana-UK Diplomacy: President Mahama is in London for high-level talks and a royal audience with King Charles III, opening the Ghana-UK Investment Summit and telling diaspora Ghanaians Ghana is “working again” after completing the IMF programme. Visa & Foreign Policy: Ghana signed its first visa waiver with South Korea for diplomatic and service passport holders, with talks to extend to ordinary passports; Ghana also began visa waiver discussions with the Czech Republic. Economy & Infrastructure: World Bank approved $500m for rural roads and agriculture connectivity; ECG started a GH¢34m transformer upgrade at Batsonaa to improve power reliability. Energy & Cost of Living: Fuel prices are set for a mixed move—petrol and LPG up, diesel slightly down—while transport fares are expected to rise. Politics & Rights: NPP accuses the NDC of passing a watered-down anti-LGBTQ bill after Parliament amended exemptions. Entertainment & Culture: Mr. Beautiful alleges Agya Koo influenced casting decisions in Kumawood; OliveTheBoy’s father claims Mark Okraku-Mantey discarded his music CD. Regional Security: South Africa xenophobia tensions continue to dominate debate as Ghana and other countries push for safer conditions and evacuations.

World Cup Funding & Squad Pay: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says Ghana’s GH¢150m World Cup allocation is still awaiting Finance Ministry release, even as the Black Stars prepare in Cardiff; he also confirmed players’ $100,000 appearance fee each and said the 28-man camp will be trimmed to 26 before June 1, with the final list due soon. World Cup Fan Support: President Mahama told the London diaspora the state can’t bankroll mass travel from Ghana (about $11,000 per fan), but will procure match tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora. Ghana–Jamaica Health Deal: Ghana and Jamaica signed a bilateral agreement to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to Jamaica after the PJCC revival, alongside cooperation in defence, tourism and planned teacher exchanges. Xenophobia Fallout in South Africa: Mahama condemned xenophobic attacks as a setback to African unity and said Ghana is evacuating affected citizens; the Tijjaniya Muslim Movement and ACCP also urged AU/AfCFTA action as tensions and online hate rise. Ghana–UK Investment Push: Blue Rose Estate will pitch Ghana’s real estate opportunities at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit in London, hosted under Mahama’s patronage. Public Finance Watch: Bank of Ghana data shows the latest T-bills auction was 16% undersubscribed and interest rates rose on parts of the yield curve.

Xenophobia Fallout: Ex‑British soldier NTK blasts the African Union as “toothless and useless” over South Africa’s xenophobic attacks, warning Ghana–South Africa ties could sour if authorities don’t act fast. Immigration & Deportations: A US lawyer says another group of West Africans has been sent to Ghana under Trump’s “third country” deportation approach, including at least one person with deportation protections. Anti‑LGBTQ+ Law: Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill again, criminalising homosexuality and LGBTQ+ promotion; legal experts are now raising questions about quorum and constitutional compliance ahead of President Mahama’s assent. Energy & Power: Ghana’s energy sector is still digesting the Akosombo substation fire’s impact as officials highlight recovery efforts. Governance & Public Safety: Tema’s fire service warns ageing tenders, missing hydrants and bad roads are weakening emergency response. Economy & Jobs: At the 10th Ghana CEO Summit, Fidelity Bank founder Edward Effah calls for stronger business–government partnership to drive industrialisation and jobs. Sports & Talent: Ghana FA launches a UK talent identification programme for dual-nationality players. Humanitarian & Health: IOM reports 496 migrants returned from Libya on voluntary return flights; MTN’s Y’ello Care campaign readies healthcare support from June 1.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Law: Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, criminalising homosexuality and the “promotion” of LGBTQ+ activities, with prison terms up to three years for same-sex acts and longer penalties for advocacy or support; it now awaits President John Dramani Mahama’s assent, with exemptions for journalists, lawyers and healthcare workers. Mobile Money Charges: The Minority in Parliament is pushing for a permanent ban on mobile money transfer fees, arguing Bank of Ghana’s suspension of a proposed 0.75% charge still leaves a constitutional problem and demanding clearer parliamentary approval. SIM Re-registration: The National Identification Authority backs a fresh SIM re-registration drive, saying the last process failed to properly match subscribers against Ghana Card biometric records, and will now verify identity before capturing biometrics. Cost of Living: Transport fares are set to rise 20% from June 2 after fuel and spare-part costs squeezed operators. Communications Pressure: The Communications Minister warns DStv could be shut down unless MultiChoice engages to cut subscription fees. Accra Street Order: Greater Accra RCC denies authorising livestock sales on the Kanda Highway and says it is moving to address the roadside trade. Economy & Business: GN Savings and Loans licence revocation is blamed for the collapse of a $20m US financing deal meant for small businesses. Gender & Health: A GIZ-led INNOWASTE initiative is launched to create jobs and tackle plastic waste through recycling training and collection points. World Cup Camp: Ernest Nuamah returns to the Black Stars after ACL recovery as Ghana prepares for a June 2 friendly against Wales.

Anti-LGBTQ Law: Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, criminalising the “promotion” of LGBTQ activities with prison terms up to 10 years, while also approving exemptions for legal practice, media reporting, and medical/psychological counselling—setting up President John Mahama’s assent. Immigration Court Fight: In the US, a federal judge ordered the release of Ghanaian pregnant woman Anabella Gyasi and her son from Dulles Airport detention, directing they either board a flight home or be moved to another facility after more than a week in harsh holding conditions. Education & Schools: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says the shift system in public schools is being phased out, while Parliament hears government plans to recruit 7,000 teachers and 3,000 lecturers to tackle staffing gaps. Public Finance & Taxes: GRA targets GH¢310bn tax revenue by 2028, citing digital enforcement to improve compliance. Sports & Youth: GFA and TECNO seal a sponsorship deal, while BetPawa pledges GH¢3.5m for the Black Stars and Black Queens ahead of major tournaments. Human Trafficking Watch: Journalists are urged to get more support to help fight trafficking, with fresh focus on sports trafficking schemes.

IMF Exit & Economy Update: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson told Parliament Ghana does not expect another IMF bailout “in the foreseeable future,” saying the country has shifted from ICU crisis management to a “wellness centre” reform partnership via a non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: As Ghana repatriates citizens amid anti-foreigner unrest, EFF leader Julius Malema says the evacuation was “too quick,” while Ghana’s envoy and officials argue the response was necessary and that many evacuees had valid documents. Constitutional Democracy Watch: The Supreme Court’s upcoming July 2 ruling in the Torkornoo case is framed as a test of judicial independence, after the court rejected attempts to withdraw representation mid-case. Flood Control in Accra: Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo announced intensified demolition of unauthorized lorry stations and structures blocking waterways to reduce flooding risks. Renewables Push: Parliament is set to install solar panels as Ghana scales up solar, mini-grids and rooftop systems nationwide. Industrial Policy: Government’s 10-year ban on raw rubber exports drew praise from RUPAG as a move to boost local processing and jobs. Social Policy: CSOs urged expansion of the free sanitary pad policy to out-of-school girls and young women.

IMF Exit & Economic Recovery: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson told Parliament Ghana has moved “from the ICU to the wellness centre,” and said no further IMF financial bailout will be needed “in the foreseeable future,” framing the shift as a reform partnership under Article IV. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana evacuated 300 citizens from South Africa amid anti-immigrant unrest; Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa said the group includes 26 jailed for visa offences, with psychosocial, transport and reintegration support—while the Ghana High Commissioner disputes South Africa’s claim that only 10 were legally documented. Security & Crime: Police dismantled a gold robbery syndicate allegedly involving serving military and police officers, arresting seven over a US$450k gold robbery. Energy Transition: The Energy Commission launched the PF-SEAP programme with GIZ to speed renewable energy and efficiency in public facilities. Gender & Social Policy: NETRIGHT urged gender-responsive fiscal policies in the 2026 budget; UNICEF called for urgent action on menstrual hygiene gaps in schools. Disaster Tech: NADMO launched an AI chatbot for 24/7 disaster alerts and emergency reporting. Cocoa Agenda: Ghana will host the 2027 World Cocoa Foundation partnership meeting in Accra. Football & Talent: GFA talent programmes in the UK continued, while the GFA signed a Kivo deal to launch a nationwide U-17 competition. Immigration Pressure Abroad: Cambodia ordered African nationals, including Ghanaians, to leave by May 31 or face arrest.

Repatriation Crisis: Ghana’s first flight of evacuees from South Africa landed in Accra amid xenophobic tensions, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa promising counselling and support; South Africa’s Border Management Authority says about 90% of the 295 processed were undocumented, and five were refused departure over immigration issues. Economic Governance: Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama says reserve buffers are strong to manage exchange-rate volatility, even as the cedi continues to face pressure from FX demand linked to the energy sector. Energy & Finance Oversight: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson submitted four energy and financial reports to Parliament, while economists warn unresolved energy sector debt could derail social spending after the IMF exit. Consumer Protection: CUTS International raised abuse-of-dominance concerns over MoMo’s proposed wallet-to-bank charge, as BoG moves to suspend it. Industrial Policy: Fisheries Minister Emelia Arthur set a GH¢180 cap on premix fuel pricing to curb overcharging at landing beaches. International Relations: Ghana and Jamaica renewed cooperation under the PJCC, including health, trade, tourism and reparatory justice. Sports & Youth: Carlos Queiroz named a 28-man Black Stars squad for the Wales friendly; Tryton Motors signed as GFA vehicle partner; Youth Ministry and Christian Council ran leadership capacity building.

South Africa Repatriation: Ghana began evacuating citizens after xenophobic violence, with officials saying only 10 of about 300 were legally in the country; the first group of 300 left OR Tambo for Accra, and government says it will provide reintegration support. Mobile Money Fees Row: The Bank of Ghana suspended a planned 0.75% wallet-to-bank transfer charge after CUTS praised the move for consumer protection, while the NPP minority accuses the NDC of reintroducing charges without parliamentary approval. Flood Accountability: Former MP Andrew Egyapa Mercer challenged the NDC over unmet manifesto promises on flood mitigation, pointing to persistent drainage failures in Accra. Energy Sector Discipline: Energy Minister Dr John Abdulai Jinapor warned ECG engineers against politicising their work amid power delivery concerns. Land Reclamation/Galamsey: Lands officials launched an 800-acre reclamation drive at Nkroful to restore degraded land and rehabilitate mining pits. GFA & Eid Messages: The GFA invited firms to build a 40-bed accommodation facility at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre, while Eid al-Adha messages from President Mahama and other leaders urged unity and compassion. Health Jobs Abroad: Ghana and Jamaica signed a labour exchange deal for the first batch of health professionals to deploy in June.

Voluntary repatriation from South Africa: Ghana has begun its first phase of voluntary evacuation as anti-illegal immigration protests spread. The first 300 Ghanaians left OR Tambo for home, after South Africa’s Home Affairs said most of those processed were undocumented or had overstayed, with sanctions possible. Officials say more than 800 have registered so far, with additional flights expected. Timber accountability: Ghana recorded 447 active timber Social Responsibility Agreements worth GH¢4.52m, with Forestry Commission officials saying companies risk losing licences if SRAs aren’t signed and paid to communities. Crime crackdown: Police arrested seven over a robbery syndicate allegedly involving soldiers and officers, accused of gunpoint attacks across Accra, Tema, Anyinam, Kumasi and Takoradi. Maternal health push: Health officials set a target to cut maternal deaths by 20% before end-2026. Digital governance row: Ghana’s tech community is still debating the NITA Bill as government says reforms aim to stop duplicated public-sector ICT spending.

African Games Audit Shock: A forensic audit into Ghana’s 2023 African Games has flagged GH¢580.0m in irregular spending and a GH¢208.6m outstanding liability, with former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, LOC chief William Kartey and Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare repeatedly named for recovery and sanctions. Parliament & Malnutrition: Parliament is being urged to act fast on Ghana’s rising malnutrition crisis, including pushing RUTF and micronutrient supplements into NHIS coverage. E-Visa Cost Debate: Ghana’s new e-Visa push is praised as a step forward, but tourism and business leaders warn the visa charges could price Ghana out of competition. Energy Levy Politics: The Minority accuses government of trying to reintroduce the E-Levy “through the backdoor” via a proposed 0.75% MoMo wallet-to-bank charge, after Bank of Ghana suspended the move. Sports—World Cup Mood: With Ghana set for Wales on June 2, Kwesi Nyantakyi says “never write off” the Black Stars as camp trims from 28 to 26. Environment: EPA confirms a styrofoam ban from January 2027.

World Cup Shock: Coach Carlos Queiroz named Ghana’s 28-man squad for the Cardiff camp, but season-ending injuries have ruled out key playmaker Mohammed Kudus, while Mohammed Salisu is also out with a long knee recovery. Environment & Health: The EPA has announced a nationwide ban on polystyrene foam (styrofoam) from January 1, 2027, with medical uses exempted—while radiologists warn galamsey pollution is driving kidney disease. Digital Borders: Ghana launched its e-Visa portal for African travellers on AU Day, scrapping visa fees, as officials push faster, more secure entry. Gold Value Addition: GoldBod signed refinery deals, including a weekly one-metric-tonne supply agreement, and Ghana plans to raise the state’s mandatory gold purchase share to 30% from June. Accra Flood Alarm: A new Accra Street Journal analysis says flooding is worsening across the city and argues the disaster is increasingly man-made.

Mining Governance: Ghana has ruled out blanket nationalisation of multinational mining assets, saying renewals and any state action will be handled case-by-case to protect the national interest while keeping a “win-win” climate for investors. Africa Day & Xenophobia: South Africa marked Africa Day as ministers held urgent talks over anti-migrant protests, insisting enforcement must stay within the law and warning that rising anti-foreigner sentiment threatens African unity. Ghana’s Travel Push: President Mahama launched Ghana’s first e-visa portal, scrapped visa fees for African passport holders applying online, and promised faster processing—while new 3D scanners at Kotoka will end the routine removal of laptops, liquids, shoes and belts. Digital Policy Clash: The draft NITA Bill faces fresh backlash from tech voices, with critics warning it could overreach beyond licensing into broad digital regulation. Food & Water Pressure: CDM warns farmers are losing everything despite bumper harvests, while AU-linked calls intensify against galamsey over water and kidney disease risks. Productivity Drive: Julius Debrah says Ghana will embed Kaizen nationwide with JICA support.

South Africa Evacuation Crunch: Ghana’s High Commission has begun processing repatriations as xenophobic tensions rise—300 Ghanaians were handled for a Wednesday departure, with 800 more scheduled for Monday and Tuesday screening. NPP Internal Push: Paul Afoko rallies minority MPs with a “3R Agenda” to reunite, rebuild and recapture power ahead of 2028. World Cup Build-Up: Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sa says joining Carlos Queiroz’s setup was “not difficult,” while Antoine Semenyo insists Ghana has the unity and backing to make an impact in Group L. Sports Results: Hearts of Oak spoiled Medeama’s season with a 4-2 win; Ghana’s football clinic with QNET and Manchester City wrapped up after four days. Economy & Policy: IMF says Ghana’s banking clean-up is near completion; T-bill demand dipped, with last auction undersubscribed by 5.9%. Governance & Compliance: NITA faces fresh backlash over ICT licensing fees, as the ministry says it’s enforcing existing laws.

Security Recruitment Shock: Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak says over 6,000 young Ghanaians were barred from security services after failing new drug and mental health screening—4,000 for drugs and 2,000 for mental health concerns—after 100,000+ applicants went through medical checks. Women’s Support Push: President Mahama says the Women’s Development Bank resolution will go to Cabinet next, with GH¢450m seed funding already set aside. Cedi Pressure: Bank of Ghana’s new unified cash reserve rule forces banks to lock 20% of deposits daily in cedis, tightening conditions and raising pressure on dollar-heavy banks. Xenophobia Fallout: Ghanaians in South Africa again pleaded for faster evacuation as envoys and African diplomats escalate pressure over attacks and intimidation. Sports & Culture: Black Stars hopeful Emmanuel Agyei impressed in Ghana’s 2-0 friendly loss to Mexico; Hearts of Oak ended the season with a 4-2 win over Medeama; and Songtaba urged enrolling inmates from alleged witches camps into LEAP.

Security Recruitment Surge: President Mahama has ordered a major boost to security hiring after 105,000 applicants cleared medical screening—far above the original 5,000 target—doubling intake as Interior Minister Muntaka says medical results will be released next week and data will be retained for future rounds. Sports—Black Stars Stumble: Ghana’s Black Stars lost 2-0 to Mexico in a World Cup warm-up, conceding early and again after the break, but the technical team used the match to test fringe players ahead of the June 1 squad announcement. Disaster & Safety: Volta’s Regional Minister declared Adaklu Mountain a security zone after a deadly mudslide, while a consultant Ing. Abdulai Mahama urged authorities to demolish illegal structures on waterways to stop recurring flood damage. Local Pressure in Ada: Ada youth demanded action on roads, healthcare and coastal erosion, and the Ada MP hit back, accusing them of political inconsistency. Women’s Football: The Black Queens set for a three-nation tournament in Tanzania as WAFCON preparations intensify. Trade & Diplomacy: Dubai Chamber wrapped up its Ethiopia leg with a record 510 B2B meetings, and Ghana welcomed France’s reparatory justice push.