AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games: Ghana confirms Team Ghana’s participation in Glasgow 2026, targeting gold with a lean squad of about 40 athletes across nine disciplines. World Cup build-up: Black Stars have arrived in the U.S. after the Wales friendly, with Caleb Yirenkyi praised for his standout display and Ghana aiming to reach the knockout stages. Investment & economy: President Mahama and Finance Minister Ato Forson tell investors Africa’s debt is “mispriced” and Ghana is targeting investment-grade status by 2029, while also pushing a 24-hour economy and value addition. Health security: Ghana activates and updates its Ebola response plan as outbreaks surge in DRC and Uganda, strengthening surveillance and case management. Agriculture: John Dumelo urges FAO to ensure agrifood programmes deliver tangible benefits, while Ghana pushes long-term investment to end rice import dependence. Governance & rights: Parliament is urged to back GSA for stronger standards enforcement; TI Ghana highlights RTI enforcement gaps; and Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ law continues to trigger scrutiny and debate. Business & industry: GIPC launches the InvestGhana podcast to boost investor storytelling, and Hyundai plans a West Africa automotive plant in Ghana. Public safety: June 3 disaster victims demand justice and compensation as they mark 11 years since the flood and fire tragedy.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars have left Wales for the United States, heading to Providence/Rhode Island for final preparations after a 1-1 Cardiff friendly with Wales; Caleb Yirenkyi scored, but Lewis Koumas equalised late as Carlos Queiroz fine-tunes his 26-man squad for Group L against Panama, England and Croatia. Climate & Investment: Forestry Commission Deputy CEO Elikem Kotoko told the Ghana-UK Business Summit that forests should be treated as “climate assets” and “investment assets” to unlock climate finance, stressing governance, transparency and ESG safeguards. Economy Watch: Ghana’s inflation rose to 3.7% in May, driven mainly by higher food prices, after easing earlier in the year. Parliament & Policy: Parliament’s Finance Committee Chairman Isaac Adongo says the 0.75% wallet-to-bank transfer levy was approved by the Bank of Ghana under the Akufo-Addo era, challenging claims it was introduced by the Mahama government. Human Rights: Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ law has been approved by Parliament and is awaiting President Mahama’s signature, with rights groups warning of severe penalties and fear across communities. Sports Governance: Hearts of Oak face FIFA threat over unpaid hotel debt in Togo, with Liberty Sports Hotel demanding payment or sanctions. Press Freedom: GJA will honour Ghana News Agency and others on World Press Freedom Day, with an awards event in Accra on June 6. Local Governance: Obuasi West MP Kwaku Kwarteng renews calls for direct election of MMDCEs, arguing it would improve accountability and help assemblies resist deductions from the DACF.

Free PHC Programme: The Omanhene of Lower Dixcove, Nana Akwasi Agyeman IX, has warned against central bottlenecks that could derail Ghana’s flagship Free Primary Health Care rollout, urging smooth funding and administration. Ghana–UK Investment Push: President Mahama’s UK trip is driving major deals, including a £215m Growth Partnership and a London Stock Exchange market-opening ceremony, while he also visited Ghanaian-owned businesses in Tottenham to spotlight diaspora enterprise. Macroeconomy & Cedi: Bank of Ghana officials urged businesses to avoid currency speculation as they work to sustain cedi stability, with the Money Summit stressing discipline to protect inflation gains. Health & Tobacco: The Ministry of Health says new nicotine products threaten tobacco-control progress, as Ghana also faces a staffing paradox with hundreds of nurses leaving while many trained health workers remain unemployed. Food Security & Agriculture: The Vice President opened an ECOWAS rice roundtable, and government mapped 515,000 hectares for rice to attract investment and cut imports. Cocoa Enforcement: COCOBOD proposes up to 10 years’ jail for cocoa smuggling to strengthen compliance and deter illegal trade. LGBTQ+ Law: President Mahama says the anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed by Parliament will be scrutinised before approval, with procedural lapses being addressed. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana temporarily suspended repatriation registration after 1,500+ applications, amid ongoing regional tensions and evacuations.

Parliament & Rights Debate: Speaker Bagbin has urged MPs to revisit the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, saying the process lacked consensus and procedural integrity, while President Mahama signals he will not assent until legal review is complete. Security & Identity: Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak warned of Ghanaians fraudulently registering foreigners on the national ID database, citing security risks and trafficking routes. Local Governance & Land: A Volta assembly member issued a 21-day ultimatum to Fulani herders to vacate farmlands in Monome-Dzrakate or face legal action. SME Funding: Ark Group International launched a digital SME Funding Database to connect businesses with grants, loans and investors. Foreign Affairs: Keta residents praised Ghana’s swift evacuation of xenophobic attack victims from South Africa, as more Ghanaians register to leave. Health & Development: FAWE pushed for stronger action on period poverty and menstrual stigma, while MTN Ghana launched 1,000 beds under Y’ello Care to tackle the “no-bed syndrome.” Economy & Investment: Ghana and the UK are set to showcase a £215m growth partnership aimed at jobs, infrastructure and skills. Sports: Black Stars begin Wales friendly preparations in Cardiff with a strong lineup led by Jordan Ayew.

World Cup Squad: Ghana has named its 26-man Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Pat’s goalkeeper Joseph Anang included as coach Carlos Queiroz finalised selection late amid injuries. Alexander Djiku is ruled out and replaced by Dutch-born Derrick Luckassen, while Mohammed Kudus and Mohammed Salisu also miss out. Sports & Nationhood: Queiroz says the team will go in with a “winning mentality,” and Jordan Ayew backs the squad’s drive to surprise at Group L against Panama, England and Croatia. Xenophobia & Diaspora Support: Ghana has warned citizens to avoid non-essential travel to South Africa following xenophobic attacks, while repatriation continues—1,500 have registered for evacuation and the Foreign Affairs Ministry says it has secured 120 jobs for returnees. UN Reform Push: President Mahama renewed calls for UN Security Council reform, arguing Africa’s exclusion is a “historical injustice,” and linked governance reform to broader financial architecture changes. Economy & Policy: Bank of Ghana denies reports it is considering selling its new $260m headquarters, calling the claims false and misleading. Ghana-UK Deal: Mahama and UK officials signed a £215m Growth Partnership aimed at jobs, trade, industrial growth and education, including a £101m Takoradi dry dock project. Governance & Rights: President Mahama says the anti-LGBTQ+ bill still faces constitutional steps before becoming law, as procedural concerns are raised.

World Cup Build-Up: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz insists Thomas Partey’s inclusion is guided by the presumption of innocence as Ghana fine-tunes for the Wales friendly in Cardiff, while also confirming Alexander Djiku is ruled out of the 2026 World Cup and replaced by Derrick Luckassen. Match Coverage: Wales vs Ghana is set for Tuesday, June 2 at 7:45pm, broadcast on BBC One, BBC Three and S4C. Travel & Security: Ghana warns citizens against non-essential travel to South Africa amid xenophobic attacks, citing injuries, looting and business closures, and says evacuation and diplomatic steps are underway. Politics & Governance: The NDC Council of Elders orders members to stop premature presidential campaign activities, stressing NEC control of timelines. LGBTQ+ Law Fallout: President Mahama says the anti-LGBTQ+ bill still has “quite a while to go” before becoming law, pointing to procedural and quorum concerns. Women’s Inclusion: The Gender Minister calls for disability-friendly sanitation and menstrual health support so girls with disabilities can stay in school and participate fully. Education & Standards: GTEC lists 70 unrecognised tertiary institutions, including 14 in Ghana, warning the public to verify certificates. Diplomacy: Ghana and South Korea sign a visa waiver for diplomatic and service passport holders, with talks continuing for ordinary passports.

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.