AGP Executive Report

Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana has postponed the evacuation of over 800 citizens from South Africa after legal screening hurdles and a surge in registrations, with only one person reportedly showing up at O.R. Tambo as authorities coordinate flight permits and multi-agency checks. Maritime Push: Ghana is doubling down on its maritime agenda—24-hour port operations, Tema expansion, and plans to position Takoradi for oil and gas—while government also backs maritime reforms to strengthen the Gulf of Guinea security role. Digital & Telecom Policy: The Communications Minister is urging responsible satellite use with stronger rules, while the Bank of Ghana says the e-Cedi pilot is moving toward cross-border settlements. Free Speech vs. Law Use: Opposition MPs accuse the state of using criminal libel and “false news/offensive conduct” provisions to suppress dissent, as Parliament prepares for major debates. Health Watch: The Health Minister says Ghana has no Ebola cases but is tightening surveillance after WHO’s emergency declaration over outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda. Sports & Youth: Asamoah Gyan is unveiled as GFA ambassador, and Black Starlets press for a World Cup ticket in their Uganda play-off.

World Cup build-up: Ghana’s Black Stars have arrived in Puebla for the Mexico friendly, with 22 players on deck and training morale high as the camp runs ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Visa misinformation pushback: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says no Ghanaian supporter or official has been processed for US visas yet, and warns there’s been no contracted travel-and-tour agency—after reports of mass denials. Boxing governance: Vetting begins today for 15 candidates for the new Ghana Boxing Authority board, with key names including Ivan Bruce-Cudjoe as the process heads toward the June 4 elective congress. Politics and unity: Bawumia urges NPP MPs to stay united and stop “faction” talk ahead of 2028. Poverty update: Wa West cuts multidimensional poverty by over 37% from 2021 to 2025, according to GSS. Health policy: The Free Primary Healthcare programme is framed as a major step toward health equity and prevention. Finance: Bank of Ghana keeps the policy rate at 14% and raises the cash reserve ratio to 20% from June 4.

Courtroom Tension: Ghana’s High Court adjourned the bail bid of NPP Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC) after the Attorney-General asked for more time, keeping the case on hold as the state and defence trade arguments over how soon the prosecution should respond. Free Speech vs Public Order: NPP figures are escalating the debate, with Bawumia and party officials accusing the NDC of eroding freedom of expression through arrests and prosecutions, while Kwesi Pratt argues speech isn’t absolute and must stay within constitutional limits. Parliament Countdown: Parliament resumes Thursday with a packed agenda spanning transport, energy, security, justice and governance reforms. Transport for Football: The GFA and Metro Mass Transit sealed a partnership for 54-seater buses for national teams and clubs, plus discounted fan transport—aimed at boosting matchday logistics under the 24-hour economy push. Education Tech Push: Ghana signed an MOU with Google for Education to strengthen digital literacy and AI-enabled teaching. Sports Abroad: Ghana forward Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer has completed his move to Bundesliga side Mainz 05 on a free transfer.

TB Funding Push: African MPs meeting in Cape Town pledged to boost domestic financing for tuberculosis as donor support for health systems keeps shrinking. Trade & Geopolitics: The US is funding a feasibility study for about 1,500 base stations across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire—aimed at expanding wireless access and challenging China’s telecom grip. Ebola Alert: Ghana activated nationwide preparedness after WHO declared an Ebola emergency in DR Congo and Uganda, stressing no cases recorded locally. Economy Watch: Ghana’s export earnings hit $11.1bn by end-April 2025, led by gold; meanwhile public debt rose to GH¢674.1bn by February 2026 and the cedi weakened further in interbank trading. Politics & Courts: NPP petitioned diplomats over alleged democratic backsliding and harassment, while the Supreme Court dismissed a bid to halt the trial of NSA official Gifty Oware-Mensah. Energy & Growth: Energy reforms continue at the NPA, and Ghana targets commercial renewable scale-up from 2027.

Trade & Investment Push: The Trade Ministry hosted a GUBA investor delegation to scout deals in agribusiness, pharma, automotive, textiles/garments, critical minerals, plus digital and fintech—highlighting Ghana’s stability, AfCFTA access and improving macro conditions. IMF Exit, Political Heat: NPP youth leader Salam Mustapha dismissed the “IMF exit” as no real change, while also escalating claims of harassment—warning government over the remand of Abronye DC and threatening to make the country “extremely ungovernable” if intimidation continues. Rent Law Crackdown: Rent Control Department moves to set up specialised rent courts and orders hostel owners to pause fee hikes until facilities are assessed. Security & Crime: Mobile Money Advocacy Group praised IGP Yohuno’s intensified intelligence-led operations. Standards Enforcement: GSA shut down parts of Ashaiman China Mall warehouse over fake bulbs and substandard mattresses. Jobs & Growth Agenda: BOSAG and partners urged stronger government backing to scale BPO/GBS and create 100,000 jobs. Sports: Ghana’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers draw puts the Black Stars in Group C with Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia.

Gold & Reserves: Ghana is pushing deeper into its bullion drive, with GoldBod buying 121kg from Damang Gold Mine—its second straight 100% delivery—while government also asks large miners to sell 30% of output to the central bank. IMF Aftermath: Civil society ISODEC warns the new IMF Policy Coordination Instrument could “outsource” Ghana’s economic sovereignty, even as the Bank of Ghana says the external sector improved, with the current account surplus rising by $652m in Q1. Telecom Accountability: A heated clash at Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee saw Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George and PAC leadership trade barbs over telecom service failures. Digital Finance: The SEC signals tighter, “measured” rules for virtual assets and fintech, including a sandbox and licensing push. Health & Vaccines: President Mahama says Ghana is on track to exit GAVI vaccine funding by 2030. Sports: Kofi Adams insists Ghana’s World Cup target is the Round of 32, while he rejects claims of poor feeding and accommodation at the Accra athletics championships.

Health Funding Shock: President Mahama told the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva that Ghana lost about $78m after USAID suspended programmes following a US foreign-aid freeze, hitting malaria, maternal/child health, nutrition and HIV services. Vaccine Sovereignty Push: He added Ghana is on track to exit Gavi vaccine funding by 2030 and aims to transition into a donor country, as reforms expand NHIS and free primary healthcare. Party Discipline Clash: Fresh commentary warns the NDC risks treating Mahama as a “lame duck,” with internal factions allegedly distracted by succession politics—while calls grow for tougher discipline to deliver the Reset Agenda. Telecom Tensions: Communication Minister Samuel Nartey George blamed past telecom service failures on weak leadership and policy direction, as Ghana’s next SIM re-registration debate heats up. AFCON Draw Setup: Ghana’s Black Stars have been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw, setting up a tough road ahead.

G7 Energy Shock: Finance ministers meet in Paris as a prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure threatens global oil supply and raises fresh fears of economic spillover. AFCON Seedings: Ghana and Cape Verde, both World Cup-bound, miss out on top seeds for the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw after poor 2025 AFCON qualifying runs. Commonwealth Games Push: Ghana’s Olympic body says 40 athletes will represent the country at Glasgow 2026, but funding worries are still bubbling. Black Stars Build-Up: Carlos Queiroz insists Ghana’s World Cup success will be earned through sacrifice and structured preparation, while Sports Minister Kofi Adams backs Andre Ayew’s possible return to the squad. Tourism Spotlight: Tourism Minister crowns Wiyaala as Fugu Ambassador in Funsi, boosting cultural branding. Consumer Protection: A new “Verify Before You Buy” campaign targets counterfeits and fraud, urging Ghanaians to check products before purchase. Cocoa Finance: Access Bank, with IFC support, disburses about GH₵1bn to back cocoa purchases and production.

IMF Afterglow Meets Daily Pressure: Ghana’s new IMF Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) kicks in after the bailout ends—no new money, but a fresh push for fiscal discipline as inflation cools to 3.4% and the cedi steadies. Energy Showdown: Government says private sector participation in ECG starts by early 2027, not a full sale—labour is already vowing to resist. Transport Relief Plan: STC will add nearly 120 buses by year-end to tackle terminal chaos and stranded passengers. Food Security Alarm: NAFCO’s grain reserve drive is being blocked by broken warehouses, leaving only about 40,000–44,000 tonnes usable out of 129,000 capacity. Mining Tensions: IEA urges government to reject Gold Fields’ Tarkwa lease extension as communities still feel the pain. Sports & Society: Asamoah Gyan set to be unveiled as GFA ambassador on May 20; PATH and GHS mark World Hypertension Day with a push for regular blood pressure checks. Regional Politics: Atiku blasts Nigeria’s slow response to xenophobia in South Africa, pointing to Ghana’s faster evacuation of over 300 citizens.

IMF Exit, No Bailout: Ghana has officially wrapped up its $3bn IMF programme ahead of schedule, with officials saying inflation fell, the cedi strengthened, reserves rose to about $14.5bn, and debt sustainability improved—now shifting to the IMF’s non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument, not fresh money. Fuel Shock: Fresh pump increases kicked in under the May 16 pricing window, with Super petrol crossing GHS14 in early reports. Telecom Cost Cut: Government floated a “Dig Once” policy to lay fibre ducts during road works, aiming to cut rollout costs by up to 60% and reduce fibre cuts. Courts & Business: Chairman Wontumi was dragged to court over alleged fraud linked to a GH₵30m loss to Ghana EXIM Bank, while Ecobank Ghana reassured customers after a Supreme Court ruling. Sports Spotlight: Antoine Semenyo made history by scoring in Manchester City’s FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

IMF Exit Fallout: Ghana says it won’t return to international capital markets in 2026 and will shift to the IMF’s non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument, but critics warn the “oversight” may still keep spending pressure high. ECG Power Woes: ECG flags planned outages in Tema on May 17 and is still working on an underground cable fault that hit parts of the Western Region. Hajj Logistics: Ghana’s Hajj airlift gets an extra flight on Tuesday after technical challenges, while the Ghana Hajj Medical Team secures a full licence to run clinics in Makkah. 24-Hour Economy Tension: Residents in Keta Central protest the siting of the 24-hour economy market and UHAS pharmacy outside their community. Labour vs Privatisation: TUC vows to resist any move to privatise ECG. Sports Moment: Antoine Semenyo makes history as the first Ghanaian to score in a men’s FA Cup final, firing Manchester City past Chelsea.

AU Xenophobia Push: Ghana has petitioned the African Union to put South Africa’s xenophobic attacks on the agenda and demand action over alleged mistreatment of African migrants—while critics warn Ghana’s framing may be too simplistic, arguing the root is often job and survival pressures. Central Bank Overhaul: Parliament-backed amendments set the stage for government to fully recapitalise the Bank of Ghana by 2032, after big 2025 losses and worsening negative equity. IMF Exit, New Phase: Ghana has completed its $3bn ECF programme early and is moving into a 36-month IMF Policy Coordination Instrument, with the Fund urging Ghana to use new fiscal space for jobs and investment. Cost of Living Pressure: Fuel relief is shrinking again from May 16, and diesel prices are set to jump—right as rice mop-up is hit by weak storage capacity. Education & Water: Law school entrance exams remain in the new Legal Education Act framework, while Tamale and Yendi are set for major new water projects delivering about 30 million gallons daily.

IMF Exit, New Phase: Ghana has officially completed its 36-month, $3bn IMF Extended Credit Facility reforms, with the Fund saying inflation fell, reserves rebuilt and debt restructuring advanced—while engagement pivots to a 36-month policy coordination instrument that won’t bring fresh IMF funding. Jobs Push: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson says stability is “done” and the next phase is job creation under a “new economy” agenda. Governance Pressure: The Ghana Federation of Labour demands President Mahama sack state CEOs who missed audited accounts deadlines, citing low compliance. NDC Internal Heat: NDC leaders face fresh friction over June 4 commemoration and alleged leadership ambition; meanwhile, youth organiser age-limit rules are challenged, with threats of court action. Sports & Culture: Black Princesses’ U-20 World Cup group is set (France, Korea, Ecuador), and Kumasi’s growth pitch leans on culture, tourism and commerce. Tech & Telecom: MTN’s 30th anniversary launch spotlights affordable access, fibre protection and cybersecurity as Ghana targets wider 5G.

Tax Reform Talks: GRA and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce have agreed to quarterly “Time with the GRA Commissioner-General” sessions, with the GRA pointing to VAT changes that cut cascading costs and a pilot Fiscal Electronic Devices system to automate VAT collection and boost compliance. Sports Probe: South Africa’s Team SA complaints over Accra accommodation have triggered a probe by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who ordered alternative lodging but said the team chose to stay while investigations continue. Digital Push: MTN marks 30 years in Ghana, tying its anniversary to deeper digital inclusion and Mobile Money’s role in financial access. Healthcare Pressure: The GMA warns Ghana’s health system can’t be fixed by scapegoating staff, citing shortages and “no-bed” failures across emergency care. Oil & Economy: Ghana’s crude output has fallen for six straight years, squeezing petroleum revenues, while businesses are cautiously returning to expansion as borrowing conditions ease. Football & Youth: Laryea Kingston’s Uganda U17 side starts AFCON U17 with a 3-0 win over DR Congo, chasing World Cup qualification.

NPP Leadership Battle in Greater Accra: Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye says the region is the “major leakage” behind the party’s slump, arguing a comeback starts with rebuilding structures and winning back seats. 5G Spectrum Push: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George backs balanced spectrum pricing and a competitive auction shift to protect investment needed for 70% 5G coverage by March 2027. Transport Cost Relief: Ghana Shippers’ Authority defers the container administrative charge to July 1, but caps it immediately at GHS 720 per TEU. Tax Waiver Reset: President Mahama ends blanket import duty waivers, promising exemptions case-by-case—especially for medical equipment. Education Overhaul: Mahama pledges to phase out the double-track system by 2027 and points to a World Bank-backed SHS upgrade plan. Sports Under Pressure: Ghana’s African Athletics Championships face backlash over athlete conditions, while Antoine Semenyo earns a Premier League Player of the Season shortlist nod.

African Athletics in Accra Under Fire: Athletes and journalists at the 24th African Athletics Championships are complaining about delays in transport, accreditation headaches, weak communication, inconsistent schedules, and even poor internet access—though events are still going on and medals are being won. Kenya’s Steeplechase Push: Amos Serem leads Kenya’s renewed bid for the men’s 3,000m steeplechase crown in the same meet, chasing redemption after a shaky start. Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana has begun evacuating about 300 citizens from South Africa after anti-immigrant violence, with officials saying targeted people will be prioritised. Health Upgrade: President Mahama commissioned a PET Scan facility in Accra and says blanket tax exemptions on imported medical equipment are now off—decisions will be case-by-case. Port Costs: Ghana Shippers’ Authority has delayed a revised container charge to July 1, with a temporary cap to ease pressure on businesses.