AGP Executive Report

Courtroom Update: Accra’s High Court has resumed the trial of former NSA executive Gifty Oware-Mensah, with prosecutors admitting bank documents showing alleged fund transfers between the NSA and Agricultural Development Bank, as she faces charges tied to a GH¢31.50m loan facility and alleged financial loss of over GH¢31m. IMF Exit Debate: NPP communicator Kwadwo Poku says Ghana’s IMF exit is only “bye bye, see you later,” warning the state may soon need heavy borrowing or tax hikes to fund commitments under the new PCI. Flood Displacement: A heavy downpour has left residents and traders in Amasaman-Fise displaced after knee-deep flooding, blamed on drainage failures and blocked lanes. Black Stars Focus: Ghana has been drawn in AFCON 2027 Group C with Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia and Somalia, setting up a tough redemption path after missing AFCON 2025. Health & Security: Mamprobi Hospital says maternal services are rebounding after months of fear following a baby abduction case, while Ghana also moves to evacuate citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks.

Health Sovereignty: President Mahama told the World Health Assembly in Geneva that Ghana is on track to exit GAVI vaccine funding by 2030, aiming to transition from beneficiary to donor—while also flagging a $78m hit to health programmes after USAID suspensions. Economy Watch: The Bank of Ghana says Ghana’s current account surplus grew by $652m in Q1 2026, pointing to reform-driven momentum even as inflation ticks up. Telecom Pressure: The NCA is warning operators to lift service quality, as fibre cuts have jumped to over 8,000 cases a year and consumers complain about dropped calls and slow data. Justice & Politics: The Ghana Bar Association condemned Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin’s attacks on a Circuit Court judge, while also denying claims it is aligned to the NPP. Sports & Culture: Medeama sealed the Ghana Premier League title with a 5-2 win; meanwhile, Ibrahim Mahama was honoured at the Asantehene Art Awards.

World Cup Focus: Ghana’s Black Stars have been drawn in Group L with England, Panama and Croatia, with Croatia naming a 26-man squad led by Luka Modrić—while Sports Minister Kofi Adams insists Ghana’s goal is to “go very far,” not just reach the knockout stage. Health Security: Ghana says it has recorded no Ebola cases, but has stepped up border screening and surveillance after outbreaks in DR Congo and Uganda. Economy & Jobs: Government is preparing a “New Economy” programme to drive private-sector-led growth and jobs after the IMF ECF exit. Markets: Treasury bills were oversubscribed by GH¢1.17bn as investors chased short-term safety, even as yields edged up. Courts & Accountability: In the National Service scandal trial, a letter allegedly directing NSS funds to a private firm was admitted; in the Buffer Stock case, Hanan and his wife face fresh charges over GH¢62.6m. Sports & Culture: Ghana finished 18th at the African Senior Athletics Championships without a gold; TVET leaders push the idea that skills training is for everyone, and Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie calls for tech growth without losing cultural roots.

Trade Shift: China’s expanded zero-tariff deal for African exports—now covering 53 countries from May 1—has been hailed as a long-term push for South-South cooperation, but experts say Africa must still build industrial capacity, logistics, and skills to turn it into real manufacturing gains. IMF Exit Reality Check: Ghana’s economy is looking better on paper after the US$3bn IMF programme ended, with inflation easing and growth improving, yet a fresh debate is growing over whether ordinary people are actually feeling the recovery. Finance Watch: Bank of Ghana oversight is tightening as financial sector assets hit about GHS647bn, while the government rules out compensation for bondholders affected by DDEP haircuts. Health & Security: WHO declares Ebola a PHEIC in DRC and Uganda; Ghana also refused a US health data agreement. Sports: Medeama SC sealed the 2025/26 GPL title, while Ghana’s U-17s lost 1-0 to 10-man Senegal and sit bottom of Group D. Weather & Power: GMet warns of heavy rains and storms; ECG schedules maintenance outages in parts of Accra.

IMF Exit, Real Test Ahead: Ghana has officially wrapped up its $3bn IMF programme and is moving to a Policy Coordination Instrument, but commentators warn the hard part starts now—keeping fiscal discipline after the bailout ends. Sports Spotlight: Antoine Semenyo produced a stunning back-flick winner as Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 to lift the FA Cup, while Tobi Amusan opened her Diamond League campaign with third in Shanghai. Health Alert: WHO declared the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. Justice & Governance: Ghana’s High Court in Kumasi has blocked a disputed Worawora chieftaincy registration, and Ecobank Ghana moved to calm fears after a Supreme Court ruling on interest in a long-running case. Roads Under Strain: The Roads Minister says only 257 of 411 traffic lights work, blaming crashes, theft and contractor debts. Football Next: Ghana’s U17s face Senegal in a must-win Group D clash after drawing Algeria.

FA Cup Glory: Antoine Semenyo wrote Ghana football history at Wembley, scoring the 72nd-minute backheel as Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 to win the FA Cup and complete a domestic double. Ghana Pride in Sports: Asamoah Gyan hailed Semenyo, whose goal also made him the first Ghanaian to score in an FA Cup final, while the striker set a new record for most goals by a Ghanaian in a single Premier League season. IMF Exit, New Pressure: Ghana has officially wrapped up its $3bn IMF programme and will move to the non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), but analysts warn spending pressure could return now that external oversight eases. Fuel and Cost of Living: Pump prices jumped again under the May 16 window, with Super petrol crossing GHS14 in early checks. Land and Safety Alerts: GACL warned the public against buying a disputed Spintex land parcel still in court; in Kumasi, a fire at Suame Magazine killed a 70-year-old woman and destroyed vehicles and structures. Security Crackdown: NPA and the Navy burned seized wooden boats used in coastal fuel smuggling.

Ghana Premier League Matchday 33: With only two games left, Saturday’s fixtures are packed with pressure—Medeama host Hearts of Lions with the title in sight, Dreams welcome Bibiani Gold Stars for a top-four fight, and Bechem United face Asante Kotoko as the table could reshuffle. IMF Exit Fallout: Ghana’s IMF bailout has ended and the country moves to non-financing policy support, but critics warn it’s not “something worth celebrating” if prices and living conditions don’t improve. Eid-Ul-Adha Holiday: The Interior Ministry declares Wednesday, May 27 a nationwide public holiday for Eid-Ul-Adha. Security & Migration: Sierra Leone says it will take in hundreds of West Africans deported by the U.S. under a third-country deal. Sports Off the Pitch: The Sports Ministry has cleared per-diem for the Black Princesses’ Uganda leg, but earlier allowances to South Africa remain unpaid. Environment: Advocates renew calls for a crackdown on illegal donkey hide trade, warning the population could collapse.

Bank of Ghana Recap Plan: Government says it will fully recapitalise the central bank by 2032 after Parliament approved amendments, with “automatic recapitalisation” built into the law as BoG’s negative equity widened in 2025–26. IMF Transition to Growth: The IMF urges Ghana to use the fiscal space from reforms to fund investments and jobs as the country exits its US$3bn ECF programme and moves into a 36-month policy support framework. Tax Crackdown Goes Digital: GRA will automate VAT deductions on online payments from August, after a pilot, aiming to boost revenue and reduce reliance on self-reporting. Governance Flashpoint: An MP questions SOEs sponsoring awards for public officials, calling for clearer accountability on how public money is spent. Mining & Community Tensions: Cocoa Processing Company interdicted workers demand reinstatement over an alleged GH¢4.37m audit issue; meanwhile, mining groups keep pushing for better community benefit from extraction. Sports & Culture: Ghana’s Black Starlets prepare for Senegal after a 2-2 Algeria draw; Hearts of Oak warn Samartex are “compact and aggressive,” while Ghana’s 4x100 relay men win bronze at Accra 2026.

IMF Exit: Ghana has officially completed its Extended Credit Facility, ending the country’s 17th IMF bailout and moving to a non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument, with Government crediting fiscal discipline, reforms, and improved inflation and cedi performance. Healthcare Pressure: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh says only 5% of facilities have full equipment, while allied health staff at Korle Bu demand an Allied Health Directorate and substantive leadership; kidney experts warn dialysis can cost more over time than transplants. Cancer Care Upgrade: A West Africa first nuclear medicine facility with PET-CT has been commissioned at Sweden Ghana Medical Centre to cut outbound cancer travel. Sports & Logistics: South Africa’s athletes raised accommodation and welfare complaints at the African Athletics Championships; the sports minister ordered changes, then says issues were resolved as teams stayed put—though pole vault equipment failures also surfaced. Mining & Courts: In the Samreboi illegal mining case, a defence witness argues mineral rights can’t be assigned through verbal deals; meanwhile mining groups warn lease uncertainty could scare investors. Diplomacy: Ghana has petitioned the African Union over xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Water Crisis & Accountability: A fresh wave of viral “borehole fixes” is spotlighting a painful truth: Ghana isn’t short of skills, it’s short of local leadership and follow-through—villages celebrate repairs while broken pumps and unsafe water persist. Traditional Justice in Focus: The Bawku mediation debate is back in the spotlight, with people asking whether peace efforts are creating a lasting precedent for how authority and jurisdiction should work. Education Fraud Warning: GETFund has warned the public to ignore fake contract award notices circulating in its name, saying the publications are unauthorized and meant to extort money. U-17 AFCON Drama: Ghana’s Black Starlets opened with a 2-2 draw against Algeria after leading 2-0, with a missed penalty keeping the match wide open. Sports Spotlight: Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay booked the final at ASAC, while football fans get Nations FC vs Vision FC as the Premier League Matchday 33 live pick. Governance & Rights: A High Court ordered the Police to apologise and pay damages over rights violations during the 2023 OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.

Court Battle Over Assets: Joana Quaye has gone to court for an injunction to stop RNAQ from selling or transferring shares and multi-million assets while her divorce appeal is pending. Healthcare Upgrade: President Mahama commissioned a PET Scan facility at Swedish Ghana Medical Centre and says Ghana will phase out costly overseas medical referrals. Education Reform: Mahama also announced the “double track” SHS system will be phased out by 2027, alongside a World Bank-backed upgrade for 50 senior high schools. U17 AFCON Focus: Tanzanian referee Ahmed Arajiga will officiate Ghana’s opening Group D match vs Algeria. Identity Push: NIA says it has registered over 32,000 children for Ghana Cards in Volta and Oti. Sports & Culture: TGMA chatter continues—Nana Akua Addo’s absence sparks debate, while Asiama’s “Akoma” wins Best Male Vocal Performance. Regional Tension: Ghana plans to repatriate about 300 citizens from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks. Telecom Pressure: The telecoms chamber warns of 8,000+ fibre cuts yearly, draining funds from expansion.

Health & Debt Pressure: President Mahama urged Africa to move “from talk to action” on resilient health systems, warning debt is draining money meant for healthcare, education and agriculture. Anti-Corruption: A pressure group wants answers from the tax authority over the alleged mysterious release of 236 ECG containers from Tema Port. Cost of Living: A new report flags electricity, transport and internet data as top drivers of hardship, while Ghana’s economy still grew 7.7% in February 2026, led by industry and services. Trade & Jobs: Ghana is being pushed to rethink its trade strategy to unlock exports and employment, with the World Bank also warning the country has nearly US$12bn in untapped export potential. Transport/Power/Water Disruptions: ECG and Ghana Water both issued notices on planned outages and water interruptions in parts of Accra and beyond. Tech & Youth: Startup loans and digital training for under-35s under the 24H+ programme are now open. Sports: Black Starlets begin U17 AFCON in Morocco against Algeria, with coaches saying the team is mentally ready.

NIA Strike: Ghana’s National Identification Authority workers have launched an indefinite nationwide strike, raising fears of major disruption to services millions rely on, from banking and SIM registration to passports and national security. Road Safety: A new instalment on Ghana’s road carnage turns to heavy-truck braking systems, spotlighting how failures and responsibility on the state side can turn bad roads into deadly ones. Women’s Football: “La Ligue d’Égalité” has arrived in Ghana for the first time, bringing football, coaching workshops and a six-week league for girls and women. Sports—Athletics: At the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Alex Amankwah has booked the men’s 800m final, while Tobi Amusan and Ghana’s Evonne Britton set up a women’s 100m hurdles showdown. U-20 Women’s World Cup: Ghana’s Black Princesses will learn their group opponents on Friday, May 15, but remain in camp over unpaid per diems. Child Protection: Gender Minister Agnes Naa Momo Lartey visited the family of a boy allegedly dragged behind a quad bike, pledging support and urging non-violent discipline. Housing: CHPS construction at Chorkor has resumed after years, aiming to boost local healthcare access.

Human Rights & Mining: Ghana is facing fresh outrage after reports tied to the Chinese firm Longshine allege “dirty labour” at Swed Mining concessions in Prestea Bondaye—claims include slave-like conditions, pay as low as GHS1,000 a month, forced continuous work, and deductions from sick workers’ wages instead of medical support. Security Training: In Accra, Ghana Police began a 10-day undercover and intelligence training with the FBI for 40 officers to tackle cross-border and cyber-enabled crime. Law & Gender: Women lawyers are pushing reforms to stop courts from using irrelevant factors—like a spouse’s appearance or financial independence—to decide spousal property outcomes. Politics & Detention: Parliament confirmed MP Kwame Ohene Frimpong is detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, with details still unclear. Economy & Markets: Fitch upgraded Ghana’s credit rating to B (positive outlook) as debt and reserves improve, while the cedi slips ahead of the IMF review on May 15. Xenophobia Response: Ghana approved the evacuation of 300 citizens from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks. Education: WAEC warns teachers are using AI/chatbots to generate BECE answers, threatening exam credibility.

World Cup Push: Sports Minister Kofi Adams says Ghana has secured 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast rights after government backing and fundraising, with GCB Bank donating GH¢5m to the Black Stars campaign. Education Reform: Parliament’s Legal Education Reform Act, 2026, has been assented—professional law training drops from two years to one, and accredited schools can run the professional programme. WASSCE Starts Tomorrow: WAEC says 509,862 school candidates will begin the 2026 WASSCE-SC with Oral English, as Ghana returns to the May–June calendar. Athletics in Accra: The African Senior Athletics Championships kick off today at the University of Ghana Stadium, with Tobi Amusan chasing a third hurdles title and Nigeria’s teen sprinter Miracle Ezechukwu targeting double gold. Water Enforcement: Ghana Water Limited reports GH¢3.7m recovered from illegal connections and identifies hundreds of new offenders in Accra since August 2025. Justice & Health: Ghana Health Service will investigate extortion allegations at Upper East Regional Hospital after a documentary aired. Economy & Trade: Ghana–China trade hit a record $14.1b in 2025, up 19.3%, as China reiterates support on galamsey.

Climate & Carbon Markets: Ghana and Malawi held high-level talks in Accra on carbon market readiness, waste management and single-use plastics regulation, with Ghana pitching its stronger carbon-market governance. Galamsey Crackdown & Politics: A Kobro Forest anti-illegal-mining raid ended in outrage after party figures allegedly tried to block arrests and demand release of suspects and seized excavators. Economy & Trade: China’s ambassador says its zero-tariff policy for African exports will boost Ghanaian cocoa and other products, while Ghana-China trade hit a record US$14.1bn in 2025. Water Security: Ghana Water Limited recovered GH₵3.7m from illegal connections and is repairing Kpong-Tema pipelines to cut leakages. Sports Spotlight: The Ghana Premier League title race heated up after Matchday 32 drama; meanwhile, Team Nigeria arrives for the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, and Ghana’s World Cup build-up continues as Gremio blocks Francis Amuzu’s Mexico friendly debut. Legal & Public Services: Supreme Court dismisses Ecobank’s bid in the Daniel Ofori interest case; GRA extends 2025 PIT filing to May 31, 2026. Health & Safety: FDA reiterates the ban on “Chofi” (Turkey tail). Tech & Partnerships: Sam George and AlphaVecta plan an AI summit partnership to push Accra as a continental tech hub.