AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Côte d’Ivoire coach Hervé Renard warns his side against complacency as Ghana’s Black Stars head to Bouaké for the opener, with Ghana’s camp hit by injuries and key absences. Fan Access: The GFA has asked CAF for extra tickets after hundreds of Ghana supporters were stranded when Bouaké match tickets sold out. Sports Confidence: Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams says Ghana can still start with results against the Elephants and then beat Gambia at home. High Court Drama: Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah faced EOCO officers at the High Court Complex during the Ghana Jollof case, sparking a tense standoff. Teshie Desalination: Government says it is negotiating to buy the Teshie plant for less than the $235m arbitration award to secure water supply for about one million residents. Public Health: MoH and SEND Ghana launch front-of-pack warning labels as childhood obesity and NCDs rise. Sanitation: Emergency waste evacuation begins at Agbogbloshie to clear accumulated refuse and reduce flooding risks. Economy & Trade: Ghana’s export earnings hit a record $22.4bn on higher gold prices, while reserves dipped to $11.04bn in August. Teacher Pressure: Teacher unions issue a deadline for government to resolve promotion, placement and arrears issues.

Water & Arbitration: Government is negotiating to buy the idle Teshie desalination plant after a US$235m arbitration award, aiming to take full ownership and avoid further costs. Court & Rights: Accra High Court adjourned the bail application of “Ghana Jollof” nurse Salomey Bafoh to Sept. 24, while EOCO explained an attempted arrest of Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah was to secure his attendance. AFCON 2027 Football: Black Stars begin Group C qualifiers in Bouaké vs Ivory Coast on Sept. 24 with multiple withdrawals, as coach Carlos Queiroz faces an early test. Transport Costs: Unions deferred an 8% public transport fare increase after calls for review, even as new fares are set to take effect from Sept. 26. Digital Skills & AI: Ghana signed an Intel deal to expand AI education in K-12, and the Data Protection Commission urged stronger African regulator coordination over big tech power. Regional Politics: ECOWAS Parliament opened in Accra focusing on climate, security and integration, with Speaker Bagbin pushing for direct elections. Health & Community: Go Yellow Campaign launched to fund childhood cancer treatment and care at Ridge Hospital. Sports Development: GOC ran OVEP for about 500 students ahead of Dakar 2026, and named Rafatu Inusah Chef de Mission for Team Ghana at the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Port Security & Smuggling: A container-stealing syndicate has been busted at Tema Port after about 25 container loads went missing, with only four traced so far—two reportedly carrying hazardous cyanide—raising fears over the whereabouts of other consignments bound for Burkina Faso, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire. Drug Enforcement: NACOC has issued a wanted notice for Frank Danquah after a South African man was arrested at OR Tambo with heroin worth over GH¢1 million, triggering follow-up investigations. Governance & Justice: The Eastern Regional Peace Council trained about 200 traditional leaders and local officials on customary and statutory dispute resolution, targeting chieftaincy disputes. Media & Diplomacy: Ghana won the bid to host the 6th FAJ Continental Congress, with discussions on press freedom and safety for journalists. Tech & Policy: Ghana will regulate AI risks without stifling innovation, focusing on harms rather than curiosity. Sports: Black Stars head to Côte d’Ivoire for AFCON 2027 qualifiers with multiple injury withdrawals, while Carlos Queiroz urges humility and step-by-step focus.

Black Stars AFCON blow: Jordan Ayew has been ruled out of Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers after a scan confirmed a knee problem, adding to a growing injury list that already includes Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu and Prince Adu Kwabena ahead of the Côte d’Ivoire opener in Bouaké. Transport costs: Public transport fares rise 8% from Saturday, September 26, after talks between the Ministry of Transport, GPRTU and GRTCC. Roads under Big Push: The Tema–TOR road project is set to resume after government directed the contractor to restart works under the Big Push programme, with a revised scope and timeline. Water debt shock: Ghana Water has been ordered to pay $235m over the Teshie–Nungua desalination plant dispute, a judgment tied to a sovereign guarantee. Drug menace pressure: Ghana’s Catholic Bishops urge tougher action after France seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine allegedly shipped from Ghana, while the NPP demands investigations into financiers behind drug cases. Local economy & services: Teacher unions give government until Sept 24 to clear promotion arrears and related issues, and the Ghana TVET Service warns institutions against unauthorised fee collection during admissions. Accra Reset on global stage: Heads of State in New York convene around the Accra Reset agenda, including a new blueprint for reforming global health architecture.

Agbogbloshie Clean-Up: A massive 90-day operation has started to remove 1 million metric tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie, Old Fadama and nearby areas, aiming to restore the Korle Lagoon and reduce flooding and health risks in Accra. Infrastructure Planning: The NDPC has inaugurated a 26-member Technical Committee to review and update the Ghana Infrastructure Plan, with a four-month mandate to guide long-term delivery beyond “stop-and-go” politics. AFCON Focus: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has added nine players to his squad after medical concerns, as Ghana prepares for 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with accreditation now open for media covering the Accra match. Regional Tax Tech: Liberia’s Revenue Authority will support The Gambia to build a revenue collection dashboard, strengthening tax administration through regional cooperation. Climate Pressure in West Africa: ECOWAS Parliament lawmakers and experts meeting in Accra warned climate change is driving environmental damage, displacement and insecurity, calling for practical action. Sports & Talent: Ghana’s Bono Regional correspondent Daniel B. Dzirasah won two awards at the GJA awards, while new call-ups include Rahim Ibrahim and Rockson Yeboah.

Black Stars AFCON Focus: Carlos Queiroz insists his “winning style” won’t change as Ghana begins 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the coach stressing qualification first and building for the 2030 World Cup amid injuries and late withdrawals. Squad Updates: Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn to continue recovery, while late call-ups include Rahim Ibrahim and Jonas Adjetey; Queiroz says national team coaches can’t control club decisions. GFA Appointments: Asamoah Gyan is named Clubs and Player Relations Manager, and Ameenu Shardow heads the Strategic Diaspora Programme; John Paintsil moves to assist the Black Satellites. Business & Banking: OmniBSIC Bank relocates its Dome branch to a larger facility to improve customer experience. Health & Safety: A study warns cancer cases in Africa surged sharply, while World Patient Safety Day coverage urges stronger patient education for NCD care. Environment & Climate: Ghana marks World Cleanup Day with calls to tackle plastic pollution and illegal mining; ActionAid trains 53 coastal artisans in climate-resilient housing. Public Safety Policy: The National Fire Service commissions a committee to develop a modern national fire code. Digital Policing: Ghana’s Interior Minister leads a delegation to study Tamil Nadu’s digital policing systems.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz urged “absolute focus” as Ghana opens Group C with Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on 24 September, then hosts the Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium three days later—though Mohammed Kudus has withdrawn and Prince Adu Kwabena is also expected to miss the games. Youth Football: The Ghana Football Association unveiled the official logo for a new GFA U19 Premier League, aiming to strengthen the pathway from age-group football to the professional game in Greater Accra. Transport & Fares: Tensions are rising after PROTOA threatened to withdraw vehicles over unresolved fare talks, while the NPA says insurance costs are stable but fuel pressures are driving the debate; government engagements are ongoing. Sanitation: The 14 Army Engineer Brigade says waste evacuation from Agbogbloshie to Adepa Landfill will be coordinated to reduce traffic disruption. Drugs & Security: Police in Oti intercepted an articulated truck with 5,164 suspected narcotics parcels; separately, South African authorities arrested a 52-year-old arriving from Accra with suspected heroin worth over R2m. Education: GES told schools not to reject newly admitted students over metal trunks or wooden chop boxes. Politics & Accountability: Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa asked the Auditor-General for a special audit into Ghana’s evacuation spending since 2017, including the recent South Africa operation. Sports Abroad: Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo scored twice as Manchester City beat Sunderland 5-3 to move to the top of the Premier League table.

Drug Trafficking: A 52-year-old South African man arriving from Accra was arrested at OR Tambo with suspected heroin worth over R2 million, adding to fresh scrutiny of Ghana–West Africa’s role in drug routes to Europe and America. Ghana Jollof Case: Police say a Techiman nurse linked to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok operation helped circulate alleged false news and money flows; the accused and supporters dispute the motive, calling it political persecution. UN Diplomacy: President Mahama has departed Accra for the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, where he will host side events on the “Accra Reset” and reparatory justice. Sports—Black Stars: Mohammed Kudus reportedly withdrew from Ghana’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers squad as he continues recovery, while Thomas Partey remains sidelined. Sports—Premier League: Debibi United beat Young Apostles 3-0; Hearts of Oak were held 0-0 by Bechem United; Asante Kotoko drew 1-1 with Samartex; Aduana edged Karela 2-1. Sanitation: Parliament’s sanitation committee urges stronger government–private collaboration and better enforcement of waste bylaws, with Volta praised as the cleanest so far.

Black Stars AFCON build-up: Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku are back in Carlos Queiroz’s 24-man squad for the 2027 qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with Thomas Partey among the notable absences. Sports spotlight: Ernest Nuamah scored twice as Lyon thrashed Rennes 4-0, earning another Man of the Match; locally, Yaw Preko and others are pushing for Accra Sports Stadium to be renovated, not demolished. Constitution reform push: CDD-Ghana and civil society groups want an Act-backed roadmap to keep Ghana’s constitutional reforms on track through elections and political changes. Drug trafficking accountability: Security experts and officials say arrests alone won’t be enough, calling for investigations into financiers and networks behind major cocaine seizures. Health workers stranded abroad: Ghanaian medical graduates in Cuba appeal to President Mahama to secure their immediate return home. Energy & jobs: GNPC Explorco advances Voltaian Basin drilling preparations with a planned 13.5km access road. Local safety: GNFS extinguishes a fire outbreak at Ebenezer Junction on Teshie Lekma Road near Lekma Hospital.

Black Stars AFCON build-up: Former Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu says Mohammed Kudus’ return is exactly what the team needs with Thomas Partey absent, arguing Kudus can provide leadership as Ghana prepares for qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia. Sports funding clarification: Sports Minister Kofi Adams tells Parliament that government can facilitate Ghana supporters for major tournaments, but cannot use budgeted funds appropriated by MPs for that purpose, citing the Justice Dzamefe Commission. Local football results: Medeama SC opened their title defence with a 1-1 draw versus Vision FC, while Heart of Lions were held 0-0 by Swedru All Blacks. Health and safety: Right To Play Ghana wraps up an 18-month Play Accelerator Project to improve teaching and learning in basic schools, and Ghana’s FDA seized 57,000 unregistered baby diapers in Bono markets. Public order: Mahama directs Accra and other assemblies to intensify sanitation enforcement around Agbogbloshie to stop illegal dumping after waste evacuation. Nkrumah legacy debate: NDC chair Johnson Asiedu Nketia and others at NkrumahFest renewed calls for greater recognition of Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy.

Xenophobic Violence Watch: South Africa’s recurring anti-foreigner attacks have forced African families, including Zimbabweans, to flee after threats and intimidation. Standards & Trade: Ghana Standards Authority reports 18% revenue growth in 2025, with major gains in testing, calibration and verification to protect consumers and exports. Agbogbloshie Cleanup: President Mahama launches a 90-day operation to evacuate about one million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie to Adepa Engineered Landfill, with military engineering support. Teen Pregnancy Alarm: Ghana Health Service says 1,501 girls aged 10–14 became pregnant between January and July, alongside 53,415 adolescent pregnancies overall. Health & Safety: FOCOS Hospital urges patient safety across the full NCD care journey, from diagnosis to follow-up. Child Protection Funding: Government explores sustainable revenue options to better finance child protection programmes. Sports & Youth: Ghana’s Flamingos/Black Maidens WAFU B U-17 campaign continues, while GFA revives the Colts grassroots league to feed national teams. Digital Skills Push: Huawei begins training under Ghana’s One Million Coders programme, targeting 100,000 learners.

Free Speech vs Arrests: NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia condemned the two-week remand of Techiman nurse Salomey Bafor Awiti over alleged “Ghana Jollof” false-news links, saying intelligence agencies should not be reduced to chasing citizens for insults and calling for her release. Ghana Jollof Crackdown: Police say they’ve identified “Ghana Jollof” TikTok operator Barbara Asantewaa Kodua as wanted and allege forensic and mobile-money links between the suspects and other influential people. National ID Push: NIA marked Identity Day in Accra with a public education float and special mass registration at Legon, plus an inter-agency sports event. National Cathedral Update: President Mahama dissolved the National Cathedral Board of Trustees and ordered handover of the project site by October 31. Transport & Traffic: GAPTE begins feasibility studies for a contra-flow system for Aayalolo buses on the Kinbu–Adenta corridor to cut long delays. Local Governance & Services: Korle Klottey commissioned a sanitation facility at Tudu; Ashaiman disbursed GH¢400,000 under the Disability Common Fund to support 59 PWD beneficiaries. Sports—Ghana Premier League: Hearts of Oak host Bechem United after a strong start; Medeama begin title defence away to Vision FC. Football—AFCON 2027: Carlos Queiroz’s squad news continues, with Partey omitted and Kudus recalled. Health & Research: KNUST to commission a Photonics and Optics Laboratory in Kumasi to boost local health and environmental safety research. Arts & Culture: British-Ghanaian rapper Sway DaSafo dies at 44; Ghana’s VIFF announces new works-in-progress and co-productions.

World Cup spending row: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams told Parliament the state spent about $1.26m on 2,922 spectator tickets for the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup matches, but Minority MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah is pushing back, questioning alleged $10,000 payments and other high costs for officials, including chefs and security. Ghana Jollof case: An Adentan court remanded a nurse over alleged links to a UK-based TikToker accused of circulating false news tied to national security, with the case set to return later in September. Drug trafficking pressure: Parliament’s Minority is also demanding answers and a probe into claims Ghana is becoming a narcotics transit hub, citing major seizures and calling for full disclosure. Food security crunch: Tomato farmers in Anloga-Avume say ripe produce is rotting due to crate shortages and alleged bribes by “load boys,” even as the government pushes tomato self-sufficiency. Local governance: The NDPC has started a four-month review of Ghana’s Infrastructure Plan to end “stop-and-go” development, while a DCE in Adaklu calls for dedicated DACF funding for child protection. Road safety: The IGP met okada riders to improve safety and compliance, and interdicted seven police officers over alleged extortion in Accra.

Parliament & Governance: Ghana’s first Parliamentary Museum opens to the public on Tuesday, September 22, in Parliament House, with archives, artefacts, multimedia exhibits and records tracing the evolution of Parliament and constitutional milestones. Security & Justice: Police have arrested 36 suspects over the lynching of a police officer at Gindabour in the Savannah Region, following a patrol incident that sparked a mob attack. Health & Rights: A Techiman nurse, Salomey Awity Bafoh, has been arrested over alleged links to the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok account, with bail demanded by Hawa Koomson; meanwhile, World Patient Safety Day highlights the need for safer care for people living with non-communicable diseases. Education: The Ministry is considering extending the Form One reporting date if SHS placement issues persist, after thousands of cases remain unresolved. Sports: Ghana’s U-15 boys have been drawn into Group W for the FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, and Ghana expects about $12.5m from FIFA by end of September. Economy & Trade: Bawumia meets exporters, urging support on credit, standards and trade infrastructure; and the NTFC reconstitutes a Trade and Gender sub-committee to make trade more inclusive.

Infrastructure & Jobs: Ghana’s infrastructure gap is widening even as growth steadies, with a 2026 report card grading the sector D3 (57%) and warning the country needs far more investment to avoid long-term drag. Food Security: The Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative targets 100,000 tonnes in 2026/27 and up to 400,000 tonnes yearly, but success hinges on irrigation, financing, insurance, processing and reliable markets. Anti-Corruption & Governance: CSOs have urged Parliament to strengthen transparency in political campaign financing to boost accountability. Road Safety Automation: Police will roll out TRAFFITECH GH from October 1 to curb road indiscipline and reduce crashes. Health Intelligence: Africa CDC is pushing a harmonised Behavioural Intelligence and Infodemic Management framework, with Ghana among participating countries. Social Protection: The Disabilities Common Fund reached 19,760 PWDs in 2026 across 208 MMDAs. Energy & Power Access: GRIDCo has given Ejisu encroachers 30 days to vacate the transmission corridor. Crime & Justice: An electrician was remanded over alleged GH¢26,000 fraudulent breach of trust, while four people were arraigned over an alleged €225m cocaine export plot to France. Digital Expansion: NCA awarded Telecel Ghana spectrum for 5G rollout.

Police & Security: Accra police recovered an AK-47 and 186 rounds after a gunfight near Agbogbloshie, while seven officers were interdicted over alleged extortion in an ATM incident. Roads & Transport: South Tongu operators react to TRAFFITECH-GH, with automated traffic enforcement set to start from October 1, sending notices of violations by SMS. Education & Policy: Dr Kwabena Tandoh says education language plans (Chinese/Arabic) show “contradictions” and need stability; meanwhile, a community at Bresuano MA Basic School is still struggling after storm damage left pupils in makeshift classrooms with only two teachers. Women, Health & Social Protection: UNFPA urges faster action on maternal deaths as Africa accounts for about 70% globally; Gender Minister reports Ghana School Feeding now reaches 4.53m children daily and older persons get legal entitlement to free healthcare and social assistance. Economy & Energy: COPEC warns fuel prices will keep rising; GNPC says GIS analysis could unlock over 1bn barrels and 2.5trn cubic feet of gas in the Tano Basin. Sports: GFA president Kurt Okraku visits Ghana U-15s ahead of the maiden FIFA U-15 World Cup; Hearts of Oak and Heart of Lions headline TV broadcast games for Premier League Matchday 3. Business & Tech: Huawei begins digital skills training for 100,000 Ghanaians under the One Million Coders Programme; MTN Ghana rewards loyal customers with brand-new Toyota Prados in its @30 promotion.