AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Ruling: Ghana’s apex court has declared political party delegate systems unconstitutional, ordering parties to let all registered members vote in primaries—seen as a major blow to monetised politics and retail vote-buying. Power Crisis: GRIDCo says a national transmission disturbance shut down generation plants early Wednesday, triggering outages; Ghana Water Ltd also apologised for water supply interruptions tied to the grid problem. Education Discipline: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu backs GES zero tolerance for criminal conduct in schools and reopens debate on whether corporal punishment should return amid rising indiscipline. Health & Hepatitis: MoH inaugurated a viral hepatitis technical working group to eliminate hepatitis by 2030, with renewed push for screening and the hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine. Sports—WAFCON: Black Queens begin WAFCON today vs Cape Verde; Bawumia and coach Kim Lars Björkegren urge courage and confidence. Economy & Tax: Parliament passed the Excise Bill 2026 cutting excise taxes on locally made fruit juices and the Income Tax amendment exempting the national daily minimum wage from income tax. Agriculture: Oti cocoa farmers stormed COCOBOD over months of unpaid LBC proceeds. Human Interest: Ghana mourns Sulemana “Awuche” Abdul Samed, the 7ft 4in tallest man, who died at 33 after complications from Marfan syndrome.

Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Kenya’s Edmund Serem and Diana Wanza led a strong opening day for Team Kenya in Glasgow, with Serem winning the men’s 3,000m steeplechase on debut. Entertainment & Culture: Radio star Kwame Dadzie has been confirmed as host of Ghana’s 2026 Comedy Awards on August 1 in Accra. Digital Economy & Jobs: The One Million Coders Programme gets a boost as the Communications Ministry donates 2,000 laptops to the University of Ghana and pushes for coding/AI to be embedded in curricula. Tax & Business: Parliament has approved the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Fiscal Electronic Device policy to modernise VAT administration, while MPs warn cross-border e-commerce VAT could raise costs for online shoppers. Public Finance Watch: A policy review flags GH¢30.7bn in critical spending left unfulfilled, even as fiscal discipline improves. Security & Crime: Police arrest a suspected romance scammer over alleged marriage fraud and intimate-image blackmail. Sports & Health: Ghana’s footballer Mohammed Fuseini was hospitalised after a robbery in Brussels. International Ties: Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema visits Accra and pays tribute at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Xenophobic Violence Response: Ghana has begun the second phase of repatriating citizens from South Africa, with 180 already in Accra and the remaining 36 expected to arrive Tuesday to complete 216 of about 1,000 registered returnees; officials also renewed calls for justice after two Ghanaians were killed. IMF Exit & Macroeconomy: The IMF has approved Ghana’s final US$371m disbursement, ending the US$3bn ECF programme and moving the country into a 36-month non-financing Policy Coordination Instrument. Digital Finance Watch: Bank of Ghana says reported digital finance fraud rose 48% in 2025, prompting tighter oversight and stronger consumer protection. Women’s Football WAFCON: Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren sets targets to qualify, reach the semis for World Cup qualification, and win WAFCON as Ghana opens against Cape Verde in Morocco. Public Health & Safety: Research warns common diabetes tests may miss diabetes in people with sickle cell trait; AMA also announced Aug 1 sanitation day with shop closures and enforcement. Local Economy & Services: Mobile money hit 954m transactions worth GHS492.9bn in June; Kumasi reports rising HIV cases and launches a metropolitan AIDS committee. Sports & Culture: Commonwealth Games boxing: Amadu Mohammed books a semi-final and at least bronze; Ghana Comedy Awards host Kwame Dadzie confirmed for Aug 1 in Accra.

Commonwealth Games: Ghana’s Zinabu Issah won silver in the women’s shot put F57 after India’s Sharmila Dhankar took historic gold in Glasgow; Shilpa Shyla was upgraded to bronze following Nigeria’s Eucharia Iyiazi disqualification. WAFU B U-20: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their title defence with a 4-2 win over Ghana’s Black Satellites, scoring early and holding off a late Ghana comeback. Mining & jobs: Gold Fields says about 74% of Tarkwa mine value stays in Ghana and points to GH¢5.8bn paid to government, rejecting claims over lease renewal support. Governance & accountability: President Mahama urged leaders to uphold Atta Mills’ humility and integrity, while a push grows for lifestyle audits to curb political wealth gaps. Education & AI: University of Ghana approved an AI policy for ethical use, and government plans 210 major interventions to transform secondary education under World Bank funding. Health: NACOC partners Zion Felix to fight drug abuse among youth, and calls to treat Hepatitis B promptly to save lives. Economy: Bank of Ghana data shows strong banking growth in assets, deposits and loans in H1 2026. VALCO: GIADEC denies VALCO is being sold to Ibrahim Mahama, calling the claims baseless.

IMF Milestone: Ghana’s final ECF review has been approved, clearing the way for over US$300m in disbursement and a new 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument to anchor reforms. Migration & Security: Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa says screened returnees from South Africa are not on wanted lists, as about 1,000 citizens continue repatriation and 200 jobs are being offered for reintegration. Economy & Cost of Living: Transport operators warn fares could rise 30% if fuel prices keep climbing; MP Gideon Boako questions inflation claims, pointing to high tomato prices in Accra. Health & Public Safety: WHO launched a drowning-prevention policy package in Accra; Health Minister Akandoh seeks partnerships to complete stalled Agenda 111 hospitals; H4DS returns Aug 6 with free care and NHIS/Ghana Card support. Energy & Resources: NRGI cautions that strong gold earnings may hide petroleum governance risks; Heritage Fund hits US$1.46bn and Ghana earned US$355.5m from crude lifts in H1. Sports: Flying Eagles beat Ghana’s Black Satellites 4-2 in WAFU B U-20; Ghana’s athletics team leads Commonwealth Games action today with Azamati and Saminu in the 100m.

Migration & Repatriation: Ghana says it will repatriate 1,000 more workers from South Africa, citing illegal migration, economic strain and social disruption as it steps up evacuation efforts. Policy & Governance: AFLIGA launched its second Thought Leadership series in Accra, focusing on Agenda 2063 and AfCFTA implementation, including governance, security and SME financing. Health Financing: Stakeholders in Accra urged urgent reforms to health financing and governance ahead of the AU health summit, highlighting Ghana’s Free Primary Health Care and Ghana Medical Trust Fund as key steps. Sports—Commonwealth Games: Team Ghana’s Day 3 ended in setbacks in swimming and boxing, while Ghana’s men’s 100m campaign begins with Saminu, Azamati and Botsio. Sports—Football & WAFU B: Ghana’s Black Satellites and Flying Eagles renew their rivalry in the WAFU B U-20 opener, with Ghana targeting a strong start against defending champions Nigeria. Women’s Football: Ghana’s Black Queens begin WAFCON Group D in Morocco aiming for a first title, drawn with Cameroon, Mali and Cabo Verde. Local Development & Culture: Accra-based stakeholders also flagged the need for better sanitation enforcement and community action as flood mitigation and dredging/demolition work continues.

Xenophobia Response: Ghana says it will resume evacuating about 1,000 nationals from South Africa in the “final phase,” with priority for women, children, the elderly, medical cases and students, as violence against migrants continues. Migration Diplomacy: South Africa’s Lamola says Ghana’s plan to take the matter to the AU is premature, urging constructive engagement while noting tens of thousands have been repatriated and many immigration cases processed. Local Governance & Housing: Deputy Local Government Minister Rita Naa Odolley Sowah tells the UN Ghana’s housing deficit is 1.8 million units and 37% of urban residents live in informal settlements, pushing affordable housing, slum upgrading and stronger urban planning under the New Urban Agenda. Justice & Constitution: Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai argues an independent prosecutorial authority needs a constitutional amendment to Article 88, following renewed debate after the OSP quo warranto ruling. Sports—Women’s Football: Sports Ministry backs the Black Queens ahead of WAFCON, urging Ghanaians to rally as the tournament begins July 26. Sports—Football & Table Tennis: Hearts of Oak appoints Nebojsa Kapor as head coach; in Accra, Egypt dominates ITTF-Africa Youth team titles while Ghana wins bronze in U-15 Boys. Business & Transport: Transport fares rise 30% from Monday, July 27, citing spare parts, maintenance and fuel cost pressures. Environment: A call is made to stop wetland encroachment after alleged eco-vandalism at Tegbi-Kpota near the Keta Lagoon Ramsar site.

Xenophobia & Migration: Despite renewed anti-immigrant unrest in South Africa, Zimbabweans are still travelling for business, with bus operators in Bulawayo saying demand and legal travel documents keep cross-border movement going. Petroleum Skills Boost: Halliburton Ghana signs an MoU with Ghana’s Petroleum Commission and KNUST, pledging about US$15.1m in software, training and research support to grow Ghana’s upstream workforce. Education & Campuses: Government earmarks GH¢50m to operationalise UMaT Kenyasi Number Two campus, with GETFund support promised for buses and more infrastructure. Accra Courts & EOCO: An Accra Circuit Court issues a bench warrant for KOKA marketer Kweku Osei Korankye Asiedu for allegedly threatening EOCO staff, after he failed to appear. Flood Risk & Enforcement: Eco Impact Network urges sanctions for officials who approve illegal developments in waterways and flood-prone areas, warning that weak enforcement fuels disasters. Creative Economy: U.S. and local voices push policy, IP protection and fair financing for Ghana’s creative sector, while filmmaker Leila Djansi criticises the NFA’s film fund donation push. Diplomacy: Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema is set for a three-day official visit to Ghana from July 28–30. Sports: Super Falcons begin WAFCON title defence against Malawi on Tuesday.

Flood Control in Accra: The National Flood Mitigation Task Force has started phased dredging, desilting and demolition of illegal structures along waterways, beginning at New England and moving to the Tesa Dam in East Legon and Oyarifa, to restore drainage flow and cut flood risk. Healthcare Push: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh briefed the Asantehene on reforms including Free Primary Healthcare, NHIS-GMTF integration, more health workers and new regional hospitals, while GMTF and KGL are building a modern diagnostic centre at Ridge Hospital. Economy & Infrastructure: Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented Ghana’s 2026 mid-year fiscal review to Parliament, highlighting the Accra–Kumasi Expressway progress and other development commitments. Energy Financing: Energy and Green Transition Minister Jinapor said financing is the biggest barrier to unlocking Africa’s energy potential, calling for coordinated public-private investment. Trade & Diplomacy: Ghana and Nigeria pledged to remove trade barriers and boost cross-border commerce under AfCFTA/ECOWAS, as ECOWAS also resolved the onion-truck dispute to let consignments offload in Accra. Football Updates: Hearts of Oak appointed Serbian coach Nebojsa Kapor on a two-year deal; Otto Addo said he wants to return as head or assistant coach; Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu moved to Ipswich, while Isaac Assibu extended with Malmo to 2030.

Commonwealth Games Focus: World 800m champion Lilian Odira will kick off Ghana’s medal hopes in Glasgow on Monday night as she targets Commonwealth gold. Football & Talent Pipeline: Otto Addo says he was never given reasons for his Black Stars sacking and reveals 50+ players reached out after his exit; Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen joins Red Star Belgrade on a three-year deal; Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak leaders meet to explore off-field cooperation. WAFCON Coverage: CAF says WAFCON 2026 will be beamed widely across Africa and beyond, with Ghana’s MaxTV among broadcasters. Health & Safety: WHO launches PROTECT to prevent drownings as heat and flooding rise; JICA, Noguchi and WHO boost lab capacity for infectious disease detection across six African countries. Food & Regulation: FDA shuts 44 food facilities over safety breaches. Economy & Policy: Bank of Ghana reiterates no immediate recapitalisation plans for struggling savings and loans firms; methane cuts report highlights achievable reductions in Ghana and other oil/gas countries. Education: GES opens Study Leave With Pay applications for 2026. Accra Flood Response: Flood Mitigation Task Force begins phased dredging, desilting and demolition across Accra waterways.

Migration diplomacy: South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola says Ghana–South Africa ties won’t be derailed by migration tensions, and he condemns mob justice while urging legal, rights-respecting enforcement. Governance expectations: MFWA’s Sulemana Braimah warns the Mahama administration shouldn’t be judged only by “being better than the last NPP government,” calling for real transparency and rule-of-law results. Mid-year budget fallout: Pensioners say the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review offered little relief for retirees, even as inflation eases; meanwhile, Finance Minister Ato Forson insists spending is disciplined and reforms are driving recovery. Domestic debt and VAT: Government confirms the next DDEP coupon of GH¢10.8bn will be paid Aug 18, and a digital VAT system for non-resident platforms is projected to raise about GH¢2.3bn in its first full year. Economy risks: Government admits gold export concentration is a long-term risk but says diversification will take time. Sports & society: Parliament is set to adjourn sine die July 31; and the Ga Mantse launches the inaugural Ga Mantse Tennis Open ahead of Homowo.

AU Xenophobia Push: President John Mahama renewed calls for an African Union debate on South Africa’s anti-migrant unrest, saying Pretoria isn’t responding to the scale of violence and displacement. Monetary Policy: The Bank of Ghana kept the policy rate at 14%, citing global uncertainty, Middle East-driven oil price pressure and possible inflation risks. Health System Strain: The Ghana Association of Urological Surgeons warns of an acute urologist shortage—only 94 in the country—hurting access to male reproductive health care. Economy & Budget: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson told Parliament Ghana’s economy has crossed $100bn for the first time, while presenting the 2026 mid-year review and reform-driven recovery claims. Accra Flood Relief: The UAE launched urgent humanitarian aid for flood-hit communities, providing food and shelter after deaths and mass displacement. Infrastructure: Government says it has deposited $1.7bn at BoG for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, ring-fenced for construction after contract award. Sports Incentives: Commonwealth Games gold bonuses rise to $10,000 for Team Ghana athletes in Glasgow. Trade Tension: ORO urged Ghana to release detained Nigerian onion trucks at Kotoku Market to prevent a wider regional trade crisis.

Sports Fixtures & Rivalries: The GFA has released the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League schedule, with Medeama starting their title defence away to Dreams FC and Hearts of Oak opening at home against Berekum Chelsea; Super Clash dates are set for Kotoko vs Hearts, and the first Ashanti derby returns in Obuasi on Matchday 8. Football Transfers: Medeama sign centre-back Yaya Abdul-Raman on a three-year deal, while FC Samartex part ways with four players after contract expirations. Education Policy: GTEC orders tertiary institutions to stop making entrance exams compulsory for admissions, saying WASSCE-based minimum entry requirements must guide access. Economy Debate: Finance Minister Ato Forson tells Parliament Ghana’s recovery is driven by policy reforms and discipline, not debt restructuring alone. Health & AU Commitments: WHO pledges support for Africa to strengthen health systems at the AU Extraordinary Session in Accra. Regulation & Consumer Safety: SEC flags 23 unlicensed investment firms operating online, warning the public to avoid them. Road Safety: Police intercept 1,054 vehicles in Greater Accra over illegal sirens and vehicle modifications. Xenophobia Diplomacy: President Mahama renews calls for AU action on xenophobic violence in South Africa, while South Africa’s DIRCO dismisses a related ICC petition.

AU Health Summit in Accra: President Mahama and AU officials pushed for “health sovereignty” with more domestic funding and local medicine production, warning that speeches must translate into measurable action. Xenophobia Diplomacy: Ghana says ECOWAS backs its AU petition over alleged xenophobic attacks in South Africa, as Ghana’s ministerial talks aim to steady ties. Bank of Ghana & Currency Rules: BoG reiterated the ban on spraying cedi notes at ceremonies and warned rejecting cedi coins could lead to arrest. Fuel Quality Probe: The Auditor-General says NPA lapses left about 87 million litres of petrol unmarked, risking substandard fuel and losses to the pricing fund. Digital Lottery Push: NLA and Fidelity Bank plan 5,000 POS terminals to move Ghana’s lottery from paper to electronic sales. SEC Crackdown: SEC flagged 23 unlicensed online investment schemes, warning the public against digital scams. Sports (WAFU U20): Ghana’s Theophilus Akugre and Julian Nunoo earned WAFU Zone B U20 officiating roles as Black Satellites prepare for the tournament.

Markets & Banking: The Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index closed at a fresh 15,118.75 points, extending a rally to 72% year-to-date, while ADB Ghana reported a 16.4% drop in first-half profit to GH¢192.6m despite a capital boost. Monetary Policy & Cash Rules: The Bank of Ghana held the policy rate at 14% and warned that rejecting cedi coins is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in jail. Investment Law: President Mahama assented to the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, transforming GIPC into GIPA to streamline investment and cut red tape. Security & Crime: Police launched coordinated operations arresting 38 suspects and rescuing 33 trafficking victims in cybercrime and arms trafficking crackdowns. Health & Policy: Health Minister urged Africa to finance its own health future as the AU Extraordinary Summit on Health opens in Accra. Economy & Trade: Ghana’s gross reserves fell by US$1.2bn to US$12.94bn even as export earnings surged, led by gold. Sports & Society: Defender Tariq Lamptey says he’s close to full recovery after joining QPR; and Ghana’s basic school curriculum is set for major changes with coding, citizenship and stronger Ghanaian language focus.

AU Health Summit in Accra: President Mahama is hosting an AU Extraordinary Session focused on universal health coverage and ending AIDS and TB, with leaders and health ministers meeting over two days to agree continent-wide action. Flood Response & Land Use: Mahama urged chiefs and MMDAs to stop allocating lands on waterways and wetlands to curb flooding, while the Local Government Minister called for continued mop-up clean-up exercises after the July 10–11 national drive. Road Safety Crackdown: Police intercepted 1,054 vehicles in Greater Accra for illegal sirens, horns and improper modifications, removing devices and warning drivers. Education Funding: Parliament approved a US$300m IDA credit to expand secondary education and end the double-track system, including new schools and major rehabilitation. Public Finance Watch: Ghana’s public debt rose by GH¢46.7bn in three months, even as dollar-denominated debt fell. Health Misinformation: SABC apologised after falsely claiming Ebola cases in Ghana; the Health Ministry says there is no Ebola outbreak. Sports & Youth: Ghana’s WAFU B U20 referees were named for Ivory Coast, while Flying Eagles arrived ahead of their title defence opener vs Ghana. Business & Connectivity: MTN pushed fibre home connectivity for jobs and learning, and Telecel announced its 2026 FESSP engineering scholarship cohort.