AGP Executive Report

Energy & Finance: BOSTenergies paid Ghana’s government a maiden GH¢34.2m dividend after a 2025 turnaround, with revenue up to GH¢3.81bn and profit after tax rising 72%. Oil & Gas Supply: TOR and GOIL met to deepen collaboration on petroleum product supply and offtake as TOR pushes its restart and optimisation agenda. Fuel Integrity: NPA intensified public education on using the 10-litre “Ntease Kuruwa” measuring can to help consumers verify fuel quantity at stations. Galamsey Crackdown: Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah vowed to fight illegal mining with integrity, targeting financiers and powerful backers. Ports & Logistics: GPHA reported GH¢2.82bn net profit in 2025, up 17.18%, as cargo services and Meridian Port Services boosted returns. Trade & Industry: Olive Africa acquired Vlisco’s stake in Tex Styles Ghana, taking over GTP and Woodin brands and betting on Ghana’s textile sector. Agriculture & Jobs: IEA urged Ghana to put agriculture at the centre of transformation to absorb youth unemployment; Dumelo also called for West Africa-wide rice value-chain cooperation to cut imports. Regional Development: Upper East launched stakeholder validation for its GH₵8.6bn PEARL plan to drive jobs, investment and infrastructure. Digital Trust: Ghana’s banks urged tighter collaboration to combat fraud as CSA launched National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Infrastructure Delivery: Finance Minister Ato Forson said full funding for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway will be ready by end-2026 without borrowing, while the Ghana Armed Forces cleared most of the corridor.

Port & logistics pressure: ICC Ghana says port inspection delays are raising the cost and time of doing business, urging better coordination and wider uptake of the Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed clearance. Cement supply chain: COCMAG introduces a temporary GH¢12 clinker demurrage surcharge as Tema Port vessel waiting times jump to 30–40 days, with industry demurrage estimated at US$45m–US$50m in the first eight months. Road infrastructure: Ghana Armed Forces engineers clear 170km of the 176km Accra–Kumasi Expressway corridor, leaving 6km for completion before major works. Waste & environment: Government mobilises equipment to clear the 30-year Korle Lagoon enclave waste backlog, with trucks and heavy machinery lined up for large-scale evacuation. Agro-processing push: GEA/UNIDO hands over processing equipment and a lab to Kofi Vinyo & Co to boost value addition for local crops. Health workforce: Bawumia meets nurses and midwives’ association, calling them essential to Ghana’s healthcare system while discussing education, infrastructure gaps and industrial action solutions. Digital & fintech: MTN Ghana trains media and CSOs on responsible AI use. Energy & industry: Deloitte’s Joe Eshun urges Ghana to seize oil-and-gas opportunities after Shell and Chevron MoUs, linking exploration to jobs and workforce development. Trade & growth: FAGE opens the 2026 Ghana International Horticulture Expo, pushing stronger value chains and export competitiveness. Regulated cannabis research: NACOC partners CSIR to advance low-THC (0.3%) cannabis research with lab testing and traceability. Telecom investment: PPL Net Ghana inaugurates a new board, aiming to prove an all-Ghanaian network can stay efficient while growing subscribers.

Gold & Governance: Ghana bars unrefined gold doré exports from Sept 1, pushing self-financing aggregators to refine locally first—while NPP and critics renew pressure over alleged GoldBod losses and demand transparency on buyers and transactions. Digital Finance & Cybersecurity: CSA says online fraud drove 47% of Ghana’s cyber incidents (Jan–Jul 2026), as banks and regulators push board-level cyber responsibility and customer awareness. Monetary & FX: Bank of Ghana cuts September FX sales target to $500m amid GoldBod dollar inflows, aiming to support liquidity and reserves. Industry & Trade: AfCFTA and Quest Ghana sign a $5.17bn digital trade corridor deal to cut cross-border transaction costs and build a commodities exchange plus interoperable payments. Agribusiness & Processing: PSL Machinery touts new cashew processing benchmarks as processors chase higher efficiency and kernel quality. Energy & Downstream: TOR and GOIL explore deeper collaboration to stabilise petroleum supply and improve pump price resilience. Housing & Cities: NHF announces a housing finance conference (Oct 7–8) to tackle Ghana’s 1.8m unit deficit, while NALAG warns 24-hour markets may be abandoned without trader buy-in. Economy Watch: Inflation edges up to 5% in August, with services and housing driving pressure.

Judiciary Clarity: Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie says Ghana’s legal vacation won’t stop urgent court matters, with designated vacation judges handling emergencies. Local Roads & Transport: Residents along the Abor–Tsiame–Atiavi road in Keta demand urgent road improvement after accidents and fare hikes; in Keta, people react to a fresh fuel price increase and fear higher transport costs. Power & Utilities: PURC urges ECG to tackle outages and meter delays, citing overloaded transformers, meter shortages and network gaps. Agri & SMEs: CSIR-SARI trains 50 soybean SMEs to improve business planning and investment readiness; Kadjebi begins work on a Farmer Service Centre to boost access to machinery, inputs and extension. Mining Safety: NADMO calls for regular risk assessments at mining sites after a deadly galamsey pit collapse. Digital Security: CSA reports online fraud makes up 47% of Ghana’s cyber incidents (Jan–Jul 2026). Downstream Energy: TOR and GOIL meet to strengthen petroleum supply security and price stability. Inflation Watch: GSS pegs August inflation at 5.0%, with non-food pressures driving the rise. GoldBod FX Plan: GoldBod targets US$1.4bn FX in September to support market stability and reserves. Industry Policy: Finance Minister Ato Forson says the “New Economy” agenda moves Ghana beyond stabilisation toward transformation and jobs. Health Commodities: Health Minister discusses with the Global Fund ways to prevent HIV, TB and malaria stockouts and improve procurement coordination. Community Development: Suame Municipal Assembly commissions a new police station at Maakro; Wenchi plans a modern singeing plant at the slaughterhouse to improve hygiene and public health.

Energy & Trade: Ghana’s Q1 2026 external trade hit GH¢174.6bn (exports GH¢110.3bn, imports GH¢64.2bn) with a nominal surplus of GH¢46.1bn, though the GSS cautions real terms show a deficit driven largely by gold price movements. Downstream Turnaround: Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) swung from a GH¢745.27m net loss in 2024 to a GH¢1.093bn net profit in 2025, lifting the wider energy SOE category back into profit. Mining Governance: Minerals Commission says proposed mining law amendments will require “social licence” from host communities, not just licences from Accra. Galamsey Pressure: Editorial and commentary renew calls for tougher action as illegal mining continues to endanger lives and ecosystems. Digital Security: Cybersecurity Authority launches National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, warning collaboration is key as AI is boosting cybercrime and online fraud dominates reported incidents. Ports & Costs: Traders and importers demand action over excessive port charges after shipping-line fees reportedly rose. Fire Safety Digitised: Ghana National Fire Service rolls out AFCAS for online fire permits, certificates and equipment tagging. Energy Policy: Government extends a GH¢2 diesel subsidy for the September pricing window to cushion consumers. Business & Skills: Telecel Ghana urges mining to build future-ready talent for AI-driven operations.

Energy Transition & Oil/Gas: President John Dramani Mahama says Africa should pursue a pragmatic energy mix—keeping oil and gas alongside renewables—to tackle energy poverty as Africa Oil Week opens in Accra. Industrialisation Beyond the South: The 24-Hour Economy push gets a boost as Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited is commissioned in Savelugu, with plans for expanded shifts, local jobs and inclusion. Jobs via Textiles: Trade Minister inspects a proposed Cape Coast garment factory aimed at creating youth employment as government expands garment and textile manufacturing. Outsourcing for Exports: The 24-Hour Economy Authority backs BOSAG’s plan to scale Ghana’s outsourcing and digital services into an export engine targeting 100,000 jobs by 2030. Agribusiness Risk Protection: GAIP and AgroT Hub sensitise farmers in Pru West and Atebubu-Amantin on agricultural insurance covering crop and livestock losses. Consumer Protection & Counterfeits: FDA and security agencies seize “cigarette-shaped” lollipop candy and call for nationwide enforcement and lab testing. Trade & Market Access: “This Is Ghana” exhibition draws 200+ businesses showcasing Made-in-Ghana goods across agriculture, agro-processing, fashion and manufacturing. Finance Inclusion: BoG Governor Johnson Asiama reiterates non-interest banking is for everyone and supports manufacturing and broader financial inclusion. Border Biosecurity: A potentially destructive straw crest moth was intercepted at Detroit Metro Airport in luggage from Ghana, highlighting the need to declare food and farm items.

Retail & QSR Expansion: Shoprite agreed to buy South Africa’s coffee chain Vida e Caffè, a 25-year brand with about 400 stores, to deepen its coffee and quick-service restaurant push. Gold & FX Policy: Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) targets US$1.4bn forex in September 2026, splitting sales to banks and reserve build-up at BoG under GANRAP, while Ghana plans to replace BoG gold pricing with Bloomberg rates for more market-driven transactions. Banking Innovation: BoG and SEC approved Universal Merchant Bank’s virtual accounts offering, making it the first Ghana bank to serve eligible businesses in the regulated virtual asset ecosystem. Mining Sector Update: Adamus Resources welcomed a government reprieve and a 12-month roadmap to restore its mine to sustainable operations. Energy & EV Readiness: Ghana is drafting legislation requiring Energy Commission approval for EV charging stations to protect a strained grid as peak demand rises. Agribusiness Jobs Boost: A US$270m poultry deal under the 24-Hour Economy/24H+ programme aims to cut chicken imports by more than half and create about 12,000 jobs. TVET to Jobs Gap: A survey says Ghana’s free TVET push is not yet translating into better employment outcomes, citing capacity gaps for competency-based training. Maritime & Logistics: SolitAir expanded its African freighter network with new routes to Port Harcourt and Hargeisa, strengthening trade links. State Enterprise Performance: SIGA reports SOEs swung to GH¢19.8bn profit in 2025 and revenue of GH¢176.43bn, alongside ongoing debt and liability concerns.

Higher Education & Skills: Accra Institute of Technology held its 22nd graduation, with 572 students receiving degrees and PhD alumni surpassing 100—an engineering, IT, education and business research push that’s spreading into Ghana’s wider university workforce. Agribusiness & Jobs: The 24H+ secretariat and partners signed Heads of Terms for a US$270m National Poultry Transformation Programme to cut chicken imports, expand processing and cold-chain, and create 12,000 direct jobs. Energy & Industry Costs: Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin urged ECG and GoldBod reforms instead of more burdens on Ghanaians, while government defended a GH¢2 diesel relief margin to cushion transport and industry. Mining & Forex: GoldBod says it generated US$1.315bn in August and targets US$1.4bn in September, with funds routed to banks and reserve accumulation. Ports & Logistics: GUTA wants GPHA to tackle Tema Port congestion as empty-container discharge delays are trapping trucks and inflating demurrage. Education Labour: Teacher unions suspended a planned strike after talks over delays in placing promoted teachers on correct salary scales. Public Service Delivery: NDPC is training planners to make budgets more gender-responsive, focusing on who actually benefits from spending. Safety & Standards: IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority launched a regional training to strengthen seafarer certification examiners ahead of 2027 audits. Fuel Outlook: COMAC projects petrol and diesel could trade around GH¢16 per litre from September 1.

Textiles & Jobs: President Mahama commissioned the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu, a regenerative, zero-waste garment factory backed by GEXIM, KfW and ADB, already creating 2,300 jobs and targeting up to 30,000 at full capacity under the 24-hour economy push. Skills for New Industries: Accra Technical University launched an HND in Paramedical Trichology to professionalise hair and scalp care beyond informal training. Trade & Logistics: IEAG urged GPHA to expand Tema Port capacity by converting expiring private spaces into modern container-handling facilities to cut congestion and costs. Energy & Utilities: ECG, GRIDCo and GWL agreed interventions to fix low-voltage disruptions affecting water production in Ashanti, while GWL reported a Western Accra water interruption after a storm-drain excavation burst a 500mm pipeline. Regulation & Compliance: GNFS will roll out the AFCAS digital platform for fire permits, certificates and equipment tagging. Plastics Crackdown: EPA said the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a wider single-use plastics elimination plan. Finance & Digital Assets: Bank of Ghana took the lead in regulating virtual assets via a new Virtual Assets Coordinating Committee. Capital Markets: GSE trading activity fell sharply week-on-week as sentiment softened.

Transport & Logistics: Improved Tumu–Bolgatanga and Tumu–Tamale roads are bringing more vehicle options, with commuters increasingly choosing newer, more comfortable models like Voxy, Sprinter and Urvan. Aviation & Agribusiness Exports: Government plans a ~150-acre air cargo hub at Tamale Airport to speed up exports of northern vegetables, fruits and other high-value produce, linking agriculture, manufacturing, energy and logistics. Road Accountability: An NPP communicator questions a mismatch between a 67% completion claim for the Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulmakom road and a 95% figure cited in the 2026 Budget. Mining Safety & Enforcement: Two separate reports from Asaman Tamfoe in the Atewa East District confirm deadly pit collapses involving illegal miners, while NAIMOS, the Army and Police arrest 10 suspects at Kpali and seize equipment and firearms. Skills for Industry: Ghana launches the Green TVET Initiative with ILO support to train youth for green jobs and climate-resilient, sustainable production. Plastics Policy: EPA says the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a wider crackdown on non-biodegradable single-use plastics. SME Market Access: This Is Ghana Exhibition wraps up, with vendors reporting stronger sales, visibility and new business links for locally made products. Power Access: Government begins a GH¢598m project to connect 206 Volta communities to the national grid within six months, alongside transmission upgrades. Fuel Prices Watch: COPEC projects marginal fuel price increases from September 1, with petrol expected to rise to about GH¢16.21/litre. Education & Credentials: GTEC warns the public against enrolling in 100 unrecognised institutions and urges verification before relying on certificates.

Made-in-Ghana Push: This Is Ghana Exhibition runs its final day today at Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, Accra, after Day One drew thousands to shop and network with local food, fashion, beauty, crafts and other homegrown brands. Trade & Exports: ACCPA and CEIBS Africa held a roundtable on how Ghana can turn China’s zero-tariff policy into real export growth, focusing on access, alignment and practical exporter constraints. Mining & Jobs: NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia met small-scale miners to discuss reforms for responsible mining, environmental protection and local value addition. Energy & Consumer Pressure: Ketu South residents plan a Sept 1 protest against ECG over over-billing, estimated bills and faulty meters. Policy & Digital Services: Ghana’s Fire Service launched AFCAS, a digital platform for fire permits, certificates and equipment tagging. Investment Snapshot: GIPA unveiled a 2025 investment report showing FDI rose to US$2.62bn, urging better coordination across institutions. Publishing Under Threat: Book publishers warn piracy, high production costs and weak distribution are squeezing Ghana’s book industry and threatening a reading culture.

Extractives & Jobs: NPP flagbearer Bawumia met small-scale miners to shape reforms aimed at responsible mining, job creation and stronger local value addition while cutting environmental harm. Environment & Governance: President Mahama swore in Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Environment, Science & Technology) and Mahama Ayariga (Local Government, Chieftaincy & Religious Affairs), urging science-led development and decisive action against galamsey that destroys forests and water bodies. Trade & Logistics: Oro Oil CEO Maxwell Commey called for urgent fixes to Tema Port congestion, high logistics costs and weak inland connectivity, pushing for infrastructure upgrades and better corridor coordination. Food & Consumer Protection: FDA enforcement at Accra’s Makola Market targeted traders selling “cigarette toffee” shaped like cigarettes, with arrests and further investigations expected. Digital Access: Residents of Nwawasua say they must climb trees or leave the area to get internet, highlighting a major connectivity gap for education and participation. Manufacturing Push: Mahama inaugurated Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited in Savelugu, a solar-powered garment hub under the 24-hour economy drive, targeting global brands and thousands of jobs. Maritime/Trade Facilitation: Customs launched a 2026 training programme for clearing agents to improve compliance and speed up clearance through better customs procedures and modern border management.

Digital Finance & Regulation: Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) becomes the first Ghanaian bank approved by the BoG and SEC to offer virtual accounts for eligible businesses in the virtual asset ecosystem. Water & Infrastructure Disruption: Ghana Water Ltd reports a temporary water interruption in parts of Western Accra after a major pipeline burst during storm-drain excavation works, with repairs underway. Agri-Resilience: Striga (witchweed) is blamed for up to 60% cereal crop losses in Northern Ghana, with FONAR pushing awareness and control measures for farmers. Textiles & Jobs: President Mahama inaugurates Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited and its hub in Savelugu, targeting garment production for exports and creating thousands of jobs, with plans for deeper local value chain links. Food Security Investment: A US$270m poultry deal is set to build an integrated value chain (feed, hatcheries, farming, processing, cold chain) to cut chicken imports. Energy Access: Government launches a GH¢598m electrification project to connect 206 Volta communities to the national grid within six months. Maritime Capacity: GPHA flags a £101m floating dock project to boost ship repair and offshore services in Takoradi. Transport Security: DVLA begins building a local number-plate manufacturing centre to end reliance on third parties and imported plates. Gold Value Retention: From September 1, GoldBod requires self-financing aggregators to refine gold in Ghana before export approval. Construction Costs: Building cost inflation edges up to 4.0% year-on-year in July 2026, led by materials and installation inputs. Business Promotion: “This Is Ghana Exhibition” opens today to spotlight locally made products and services.

Apparel & Jobs: President Mahama inaugurated Northshore Apparel Ghana Limited in Savelugu, a regenerative, zero-waste garment hub funded via GEXIM, KfW and ADB, already employing 2,300 and targeting 10,000 at full capacity, with early letters of intent from major US and South African buyers. Textiles Supply Chain: Government is also reviving cotton production in Northern Ghana to feed local textile and garment factories, aiming to cut import bills and strengthen raw-material access. Finance & Regulation: GCB Bank topped key balance-sheet metrics in PwC’s 2026 survey and welcomed the Bank of Ghana’s Non-Interest Financial Advisory Council (NIFAC) as a governance boost for non-interest finance. Energy Access: The Ministry of Energy launched a GHS598m electrification push to connect 206 Volta communities within six months. Agri Threats: Striga (witchweed) is blamed for up to 60% cereal crop losses in Northern Ghana, prompting awareness campaigns. Food Security Investment: A US$270m poultry deal is set to build an integrated value chain to reduce chicken imports. Maritime & Trade: GPHA marked 40 years and launched plans for a £101m floating dock to strengthen ship repair capacity; IEAG also urged stronger port security to sustain the 24-hour economy. Environment & Land: Sand-winning destroyed 50+ acres of farmland at Tsumkpo, while Zoomlion intensified disinfection/disinfestation in Oti after flooding. Governance & Courts: Accra High Court adjourned an OSP extortion case involving Abdul-Hamid and six others to Sept 2.

Sports Administration: Ghana Taekwondo Federation (GTF) appoints a new Technical Director and Operations Manager to boost coaching, athlete development, competitions and technical standards nationwide. Power & Utilities: ECG schedules 6-hour maintenance power cuts in Tema on Aug 30 (10am–4pm), affecting multiple communities, as government continues dumsor interventions. Digital Finance: Bank of Ghana inaugurates the Virtual Assets Coordinating Committee to coordinate regulators and implement the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act. Microfinance Reform: BoG says microfinance and SDI reforms aim to rebuild confidence and strengthen capital, governance and risk management—not just burden operators. Mining & Jobs: Bawumia engages small-scale miners on reforms for sustainable, formalised mining and local value addition. 24-Hour Economy: Work begins on a 24-hour market at Sabon Zongo, with stores, clinic, police station, school and other facilities. Construction & Costs: Ghana’s building cost inflation rises modestly to 4% in July, with plant and materials driving the increase. Transport & Roads: World Bank flags only 27% of Ghana’s road network is paved and estimates road accidents cost about US$4.55bn annually. Airport Infrastructure: Mahama cuts sod for a multi-tier car park and airport hotels complex at Accra International Airport to expand parking and commercial space. Port Charges: Importers and Exporters Association demands urgent action over disputed GH¢720 container administrative charges at Ghana’s ports. Mining Governance: Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings calls for all-of-government coordination to tackle galamsey, stressing MDAs and local governance collaboration. Plastics Policy: Zanetor proposes CSIR funding to develop biodegradable plastics from cassava and hemp, alongside stronger landfill standards. Industry Labour: ICU-Ghana calls for a halt to VALCO equity transfer talks until full disclosure on terms and ownership structure is provided.

Aviation & Real Estate: President Mahama has cut sod for a multi-tier, multi-purpose car park and airport hotels complex at Accra International Airport, including a seven-storey car park (about 2,030 bays), two hotels, retail and entertainment spaces, and a pedestrian link to Terminal 3—projected to take 24 months and funded via the balance sheets of the aviation agencies, not direct state coffers. Maritime & Trade: GPHA marked 40 years in Tema, highlighting how the Ports of Tema and Takoradi have evolved through infrastructure and technology to stay central to Ghana’s trade and regional integration. Mining & Jobs: Ghana’s local gold refining debate heats up as the Chamber of Mines says refining in Ghana costs more than abroad due to power, taxes on imported chemicals, and waste treatment—while GoldBod backers argue it helps curb smuggling and supports forex stability. Environment & Waste: Environment Minister-designate Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings urged the EPA to keep the January 1, 2027 Styrofoam ban deadline and enforce it strictly, citing public education and penalties. Public Health & Cocoa: Cocoa prices jumped on concerns over West African crop quality, with Ghana’s 2026/27 crop estimate down and disease risk rising. Governance & Accountability: The High Court ordered the prosecution to file disclosures within 14 days in the Wontumi/Exim Bank fraud case, moving the matter toward trial after plea talks failed. Business Climate: The World Bank warned Ghana’s business environment still threatens growth, pointing to unreliable and costly connectivity that raises operating costs and discourages private investment. Energy & Utilities: PURC convened emergency talks with ECG, GRIDCo and GWL over low-voltage issues disrupting water supply in Ashanti, with transmission and transformer upgrades planned. Anti-Corruption: OSP says its Aksa Enerji bribery probe in Ghana is ongoing, naming key persons of interest including former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor.