AGP Executive Report

Road Safety & Licensing: DVLA says 75% of ride-hailing drivers checked on Ghana platforms (Bolt, Uber, Yango) had fake licences, raising serious compliance and safety concerns. Trade & Exports: Ghana’s merchandise exports beat imports for the first time in nearly two decades; exports were 61.3% of trade in 2025, and the country posted a record trade surplus of GHS 148.3bn—though gold still dominates. Export Concentration: GSS reports gold made up 63.1% of total exports in 2025, warning that heavy reliance on one commodity leaves Ghana exposed to global price swings. Maritime & Logistics: Tema Port is seeing landside congestion as import traffic and empty container exports rise; GPHA is pushing faster evacuation and urging quicker clearance. Mining Oversight: Minerals Commission moves to take over Adamus Resources operations after lease revocation upheld by the Lands Minister. Digital Governance: Communication Ministry pledges stronger digital governance for the Civil Service, while experts stress transformation needs public-private collaboration. Food Safety: GMA blames weak enforcement and lab capacity for Ghana’s food-safety crisis, calling for tougher market surveillance. Tourism Skills: HOTCATT and ABE Global launch internationally recognised tourism and hospitality qualifications to build a more competitive workforce. Maritime Security Law: Parliament-passed Maritime and Related Offences Bill 2026 heads toward implementation to tackle piracy and sea crimes. Markets & 24-Hour Economy: AMA issues a one-month ultimatum for Agbogbloshie traders to vacate for a 24-hour economy market, with relocation planned.

Cocoa Finance Shake-up: COCOBOD says it will raise funds via cedi-denominated commercial paper this month, breaking from decades of syndicated loans, as it seeks about GHS16bn annually to manage cocoa operations and debts. Power Sector Accountability: The IMF urges Ghana to keep quarterly electricity tariff adjustments to cut energy-sector fiscal risks, while CEMSE demands disclosure and review of 2013 power purchase agreements after the US conviction tied to the Aksa Energy power deal. Anti-Corruption Fallout: Ghana’s AG says it’s working with US authorities to pursue criminal proceedings against Ghanaian officials and MPs linked to the Berko bribery scheme; meanwhile, Donkor’s lawyer says he’s unsure if the OSP has contacted him. Trade & Logistics Costs: Freight forwarders push for strict enforcement of the GH¢720 container administrative charge cap, saying some shipping lines still charge above it. Regional Development Finance: EBID approved over USD 510m for West Africa projects, including Ghana transport infrastructure and healthcare. Digital & Banking: MTN marks 30 years with renewed digital inclusion focus; UBA Ghana tops customer satisfaction in the 2025 GH-CSI. Tourism & Culture: Ghana recorded 1.3m international tourists in 2025 and $4.34bn revenue; government allocates GH¢20m for a film development fund and revamps the National Theatre. Sanitation Governance: MMDCEs will be assessed on sanitation performance, with stronger local accountability after recent flood-linked waste management gaps.

Pharma Quality & Consumer Safety: A new push highlights the risk of falsified or substandard paracetamol in Ghana’s mixed formal-informal market, urging stronger checks to protect households. Tourism & Creative Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie says Ghana welcomed about 1.3m international tourists in 2025 and earned $4.34bn, while government moves to revive the Marine Drive waterfront project and plans a second National Theatre in Kumasi. Digital Finance Regulation: BoG and SEC launch the Ashanti NaVALI virtual asset literacy drive to improve consumer protection under the 2025 Virtual Asset Act. Energy Sector Discipline: The IMF urges Ghana to keep quarterly electricity tariff adjustments to reduce energy-related fiscal risks. Ports & Logistics: Experts say rail links could cut cargo evacuation from days to about 48 hours, easing road congestion. University Admin Strike: GAUA begins an indefinite strike over pay disparities and lack of updated conditions of service, with TUSAAG backing the action. Corruption Accountability: Ghana signals it will pursue its own probes into the AKSA Energy bribery allegations despite US action. Agribusiness Trade Tensions: Nigerian onion traders suspend exports to Ghana, seeking ECOWAS intervention. Cocoa Market Outlook: Cocoa prices firm on weather fears and expectations of lower Ghana output. Maritime Relief: Ghana Maritime Authority repatriates 12 stranded seafarers from MV Rahaf Moon after wage recovery.

24-Hour Economy Push: AMA has issued a one-month notice for traders at Agbogbloshie’s Nzema and Yam markets to vacate ahead of a 24-Hour Economy Market project, with relocation planned. Power & LPG Innovation: Henos Energy commissioned Ghana’s first drive-thru LPG cylinder distribution outlet at East Legon Hills, using a cylinder recirculation model to support the 24-hour economy. Port Logistics: GPHA moved to tackle Tema Port congestion with measures to speed up empty container evacuation, add trucks, and tighten yard/traffic management. Mining & Environment: GoldBod says it will profile artisanal miners to improve gold traceability and formalisation, while also pledging support for reclamation of devastated forest reserves next year. Anti-Corruption in Energy: Ghana’s OSP says it backed the FBI “behind the scenes” in the US conviction of former TOR MD Asante Kwaku Berko over alleged bribes tied to an AKSA power deal; the AG is now working to pursue implicated officials. Digital Economy & Skills: GCTU graduates were urged to use AI responsibly as they enter Ghana’s digital economy. Telecom Sustainability: Telecel launched a biodegradable Eco-SIM aimed at cutting plastic waste. Business Climate: IMF warns Ghana’s heavy gold export reliance remains a key risk despite recent gains. Sanitation & Flooding: An expert calls for higher investment in waste management infrastructure across all districts after floods exposed gaps. Sports Business: X1 Energy Drink Division One League Super Cup kicks off today in Obuasi.

Skills & Jobs: Social Welfare Girls’ Technical Institute in Cape Coast graduated 94 students, urging them to pair practical competence with digital self-presentation as AI and digital marketing reshape hiring. Education Infrastructure: Twifo Hemang SHTS appealed for an administrative vehicle and also flagged furniture and bed shortages, even as it welcomed a boys’ dormitory contract. Health & Construction: MTN Ghana Foundation broke ground for a two-storey 60-bed Accident/ Emergency block at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Hospital in Asikuma, aimed at easing overcrowding and cutting preventable deaths. Local Governance: Oti presiding members praised the regional minister’s inclusive, consultative leadership for improving transparency and service delivery. Tax & Trade Tech: GRA says its AI-powered Publican system lifted customs collections to GH¢6.1bn in July, up from about GH¢4bn monthly before full rollout. Cocoa Policy Fight: NPP leaders attacked the Cocoa Board Bill’s Clause 81 as infringing farmers’ property rights and urged President Mahama to withhold assent over rushed passage. Energy Watch: IMF urged BoG to proceed cautiously on further policy rate cuts, citing energy and fertiliser price risks and exchange-rate pass-through. Mining & Food Security: Legal practitioner Eric Adjei called for a united national front against galamsey, warning it threatens water, agriculture and public health. Finance: Standard Chartered Bank Ghana declared a GH¢673.48m dividend for 2025.

Cocoa Sustainability & Traceability: Touton’s sixth cocoa and forests report says it has supported 132,000 farms with technical help, mapped 180,000 farms for traceability, distributed 640,000 multipurpose trees and backed 64,000 hectares of cocoa agroforestry, while also pushing financial inclusion in cocoa communities. Gold Supply Chain Reform: Ghana’s GoldBod is framed as a shift from enforcement-only fixes to a controlled, market-driven gold supply chain aimed at cutting smuggling and formalising trading to protect FX and revenue. Customs Revenue Boost: GRA says Publican AI lifted customs/import duty collections to GH¢6.1bn in July (from about GH¢4bn monthly before full rollout), with the AI valuation system fully implemented from April 2026. Inflation Relief: Ghana’s July inflation eased to 4.6%, with fuel relief and a stable cedi cited as key buffers against global price shocks. Energy & Renewables: Bui Power Authority nearly doubled solar capacity to 105MWp and posted US$66.2m net profit in 2025 as it expands cleaner generation. Agri Value Addition: Ghana’s cashew apples are getting attention as a “from waste to value” opportunity, with researchers and farmers exploring processing and market systems. Flood Risk Management: NADMO issued a critical North East flood alert ahead of planned Bagre Dam spillage from Burkina Faso, urging immediate local preparedness. Education & Skills: GNAT set a September 7 deadline over unresolved teachers’ promotion and conditions issues, while ATU and Abrantie College accredited an HND in Paramedical Trichology to create a new cosmetology progression pathway. Tax & Digital Services: GRA also highlighted AI-enabled valuation and broader digital readiness as part of revenue and compliance improvements.

Education & Skills: GNAT gives GES until Sept 7 to fix teachers’ promotion and conditions of service, warning of possible strike action. Energy & Power Reliability: Obuasi East Municipal Assembly procures two 200KVA/33KV transformers to restore electricity to Kwabenakwa and Asonkore after nearly six months of instability. Energy Reform Watch: Prof. Godfred Bokpin urges transparency and consultation on ECG and other SOE reforms, warning inefficiencies could push Ghana back to the IMF. Debt & Macroeconomy: IMF upgrades Ghana’s debt distress risk to moderate, citing improved debt indicators, but warns external shock sensitivity remains high due to gold dependence. Governance & Accountability: Ghana’s AG Dominic Ayine is working with US authorities to pursue more suspects in a power-plant bribery scheme after Asante Berko’s US conviction. Industry & Business: Firefighters contain a major blaze at Pantang Trasaco Furniture factory; offices and key machinery are salvaged. Agribusiness & Jobs: STMA distributes poultry birds under the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme to boost backyard poultry and reduce import dependence. Digital Economy: DPC boss tells GCTU graduates to use AI to extend capacity, but never replace independent thinking.

Central Banking & FX: Bank of Ghana says Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves remain strong at about $12.9b, with gold and cocoa exports supporting a higher trade surplus, while credit to the private sector has grown sharply. Port & Trade Logistics: GPHA moves to ease Tema Port congestion by boosting empty container evacuation, adding trucks, and tightening yard and traffic management. Infrastructure Delivery: Engineers warn delayed road works under the “Big Push” are worsening air pollution and health risks, citing the stalled Adentan–Dodowa upgrade. Energy Sector Governance: Energy Minister Jinapor urges tougher revenue collection from non-exempt state entities to protect utilities like Bui Power Authority from unpaid bills. Corruption & Power Deals: A US court convicts former Goldman Sachs executive Asante Berko over a bribery scheme tied to a Ghana power plant, with sentencing pending. Cocoa & Prices: Cocoa futures soften as Ghana harvest data shows larger supplies and inventories rise, keeping prices under pressure. Education & Labour: GAUA calls a nationwide strike from Aug 10 over pay disparities in market premium for university administrators. Standards for Imports: GSA begins strict enforcement from Oct 1, 2026 on used-vehicle import compliance, targeting safety and environmental risks.

Mining & Investment: Newcore Gold has filed its Enchi Gold Project pre-feasibility technical report in line with NI 43-101, outlining a conventional open-pit plan at 5.5m tonnes per year and noting ongoing drilling aimed at expanding high-grade potential. Port & Logistics: GPHA says Tema Port congestion is worsening due to higher imports, more empty container exports and road traffic, and it’s rolling out urgent steps to speed empty container evacuation and tighten yard/traffic management. Standards & Trade: Ghana Standards Authority will strictly enforce used-vehicle import guidelines from Oct 1, 2026, targeting flood/fire/salvage damage, major chassis issues and right-hand-drive imports. Energy & Capital Markets: PETROSOL Platinum Energy gets approval to raise long-term capital on the Ghana Stock Exchange to fund expansion, including renewables and EV charging. Governance & Compliance: GSA begins nationwide sensitisation on mandatory ICUMS shippers’ registration to improve cargo clearance and data for policy. Food Security Pressure: GEM warns galamsey is eroding farmland and pushing communities toward market dependence, with knock-on effects on food prices. Anti-Corruption (Global): US jury convicts former Goldman Sachs executive Asante Berko over a bribery and money-laundering scheme tied to a Ghana power plant deal. Local Governance: NALAG urges MMDAs to deliver visible results and accountable leadership, not promises.

Inflation Watch: Ghana’s headline inflation eased to 4.6% in July, down from 5.3% in June, with food inflation falling to 3.1% and services inflation easing to 8.5%, while imported goods saw lower inflation than locally produced items—an encouraging sign for households and firms. Payments & Trade: Stanbic Bank Ghana becomes the first in Ghana to offer direct Yuan settlement via the China Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), enabling eligible RMB transactions from cedi accounts for remittances and business payments. Tourism & Air Connectivity: Uganda Airlines’ planned direct flights to Kigali and Accra from October are welcomed as a boost for visitor arrivals, trade, and investment across the region. Cocoa Industry Reform: COCOBOD launches a nationwide campaign to explain the new Cocoa Board Bill, including tighter controls around cocoa tree felling and farm protection measures. Fuel Market Stability: NPA reassures Ghanaians of adequate fuel stocks amid Middle East-driven price risks, stressing continuous supply planning. Galamsey Enforcement: Forestry Commission remands 12 suspected illegal miners after operations in the Bosomtwe Range Forest Reserve, with equipment seized and an alleged leader still being sought. Mining Security: Global (Ghana) Ore Industries Limited reports alleged interference with operations at its Aboso-Bompieso concession and calls for police investigations. Health & Innovation: UHAS research highlights cassava leaves’ antioxidants as potential protection against oxidative stress, while an AI-in-healthcare push targets major market growth by 2030.

Education Infrastructure: GETFund-backed Saka Homes breaks ground on a 250-bed boys’ dormitory at Achimota, with disability access, solar power and sustainable design—while the Education Minister directs at least GHS250m in the 2027 GETFund formula for Category A school upgrades. Health Systems & AI: Ghana’s Health Service will require functional oxygen and pulse oximeters in all facilities; meanwhile, UCC/UHAS-linked experts push AI governance and local innovation to scale healthcare AI and diagnostics. Galamsey & Water: Lands Ministry says water bodies like Pra, Ankobra and Birim show marginal improvement, but illegal mining remains a major threat; calls also grow for stronger enforcement and resources. Gold & Compliance: Ghana Chamber of Mines urges GoldBod to tighten gold traceability to keep illegal gold out of the formal market. Economy Watch: Inflation eased to 4.6% in July as food prices cooled, and BoG says growth prospects remain positive. Business & Trade: Importers are urged to insure cargo locally for faster claims and better risk management. Energy/Power: Obuasi East Assembly hands over two transformers to restore electricity stability after months of outages.

Galamsey & Child Protection: Justice Livingstone Ameevor says illegal mining is increasingly linked to defilement, teenage pregnancy and child exploitation, warning that some miners are allegedly misled by “spiritualists” into abusing underage girls. Water & Sanitation: Water Resources Commission reports water quality inched up to 60.6% in 2025, but illegal mining remains a threat; meanwhile Local Government plans to formalise waste transfer loading stations and integrate tricycle waste collectors, while Ghana Water Ltd schedules a three-day Kpong–Tema pipeline maintenance water disruption. Energy & Transport: Volta Economic Corridor talks begin between VRA and GIIF under the 24-Hour Economy push, aiming to turn the Volta Lake into a trade and jobs engine; on the roads, a major Accra–Kumasi N6 blockade shows how one crash can paralyse the corridor. Finance & Banking: BoG warns the public against 20 unlicensed digital loan apps; Ghana Reference Rate edges to 10.61% for August; GSE trading value jumps 251% on MTN dominance. Cocoa & Agriculture: COCOBOD data points to larger harvested volumes, but cocoa price direction stays sensitive to Ghana’s projected output decline; 150 Bono farmers trained in modern vegetable production. Digital Skills & Health: GETFund and UNESCO sign MoU to train TVET teachers in AI and digital tools; Korle-Bu emergency cases surge past 100 daily, with questions raised about possible links to illegal mining impacts. Regional Deals & Industry: Ghana and Morocco renew cooperation plans across hydrocarbons, mining, energy efficiency and agriculture, including a private-sector economic and investment forum.

Retail & Sports Culture: Ghana’s malls are turning into fan zones, with Westfield Accra-style setups bringing match-day energy to shopping centres. Regional Trade & Migration: SADC’s 2026 summit in Durban is urged to tackle migration and xenophobia directly to protect regional integration. Payments & Remittances: Maplerad is rebuilding rails to cut Africa’s high remittance costs, where fees can swallow a big share of money sent home. Power & Industry Continuity: ECG schedules a two-hour Tema Region outage on Aug 6 for emergency maintenance, affecting several communities and businesses. Agribusiness & Jobs: MoFA and AAC will set up a 750-acre vegetable hub for 118 RUDN graduates, pushing commercial farming under Feed Ghana. Formalisation Drive: ORC, Tema MA and UMB Bank run a five-day business registration clinic (Aug 10–14) to help SMEs register and renew on the spot. Media Collaboration: GNA and Russia’s Sputnik sign a cooperation pact for news exchange and journalist training. Poultry Expansion: EKMA begins distributing 400 poultry birds to beneficiaries under the Nkoko Nkitinkiti Programme. Cocoa Market: El Niño and heavy rains are linked to a cocoa bull market as prices jump on production risk. Energy Policy Debate: NPP questions the GH¢2 diesel relief, saying it’s temporary and doesn’t undo earlier fuel price hikes. Macroeconomic Risk: IMF warns Ghana’s gold dependence leaves debt and growth vulnerable to global commodity shocks. Health Pressure: Korle Bu A&E sees emergency cases rise sharply, with doctors flagging worsening medical emergencies. SME Reality Check: Accra Street Journal highlights how rents, power costs and permits squeeze small businesses even as they adapt to survive.

Gold & Macroeconomic Outlook: The IMF says Ghana’s gold push is reshaping the external position, with gold now the dominant export driver as smuggling falls, while it also flags how debt targets can be met by 2034 with credible reforms. FX & Banking: Bank of Ghana will auction up to $1bn in August to ease cedi pressure, and Stanbic becomes the first Ghana bank to enable direct China Yuan (CIPS) settlements. Energy & Fuel Security: Ghana Gas reports strong 2025 results and Jinapor points to more gas infrastructure for Gas-to-Power; meanwhile, experts warn local refining still can’t fully stop global fuel shocks. Agribusiness & Jobs: Feed Ghana will place 118 Russia-trained graduates on 750 acres at Pwalugu for commercial vegetable production, and TCDA sets August producer prices for oil palm and rubber. Trade & Industry Growth: GEPA opens a London Trade House to boost non-traditional exports, while GNCCI urges faster execution of the 24-Hour Economy and Big Push. Digital Skills & Inclusion: UCC launches an online eCampus for working professionals, and Ghana’s education reform doubles down on AI and coding; IMF also notes youth unemployment stays near 30%.

Agribusiness & Value Chains: TCDA and GBC team up to boost public awareness of Ghana’s tree crops, using TV, radio and digital platforms in 27 languages to connect farmers, processors and investors. Food & Farm Support: Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II backs the Agriculture Ministry’s Feed Ghana fertiliser push, praising 5,000 bags of NPK and urea for northern smallholders. Sanitation & Waste Jobs: Government moves to formalise tricycle waste collectors and expand waste transfer stations, while GAYO launches Ghana’s National Union for Informal Waste Workers to improve safety, market access and social protection. Ports & Trade Risk: Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority forums urge importers to insure marine cargo locally to protect business continuity and speed up claims. Digital Economy: MTN Ghana doubles down on fibre and mobile financial services, pushing MyMTN App self-service for bills, airtime/data and SIMs. Finance & Policy: Bank of Ghana directs banks to cut non-performing loans below 10% by end-2026, as GNCCI calls for sustained reforms to lock in recovery gains. Energy & Water Reliability: Ghana Water Ltd schedules a three-day Kpong plant shutdown for pipeline maintenance, warning of reduced pressure in parts of Accra. Cocoa & Industry Regulation: Parliament passes the COCOBOD Bill guaranteeing farmers at least 70% of FOB export price, alongside other measures to support local agro-processing. Capital Markets Watch: Dangote Refinery targets a $5bn IPO by October, with Ghana among exchanges reportedly in talks to participate.

Fuel Relief & Transport Costs: President Mahama orders a temporary GH¢2.00 diesel reduction for one month to curb transport fare hikes and inflation pressure. Central Banking Watch: Bank of Ghana warns the public against 20 unlicensed digital loan apps, citing risks to data privacy and consumer protection. Agribusiness Funding: AfDB backs Ghana’s rice push with $18.8m to boost productivity, processing and market access under the REWARD project. Cocoa Sector Rules: Parliament passes a tough Cocoa Bill protecting cocoa farms, with penalties up to 20 years for repurposing without approval—sparking farmer pushback. Energy & Industry Finance: Absa partners Mantrac to expand equipment financing for mining and construction firms, with tenors up to 60 months. Mining Governance: Chamber of Mines urges review of Ghana’s minerals royalty framework and a Minerals Revenue Management Act to improve fairness and transparency. Security & Tech Crime: INTERPOL flags AI-driven deepfake sextortion in Ghana, with young victims seeing losses surge. Bilateral Trade Moves: Ghana and Morocco deepen cooperation across trade, hydrocarbons, mining, energy efficiency and agriculture, including plans for a Ghana-Morocco Economic and Investment Forum. Public Safety & Compliance: NACOC arrests KTU students over alleged cannabis-infused drinks and ice cream sales during campus events. Local Infrastructure: GARID delays Kaneshie footbridge rehabilitation until drainage works finish, with temporary pedestrian controls in place.