AGP Executive Report

Cocaine Probe: Three foreign nationals have been arrested in Ghana over a cocaine shipment seized in Beirut after arriving from Accra. The arrests intensify questions about NACOC’s account of a “controlled delivery,” while the Minority seeks a parliamentary inquiry. Hamile Blast: The death toll has risen to at least three after an explosion near the Upper West border; an injured immigration officer was airlifted to Accra. Consumer Warning: The Bank of Ghana has named 20 unlicensed loan apps and warned the public against using them. Courts: Most courts remain shut as the JUSAG strike enters its second day; the government has approved salary arrears payments in two instalments, starting this month. Energy and Industry: Ghana secured a $66 million discount on $400 million in Cenpower arrears, while GIADEC and RUSAL signed a deal for a $1.5 billion alumina refinery in Ashanti Region. Financial Health: Queen Máxima begins a two-day Ghana visit with the Bank of Ghana, focusing on household financial wellbeing and digital finance. Football: The Black Maidens are home after reaching the U-17 World Cup quarter-finals, where they lost 1-0 to Japan.

Judicial Service Strike: The Supreme Court resumed hearings despite JUSAG’s nationwide walkout. Finance Minister Ato Forson says salary arrears will be paid in November and December, but the union says it wants its conditions of service agreed before ending the strike. Border Security: A dynamite blast at Hamile killed an immigration officer and critically injured another; authorities imposed a curfew as security concerns mount. Cocaine Probe: Ghana faces fresh scrutiny after Lebanese authorities seized 46.7kg of cocaine from a passenger arriving from Accra. NACOC says it worked with Lebanese counterparts, but critics and the Minority are demanding answers about how the shipment left the airport. Economy and Mining: Ghana collected GH¢7.82 billion in mining royalties in the first nine months of 2026, according to the Lands Minister. Ato Forson says next week’s budget will set out how the recovery can deliver jobs and higher incomes. Amputee Football: Gold Fields has pledged US$500,000 over two years to support the Black Challenge, who open their World Cup campaign against former champions Angola in Mexico on November 14.

Youth and Jobs: Ghana’s population reached 33.7 million in 2025, including a record 12 million people aged 15–35. Youth unemployment averaged 21.9%, while nearly two million young people were not working or in education or training, the Ghana Statistical Service reports. Black Stars: Ghana, bottom of their AFCON 2027 qualifying group after two defeats, face Somalia on November 12 and 16. Assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko says the team must rebuild belief and focus on the double-header. Illegal Mining: Environment Minister Zanetor Rawlings warns pollution from galamsey could contaminate rivers flowing into Côte d’Ivoire, straining relations and threatening regional security. Justice: An indefinite JUSAG strike has left courts deserted, disrupting hearings and leaving litigants stranded as workers press for better pay and conditions. Women’s Football: Ampem Darkoa opened their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign with a 5–1 comeback win over Mali’s USFAS Bamako.

Judicial Service Strike: JUSAG began an indefinite nationwide strike over revised salaries and arrears, disrupting court operations. The Chief Justice has directed the Supreme Court to sit on Tuesday, while the union says it rejected the Finance Ministry’s payment proposal for failing to address its demands. Ghana Card Checks: From November 3, the NIA will enforce rules requiring biometric verification for identity checks, warning institutions that non-compliance could bring legal sanctions. Tema Power Supply: ECG has replaced 14 faulty transformers across six Tema-area districts, citing technical problems and illegal connections among the causes of outages. Illegal Mining: Environment Minister Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings warned that pollution of the Tano and Bia rivers could harm relations with Côte d’Ivoire and threaten regional security. Russia Ties: President Mahama says Vladimir Putin agreed to stop recruiting Ghanaians for the war in Ukraine, following talks at the Russia-Africa summit.

Drug Trafficking: NACOC says a Syrian passenger arriving in Beirut from Accra was arrested with about 40kg of suspected cocaine. Ghanaian authorities are working to identify local accomplices. Climate Alert: Ghana’s Meteorological Agency warns a very strong El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions, water stress and bushfires through early 2027, urging coordinated action to protect food, health and power supplies. Energy: Russia has agreed to work with Ghana on a proposed 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, a major step in the country’s long-running nuclear energy plans. Black Stars: Ghana’s interim technical team is due to name its squad for November’s Somalia qualifiers. The team is bottom of its group after losing its first two matches. Accra: Two suspects have been arrested over the killing of Fabulous Ladies footballer Agartha Takyiwa, while police have also arrested a 72-year-old suspect in the Sakumono double murder case. Digital Security: Ghana recorded 4,938 cybersecurity incidents and GH¢209.7 million in losses in the first nine months of 2026. Ghana Abroad: US President Donald Trump has agreed to grant a visa to the mother of 15-year-old Ghanaian Javits Frimpong, who was shot dead in New York, so she can attend his funeral.

Drug Trafficking: NACOC says a joint Ghana-Lebanon operation led to a Syrian passenger’s arrest in Beirut with about 40kg of suspected cocaine from Accra. The agency is pursuing alleged Ghanaian accomplices, while critics demand answers on how the shipment passed through Kotoka Airport. Accra: Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey says shop registration for Makola’s new 31st December Material Stores is free, warning traders not to pay people demanding GH¢10,000. Ghana-Russia Ties: President Mahama says Russia has agreed to support a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, alongside new cooperation in defence and other sectors. Javits Frimpong Case: The government will fund the slain 15-year-old’s mother’s travel to the US, as Ghana presses for an impartial investigation. Football: Debibi United beat Hearts of Oak 1-0, while Kotoko and Medeama drew 1-1; Ghana’s Black Maidens exited the U-17 Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Japan.

Ghana–Russia Ties: President John Mahama says Russia will work with Ghana on a 2,000MW nuclear plant, a defence pact and cooperation in agriculture and education. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also says Moscow agreed to stop recruiting Ghanaians for the war in Ukraine. Javits Frimpong Case: Government will fund the travel of the mother of the 15-year-old Ghanaian killed in New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani says President Trump agreed to facilitate her visa, though the White House had not confirmed it. Ghana is also seeking an impartial investigation into the killing. Football Dispute: Former Black Stars coach Otto Addo has reportedly taken his contract dispute with the GFA to FIFA, seeking more than $750,000 in unpaid wages and benefits. The GFA has not publicly responded. Mining and Jobs: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson is urging Ghana to refine more gold locally to create jobs and retain value. A University of Ghana professor warns that financial gains from gold trading are being overshadowed by galamsey damage, citing estimates that about 60% of the country’s water bodies are polluted.

Public Services: Judicial Service staff plan an indefinite nationwide strike from November 2 over unpaid salary revisions and arrears, threatening to disrupt court operations. Economy and Jobs: Ghana’s economy grew 6% to GH¢1.4 trillion in 2025, but the Ghana Statistical Service says business growth is outpacing job creation and most firms employ no more than five people. Mining: GoldBod says a new programme will organise eligible small-scale miners into cooperatives and help formalise and license them within six months. Separately, a University of Ghana law professor says revenue gains from gold do not outweigh worsening environmental and public-health damage from illegal mining. Health: Ghana is exploring local and regional production of HIV medicines to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains and vulnerable external funding. Power: President Mahama says electricity supply problems have been resolved and IPP debts cleared. Football: Asante Kotoko, ninth after three defeats in eight games, host league leaders Medeama, while second-placed Hearts of Oak travel to face Debibi United.

Sakumono Killings: Police have arrested a 47-year-old woman in connection with the fatal shooting of George Atuguba and his niece, Irene, and are offering GH¢100,000 for information leading to the arrest of the wanted gunman. Investigators say the killings may be linked to an alleged GH¢500,000 debt. Public Safety: Police say 192 suspects were arrested in intelligence-led operations targeting drugs and other crime; a separate arrest at Circle yielded 91 parcels of suspected cannabis. Judicial Strike: Judicial Service staff plan an indefinite nationwide strike from November 2 over unpaid salary increases and arrears. Health: Ghana’s domestic HIV prevention spending was about US$400,000 in 2024, far below the estimated US$25.7 million needed. Officials are exploring local production of HIV medicines and other health supplies. Energy and Industry: Ghana has opened talks with Russia’s Rosatom on its first nuclear power station. Russian firm Rusal also plans bauxite mining and an alumina refinery in partnership with Ghana’s GIADEC. Jobs: GSS figures show youth unemployment averaged 32.4% among 15-to-24-year-olds and 21.9% among 15-to-35-year-olds in the first three quarters of 2025. Sports: Ghana’s U-15 boys finished seventh among 189 teams at the maiden FIFA World Cup and Festival, beating Colombia 4-0 in their final match.

Court Strike: Judicial Service staff have declared an indefinite strike from November 2 over delayed salary reviews, warning court operations will stop and urging people with Monday hearings not to attend. Kumasi Power Cuts: GRIDCo and ECG say parts of Kumasi will face scheduled weekday outages from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November 29 as crews complete a transmission upgrade. Justice for Javits: Ghana’s Foreign Ministry says it will work with US authorities to pursue justice for 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, shot dead on his way to school in New York, and support his family. Energy and Industry: President Mahama says Ghana has opened talks with Russia’s Rosatom on a first nuclear power station; Russian firm Rusal also plans a bauxite-mining and processing venture with Ghana. Gold Exports: Mahama says GoldBod reforms helped raise small-scale gold exports from 64 tonnes in 2024 to 104 tonnes in 2025, with export earnings rising to US$10.8 billion. Youth Football: Ghana’s Black Comets finished seventh at the maiden FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, winning eight of 10 matches and closing with a 4-0 victory over Colombia.

Ghana-Russia Ties: President John Mahama urged Russian businesses to invest in Ghana’s agriculture, energy, healthcare, manufacturing and digital economy. Ghana has also begun talks with Rosatom on a first nuclear power station, while Moscow backs the country’s bid for BRICS partner status. Local Investment: Gold Fields says it spent US$4.26 billion with Ghanaian businesses over five years, including US$2.59 billion in host communities. National Data: Ghana has launched its first “Ghana in Numbers” report, and the government has pledged sustainable funding for official statistics to reduce reliance on donors. Women’s Football: Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Argentina on penalties to reach the U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals. School Safeguarding: The Methodist Church has condemned alleged sexual abuse involving students at Obuasi Senior High Technical School and called for an independent investigation. Air Links: Uganda Airlines has started flights to Accra, initially four times a week, with plans to increase service as demand grows.

Nuclear Power: President Mahama says Ghana has opened talks with Russia’s Rosatom on a first nuclear power station, as the government seeks more electricity for industrial growth. Public Accountability: Six NIA staff have been arrested and seven dismissed over alleged extortion during child Ghana Card registration in the Upper East Region. Health Security: Health Minister Kwabena Akandoh says Ebola screening and response measures have been strengthened at entry points, though Ghana has reported no cases. Accra Services: The AMA is building permanent homes at Kofikrom to replace fire-prone makeshift structures; separately, CareFlight Ghana has launched a mobile stroke unit with an onboard CT scanner. Jobs and Planning: New Ghana Statistical Service figures show nearly two million young people are not in work, education or training, while more than seven in ten jobs remain informal. Football: Ghana’s Black Maidens beat Argentina on penalties to reach the U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals. Constitutional Debate: Former President Kufuor backs extending presidential terms to five years, while lawyer Martin Kpebu argues parties should instead be able to replace underperforming presidents midterm.

Black Maidens Make History: Ghana beat Argentina 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-finals, their first since 2012. Jessica Appiah scored Ghana’s goal, and the team held firm after going down to 10 players. U-15s Advance: Ghana’s boys beat Korea Republic 2-1, then thrashed Mexico 5-2 to reach the FIFA U-15 World Cup quarter-finals; Shamsudeen Sulemana scored four against Mexico. Public-Sector Pay: Government and Organised Labour agreed on base-pay rises of 8% in 2027 and 10% in 2028. A further 1% for 2027 will go to Conditions of Service. Accra–Tema Motorway: The first 19.5-kilometre section is 53% complete, with an August 2027 deadline. Project managers face calls to keep work on schedule. Farm Resilience: Ghana’s Agricultural Insurance Pool is promoting cover for seed germination failure caused by drought or excessive rain. Health Support: The Diaspora African Forum and Direct Relief donated medical supplies for distribution to patients in selected Ghanaian hospitals.

Youth Football: Ghana’s Black Maidens reached the U-17 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, beating Argentina 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The U-15 side also advanced, thrashing Mexico 5-2 as Shamsudeen Sulemana scored four. Accra–Tema Motorway: The $339 million project is 53% complete and slightly behind schedule, but managers say it remains on track for an August 2027 finish. Public Sector Pay: Government and Organised Labour agreed to pay rises of 9% in 2027 and 10% in 2028. 2028 Election: The NPP has asked the Supreme Court to rule on whether President Mahama can contest again, arguing the two-term limit applies even when terms are non-consecutive. Mining Investment: Ghana Bauxite Company secured $250 million from Ecobank to improve operations ahead of a planned refinery.

Aviation: President John Mahama says Ghana Airways will return before he leaves office, while Uganda Airlines has launched four weekly Entebbe–Accra flights. Ghana has also granted the carrier rights to sell seats between Lagos and Accra. Education: GES says teacher promotion arrears will be paid on November 16, after delays in validating records for about 28,000 staff. Politics and accountability: The Minority is calling for an independent probe into GH¢49.72 million reportedly spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa and has demanded Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s resignation. The claims have not been independently established. Courts: The GH¢30 million EXIM Bank case against NPP’s Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi) is due for a case management conference on November 2. Sport: Ghana’s Black Maidens face Argentina in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16, while former captain André Ayew has donated to the Black Challenge ahead of the amputee football World Cup. Schools: Parliament’s Education Committee has heard that Northern Region schools lack furniture, textbooks and other teaching materials.

Gender and Security: A new FOSDA report says Ghana is making progress on gender parity in its security services and peacekeeping, backed by policy and legal changes. Energy: Ghana is targeting domestic refining to meet 70% of fuel demand by 2028, with plans to expand Tema Oil Refinery’s capacity. Digital Finance: MTN’s CEO met Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama to discuss financial inclusion and wider access to finance for small businesses. Mining Case: Prosecutors have closed their case against Akonta Mining and two co-accused over alleged illegal mining in the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve; the court will hear a defence request to recall a witness on November 4. Cybersecurity: Ghana recorded 4,938 cybercrime incidents and GH¢209.7 million in losses in nine months, the Cyber Security Authority says. Football: The Black Maidens face Argentina on Wednesday in the U-17 Women’s World Cup last 16, with coach Joe Adarkwa targeting the title. Cost of Living: DStv is introducing lower-priced packages in Ghana from November 5, including a GH¢250 sports option.