AGP Executive Report

Anti-LGBTQ+ Law: Ghana’s Parliament has passed a bill criminalising LGBTQ+ activity, with the debate now shifting to what happens next as it awaits presidential assent. Accra Courts: The High Court remanded NPP’s Abronye DC after he failed to surrender his passport as ordered, with the case still pending. World Cup Focus: Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew calls Ghana’s England opener a “special game,” while Ghana’s preparations continue in the US; meanwhile Tariq Lamptey has returned to full training after injury setbacks but remains out of the final squad. Business & Investment: Ghana and the UK wrapped up the Investment Summit with renewed calls for deeper ties, and the Maritime Authority unveiled reforms to strengthen seafarer training and certification. Local Economy & Food: The rice sector got a boost at an Accra roundtable, with calls for more financing and a plan to link rice import permits to support for local farmers. Accra Safety & Power: GNFS reported major fire damage at Accra Water Works and Adenta’s building collapse rescue; ECG also issued a power outage notice affecting parts of Accra West.

World Cup Focus: Former Black Stars forward Augustine Arhinful says Hearts of Oak keeper Benjamin Asare must improve communication, aerial command and positioning after Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Wales as the Black Stars fine-tune for the 2026 World Cup. Investment Push: President John Dramani Mahama told investors at the London Stock Exchange and the 12th Africa Debate that Ghana is “open for business,” pointing to reforms, infrastructure upgrades and a more predictable investment climate. Inflation Watch: Ghana’s inflation edged up to 3.7% in May (from 3.4% in April), with food prices the main driver, even as the rate remains far below last year’s 18.4%. Public Safety: Firefighters battled a major blaze that gutted shops opposite Accra Central Police Station, injuring one firefighter; separate reports also describe flooding disrupting parts of Accra during the rainy downpour. Health Security: Ghana activated enhanced Ebola screening for travellers from high-risk regions at Accra airport and key land borders. Governance & Economy: Bank of Ghana’s Ghana Reference Rate eased slightly to 10.02% for June, continuing the downward trend in lending benchmarks. Sports (Women): Asamoah Gyan urged the Black Queens to “make Ghana proud” as they begin WAFCON preparations in Accra.

Digital Education Sovereignty: Zimbabwe’s Frederick Shava joins African ministers in Accra to push home-grown digital learning systems, with AI readiness, financing and teacher training on the agenda. Rice Self-Sufficiency Push: Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku says Ghana consumes about 1.71m tonnes of rice but produces around 960,000, creating a 751,000-tonne deficit; he outlines a 10-year plan, including rice import quotas tied to verified local partnerships, plus satellite mapping of 515,000 hectares already under cultivation. Free Primary Health Care Rollout: Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh orders the GHS to drive implementation of Free PHC with supervision, quality delivery, referral strengthening and zero informal charges; Omanhene Agyeman warns against headquarters bottlenecks that could derail the programme. Inflation Watch: May inflation edges up to 3.7%, mainly from food prices, with services like rent and school fees still rising faster than goods. World Cup Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars draw Wales 1-1 in Cardiff; Caleb Yirenkyi scored, but Lewis Koumas equalised late as Carlos Queiroz targets knockout qualification. Sports & Society: The Christian Council urges patience on the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, saying the President should follow due process before assent. Road Safety: A truck and bus crash at Peki-Tsame kills 15 and injures 25. UK-Ghana Investment: The UK–Ghana Growth Partnership signed in London targets jobs, infrastructure and skills, including a £101m ship repair/dry-dock project for Takoradi.

Black Stars World Cup push: Carlos Queiroz began his Ghana reign with a 1-1 friendly draw against Wales in Cardiff. Caleb Yirenkyi scored Ghana’s equaliser in the 66th minute, but Lewis Koumas struck in stoppage time to deny the win, extending Ghana’s winless run ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Queiroz said the team’s minimum target is reaching the knockout stage, and praised Yirenkyi’s potential and the squad’s discipline in following his game plan. World Cup fixtures: Ghana will open Group L against Panama in Toronto on June 17, then face England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia. Local sports & health: Ghana’s GRA Royal Ladies thrashed UG Ladies 21-0 in the Greater Accra Hockey League, with Vivian Narkuor scoring 12. Economy & policy: Bank of Ghana officials and business leaders at the Money Summit 2026 urged policy discipline as Ghana transitions from the IMF programme, stressing trust, domestic capital and stability. Cocoa financing: COCOBOD is moving toward a locally funded commercial paper programme to cut reliance on foreign syndicated loans. Public health: Ghana activated Ebola screening for passengers from high-risk regions at airports and land borders. Governance: Cabinet approved reforms to elect MMDCEs instead of presidential appointment. Sports diplomacy: Ghana’s flag football push for LA 2028 gained embassy backing in Washington.

World Cup Focus: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz says he has “full trust” in his 26-man 2026 World Cup squad and revealed Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Solomon Agbasi will travel as a standby “player number 27” for extra cover. Ghana begins preparations with a Wales friendly in Cardiff, with captain Jordan Ayew urging the team to “surprise people” at the tournament. Road Safety: A fatal head-on crash on the Peki–Tsame road in the Volta Region killed 15 and left 25 injured after a container truck and passenger bus collided near Peki Senior High School; investigations continue. Central Banking: The Bank of Ghana has denied reports it is considering selling its new $260m headquarters, calling the claims false and misleading. Ghana–UK Ties: President Mahama met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at No. 10 Downing Street to deepen trade, education and climate cooperation, as Ghana and the UK signed a £215m Growth Partnership aimed at jobs, skills and industrial growth. Xenophobia Response: Ghana temporarily suspended evacuation registration for citizens in South Africa after 1,500+ registered, citing verification needs amid ongoing attacks.

World Cup 2026: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed Alexander Djiku is ruled out after failing a late fitness test, with Derrick Luckassen called up for the Wales friendly and the final push to North America. Squad fallout: Andre Ayew was left out of the final 26-man squad, despite calls from former GFA boss Nyaho-Tamakloe for his experience; Queiroz also defended Thomas Partey’s inclusion on presumption of innocence. Home-based spotlight: Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is Ghana’s only home-based player in the squad, with FIFA club compensation expected to bring the club at least $250,000. Transport update: GPRTU and GRTCC rejected claims of a 20% public transport fare increase, saying no approved process was followed. Accra flooding & safety: Engineers (GhIE) urged a major overhaul of stormwater and drainage policy, warning Accra’s flooding is now structural, not just seasonal. Environment: Ghana’s plastic crisis remains stark—about 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly, with less than 2% recycled. South Africa xenophobia: Ghana warned citizens to avoid non-essential travel amid attacks on African immigrants, while Catholic bishops urged calm and rejected retaliation. Economy/markets: The GSE Composite Index rose to close higher as financial stocks slipped.

Ghana–UK Investment Summit: President Mahama opened the London summit, pitching Ghana as “open for business” and urging UK investors to back jobs, tech transfer and exports. World Bank Funding: The World Bank approved US$500m for the Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project to upgrade feeder roads, cut transport costs and support farmers. Anti-LGBTQ+ Law: Parliament passed a sweeping bill criminalising LGBTQ+ promotion and identity, with rights groups warning of fear and real-life risks for people. Xenophobia in South Africa: Ghana issued a fresh travel advisory telling citizens to avoid non-essential travel as attacks on Africans continue; Ghana also keeps evacuations and diplomatic protests in motion. Black Stars World Cup: Defender Alexander Djiku is reported at risk of missing the final squad due to injury, while Sports Minister Kofi Adams says goalkeeping may take the biggest cut. Football: Nations FC won the MTN FA Cup on penalties over Dreams FC, a historic rebound after relegation; meanwhile Black Queens withdrew from a Tanzania prep tournament, planning friendlies in Accra. Accra Flood Management: GhIE called for a radical overhaul of stormwater policy as flooding is increasingly structural, not just seasonal. Health Gap: New data shows only a fraction of obstetric fistula sufferers get surgery, prompting renewed action by health partners.

Chinese Language Boom: A growing number of Ghanaian students are learning Chinese, with UCC’s Bertha Asiedua Boadu winning the Chinese Bridge university award and earning a spot to represent Ghana abroad. Anti-Galamsey Crackdown: GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi says NAIMOS will get 10 high-tech speedboats to patrol rivers, alongside a traceability system to track gold from source and shut down illegal buyers. Smart Industry Push: Vilacesti’s founder Victor Lawrence says a Ghana-based “Korea Technology Town” will link Korea and Africa through AI, manufacturing, startups and research. Flood Blame and Fixes: President Mahama told a London town hall that chiefs selling land in streams and wetlands worsen flooding, while assemblies must enforce planning rules. Economy Watch: Economist Isaac Boadi warns revenue growth is lagging spending, raising the risk of new fiscal pain; building inflation holds at 2.2% in April. World Cup Costs: Mahama rules out mass fan travel from Ghana at about $11,000 per person, saying government will instead buy tickets for diaspora fans; GH¢150m for the campaign is still pending release. Football Moment: Nations FC win the MTN FA Cup for the first time in 34 years, beating Dreams FC 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. ECG Maintenance: Planned power outages hit parts of Accra East and West on Monday, with a separate Volta fault still affecting communities. Real Estate Enforcement: The Real Estate Agency Council plans tougher action against unlicensed agents and brokers, with inspections and legal consequences. Health Partnership: Ghana and Jamaica sign to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to strengthen Jamaica’s healthcare.

Anti-LGBTQ Law: Ghana’s Parliament has passed a restrictive Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill criminalising homosexuality and the “promotion of LGBTQ+ activities,” with prison terms up to 10 years for “promotion” and up to three years for same-sex relationships, while journalists, lawyers and medical professionals get exemptions. Accra Flood Debate: A consultant and an MP both blame Accra’s flooding on weak enforcement and human indiscipline—illegal developments and revenue-driven permit practices—rather than drainage design alone. Power Disruptions: ECG warns of outages in parts of Tema and Accra West on Sunday, May 31, for planned and emergency maintenance. Court Orders Stop: An Accra High Court has halted the promotion and commercialisation of “Supercash Games” pending a final ruling. London Visit: President Mahama arrives in London for meetings aimed at boosting Ghana-UK investment ties and engaging the diaspora. Crime & Justice: Police remanded a Chinese businessman over alleged T-shirt theft worth GH¢3m, while the Prisons Service investigates claims an Ankaful inmate helped facilitate a queen mother’s murder. Sports: Black Stars gear up for Wales in Cardiff; Black Maidens advance to the final qualifying round against Senegal after crushing Liberia.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill: Ghana’s Parliament has passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, criminalising LGBTQ+ activities and “promotion” while adding exemptions for lawyers, media and healthcare; the President is expected to assent soon, drawing fresh debate at home and abroad. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana continues evacuations as 600 more Ghanaians register for return, while MPs urge calm and warn against retaliatory rhetoric toward South Africans in Ghana. Accra Flooding & Water: Residents in Weija-Gbawe and Ga South are assessing damage after a spillage flood, with Ghana Water saying assemblies’ dredging is key; separate reporting also points to wetland and drainage failures behind Accra’s recurring floods. Transport Costs: GPRTU announces a 20% rise in public transport fares from June 2. Health & Medicines: Inyabon MedSync is piloting real-time medicine stock support in Northern Ghana facilities. Economy & Finance: BoG plans a $1bn domestic cocoa bond to cut dollar dependence; GRA targets GH¢310bn revenue by 2028. Power Supply: ECG schedules outages for Batsonaa transformer upgrades and a Greater Kumasi network upgrade by June 5. Sports & Culture: Hitz FM’s Rep Ur Jersey returns at Aviation Social Centre; UMB partners GFA to boost financial literacy for footballers.

Rural Roads Boost: The World Bank approved a US$500m package to improve and maintain at least 1,000km of Ghana’s rural feeder and market-access roads, targeting 550,000 people and thousands of jobs. Anti-LGBTQ Law: Ghana’s Parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, criminalising same-sex acts and “promotion” of LGBTQ activities, with prison terms up to 10 years for promoting; it now awaits President Mahama’s assent, with exemptions for legal, media and healthcare professionals. Airport Detention Fallout: A U.S. federal judge ordered the release and immediate return to Ghana of a pregnant woman and her son detained at Washington Dulles for over a week. Monetary Policy: Bank of Ghana’s MPC held the policy rate at 14%, citing inflation risks and Middle East uncertainties. Tax Targets: GRA aims to raise revenue to over GH¢310bn by 2028, driven by digital enforcement. Power Update: ECG says Greater Kumasi network upgrade works will be completed by June 5. World Cup Prep: Black Stars camp in Wales continues as players stress “pride” and preparation ahead of the June 2 friendly.

Peacekeeping & Security: Ghana marked UN International Day of Peacekeepers with a call for bigger investment in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, saying sustainable peace underpins stability and development. U.S.-Ghana Trade Push: Ambassador Victor Smith led plans for a high-level U.S. trade mission to Ghana (May 30–June 6) targeting agribusiness, manufacturing, fintech, tourism, renewables, infrastructure, mining and digital innovation. Economic Reset: Bank of Ghana Governor Asiama urged CEOs to deploy more capital for value addition, industrialisation and innovation as Ghana moves from recovery to sustained growth. World Bank Roads Boost: The World Bank approved $500m for rural feeder roads and market access under the Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project, aiming to help farmers and create jobs. Health Alert (Rainy Season): Ghana Health Service warned of higher risks of cholera, typhoid, dysentery, malaria and dengue, urging strict hygiene and safe food practices. Environment & Flooding: EPA’s styrofoam and takeaway-pack ban starts Jan 2027, but AERC Ghana says success depends on a fair national Foam-Free Transition Plan. Accra Watch: Greater Accra flood concerns continue as residents face worsening drainage and water risks. Sports (FA Cup Final): Dreams FC and Nations FC meet Sunday, May 31, for the MTN FA Cup final at the University of Ghana Stadium, with continental qualification at stake. Black Stars (World Cup Build-Up): Carlos Queiroz’s squad planning is being framed around defence and game management as Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana has begun evacuating about 300 citizens from South Africa amid renewed anti-foreigner unrest, with Foreign Affairs officials saying the move is to protect lives and livelihoods; Julius Malema criticised the evacuation as unnecessary, while Ghana’s High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie defended it as a response after talks with South African authorities failed. Accra Flooding: Weija Dam controlled spillage has triggered severe flooding in Greater Accra, submerging homes and forcing evacuations as spill gates were opened after water levels exceeded safe limits. Digital Finance Update: Bank of Ghana has suspended the planned 0.75% wallet-to-bank transfer fee after public backlash, pending further consultations. Energy Transition: Ghana plans a national net-metering framework to let rooftop solar owners sell excess power back to the grid. STEM & Youth: Ghana won the Junior Division at the 2026 Robofest World Championships in the USA, while QNET and Manchester City ran an elite youth football clinic in Accra. Public Health: Lead poisoning concerns grow as authorities warn about unsafe lead levels in some local “Dadesen” aluminium cooking pots. Business & Investment: GRA targets GH¢310bn tax revenue by 2028 as digital compliance expands; GIPC also launched an InvestGhana podcast to boost investor outreach. Sports: Dreams FC and Nations FC meet in the MTN FA Cup final in Accra.

Youth Football & Women’s Pathways: GFA has released groupings for the 2026 Elite U15 Boys Championship (May 29–June 3, Prampram) and Black Queens B has invited 24 players for a two-day screening ahead of upcoming women’s competitions. Accra Safety & Flood Response: Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo says 3,000 solar streetlights have been installed and warns flood prevention is shared—residents must stop dumping refuse into drains and follow emergency advisories. Health Threat: KNUST scientists report a dangerous drug-resistant TB strain, including pre-XDR signs, urging faster genetic testing. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana welcomed the first 300 evacuees from South Africa; the High Commissioner says 410 more are expected over the weekend, with reintegration support underway. Gender & Workplace Abuse: Activists push fines of GH¢24,000–GH¢60,000 for “sex-for-jobs” offenders, while a lawyer says national service personnel are among the most affected. World Cup Build-Up: GFA explains its scouting behind the Black Stars’ 28-man provisional squad for the Wales friendly. Pope’s Slavery Apology: Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s apology as a moral step toward truth and justice. Economy & Finance: BoG Governor Johnson Asiama calls for bold, coordinated reforms to turn recovery into industrial growth; meanwhile, BoG suspended a planned MTN MoMo wallet-to-bank transfer fee after public outcry.

South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana has begun evacuating citizens from Johannesburg after anti-immigrant violence, with the first batch of 300 arriving in Accra; officials say 26 detained for visa violations were released and brought home, while government support and reintegration plans continue. Power Disruptions in Accra: ECG announced scheduled maintenance outages across Accra West, Accra East and Tema on Thursday, May 28, alongside ongoing fault-related blackouts. Football—Black Maidens & Next Gen: Ghana’s Black Maidens departed Accra for Monrovia for the second leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier vs Liberia; meanwhile, the GFA Elite U15 championship draw maps out the next talent pipeline. Local Sports Glory: Medeama SC were crowned 2025/26 Ghana Premier League champions after beating Basake Holy Stars 2-1 in their coronation match at Tarkwa. Youth & Leadership: A Mini Kids Parliament in Accra trained about 100 children on leadership, civic duty and responsible digital use. Traditional Governance: Queen Mothers’ representation in the National House of Chiefs is gaining renewed push from legal and policy voices.

Repatriation & Citizen Safety: Ghana begins voluntary repatriation as xenophobic tensions rise in South Africa, with the first 300 Ghanaians leaving OR Tambo today and more flights planned, alongside a five-point support package on arrival. Local Elections Push: The IEC launches “Get Up. Show Up. Vote” for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with voter registration set for 20–21 June and polling on 4 November. Urban Mobility & Flooding: Prof. Oteng‑Ababio says Accra needs new arterial and alternative roads to cut gridlock, and argues desilting the Odaw River won’t stop floods without upstream fixes. Energy & Industry Costs: GNCCI targets cutting energy costs for businesses to about 20% to boost competitiveness, while GRIDCo schedules a Tema power outage for emergency maintenance. Economy & Finance: Bank of Ghana suspends a proposed 0.75% MoMo-to-bank transfer fee after consumer-protection concerns. Renewables Drive: Ghana’s solar push highlights floating and new large-scale projects as a cheaper long-term alternative to thermal power. World Cup Focus: Carlos Queiroz names a 28-man Ghana camp squad in Cardiff ahead of the Wales friendly and the tournament. Sports & Community: Police arrest suspects in an Accra–Kumasi–Takoradi robbery syndicate; Eid messages urge peace and unity.