AGP Executive Report

Resetting Ghana Tour: President Mahama begins a two-day “Resetting Ghana” trip to the Savannah Region, starting in Sawla with the launch of the BSTEM programme, then inspecting roads and education projects and cutting sod for a 24-hour Economy market in Bole, before ending with a proposed regional hospital visit. Education & STEM: The Education Ministry says over 7,000 teachers have been trained for STEM, with robotics, coding and AI set to be built into the new basic curriculum. Healthcare Outreach: Church of Pentecost launches a major free medical missions outreach at Abesewa, promising surgeries and specialist care ahead of October 2026. National ID Update: Ghana Card is now accepted for travel across ECOWAS and at 44,000+ airports worldwide, with NIA reporting 200 million biometric checks processed. Youth & Agriculture: The 2026 Ghana Youth Agriculture Summit opens in Sunyani, urging young people to see agribusiness as a route to jobs and economic transformation. Speech & Rights: MFWA warns Ghana is seeing a rise in arrests tied to laws used to “criminalise speech,” while the Minority vows not to let the anti-LGBTQ+ bill be shelved or diluted.

Xenophobia Debate: South Africa’s anti-immigrant anger is being framed as a dangerous betrayal of the region’s liberation history, with fresh protests in Durban and renewed calls for tougher action—while Ghana watches closely over how its citizens are treated. Sports & Pride: Zimbabwe’s men’s 4x400m relay stunned in Accra to win the African title, and Ghana’s football scene stays busy as GFA boss Kurt Okraku backs Black Stars legacy and player inspiration. Health Crisis: A new push highlights that only 1 in 4 severely malnourished Ghanaian children get lifesaving RUTF, urging steadier funding. Business & Policy: Emirates brings its Autism-Certified “Travel Rehearsal” to Ghana, while Ghana’s Parliament readies debate on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill with Bagbin urging a pragmatic, consensual process. Finance & Governance: Accra hosts the 64th ACI World Congress as Bank of Ghana stresses credible regulation for trust. Crime & Identity: A Nigerian woman was jailed in Ghana for trying to obtain a passport with forged nationality documents. Markets & Inclusion: GRA and INSLA step up excise duty checks at Nima-Maamobi Markets, and Telecel Ghana doubles down on workplace inclusion.

Xenophobia Fallout: Ghana says it has delayed the evacuation of 800+ citizens from South Africa after a viral assault video sparked outrage, with only one person turning up for the Thursday flight as legal clearance and screening drag on. Foreign Affairs: DIRCO is urging African countries to coordinate on migration after the evacuation scramble, while Ghana’s government promises reintegration support, transport, and psychosocial help for evacuees. Parliament Watch: Ofoase Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah accuses the state of using Sections 207 and 208 of Act 29 to clamp down on dissent, as the National Peace Council calls for restraint. Regional Diplomacy: Ghana will host the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family and Sovereignty in Accra from June 3–6. Education Tech: The Ministry of Education signs a landmark MoU with Google for Education to modernise learning with AI and digital skills. Health: Ghana Medical and Dental Council warns hospitals must triage emergencies instead of hiding behind “no beds.”

Youth & Social Impact: A youth summit in Accra urged young leaders, entrepreneurs and development practitioners to team up, embrace innovation and push social impact initiatives for stronger communities. Poverty Watch (Wa West): Ghana Statistical Service data shows Wa West cut multidimensional poverty from 61.9% in 2021 to 24.0% in 2025—over 37 points in four years—crediting targeted support in education, water and livelihoods. Courtroom Drama (Joana Quaye/RNAQ): Joana Quaye has filed fresh court documents to back her claim of joint ownership of Quick Credit and Investment Money Lending Limited, challenging a “sole founder” narrative. Health Policy: Ghana says it has no suspected or confirmed Ebola cases, but has activated nationwide preparedness, screening and public awareness. Immigration & Security: Ghana Immigration Service trained 40 officers ahead of the May 25 e-visa rollout, while a galamsey clash in Sefwi Asawinso left one dead and six critically injured. Decentralisation Push: Government is set to roll out a 2026–2030 decentralisation framework to strengthen local governance and accountability.

Education Tech Push: Ghana has signed an MoU with Google for Education in the UK to boost digital literacy and plug AI into teaching and learning, with Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu saying the deal will strengthen teacher capacity and prepare students for the future of work. School Infrastructure Relief: After a GNA spotlight on the long-abandoned Ketsi M/A Basic School classroom block, construction has resumed and work is nearing completion. Student Housing Pressure: The Rent Control Department has ordered private hostel operators to pause planned 2026/2027 fee hikes while stakeholders meet to address rising accommodation costs. Immigration Modernisation: Ghana Immigration Service has trained 40 officers ahead of the May 25 e-visa rollout to speed up processing and tighten security. Regional Migration Fallout: Sierra Leone received nine deportees from the US under a third-country arrangement, underscoring the wider pressure on West African states. Beauty Industry Buzz: Beyoncé’s Cécred officially launches in Africa with Ghana as the first market, starting online and in select retailers.

Entertainment & Sports: Ghanaian-owned Crux Global Agency is powering the Basketball Africa League’s 6th season with artist bookings, DJs, cheerleaders and arena activations—turning games into a full sports-and-music spectacle across South Africa and Morocco. Health Security: Ghana has stepped up border screening and public awareness after Ebola outbreaks were confirmed in Uganda and the DRC, stressing no suspected cases in Ghana but urging safer hygiene and careful handling of animals and the sick. Humanitarian Recognition: First Lady Lordina Mahama has been appointed Merck Foundation Ambassador in Ghana for education, healthcare support and women’s empowerment through the Lordina Foundation. Youth & Work Reality: A new feature spotlights how graduates are still stuck in hustles—delivery, street trade and digital gigs—because formal jobs don’t match training. Energy Skills: VRA is training 20 energy professionals on solar mini-grids to grow local renewable expertise. Telecom Accountability: The NCA says it will publish network-by-network telecom performance scores to tackle poor service quality. Regional Mobility: Togo has gone visa-free for all African citizens with valid passports, aiming to boost African integration.

World Cup Buzz: FIFA’s June 11 kickoff is close, with teams submitting provisional squads (35–55 players) already—final 26-man lists land June 1 and are expected to be announced June 2, with Group L featuring Ghana. Tech & Startups: GITEX Nairobi opens Tuesday as African founders pitch big ideas, including a Kenyan AI database running on a US$5 server and a sign-language accessibility platform. Pan-African Mobility: Togo joins the visa-free push, scrapping entry visas for African Union citizens with valid passports (up to 30 days), following Ghana’s similar move. Ghana Governance & Rights: The NPP petitions diplomats over alleged misuse of prosecutions and shrinking freedoms, while legal voices renew calls to repeal Section 208 of Act 29. Education & Living Costs: Rent Control orders a temporary hold on hostel fee hikes for 2026/2027, as teachers boycott classes in Bono over a curse-linked dispute. Health & Society: VRA honours staff for excellence; Mamprobi Hospital says maternal services are rebounding after the baby abduction scare. Culture: Manhyia Palace unveils an epic animated film preview on Osei Tutu I, and Wiyaala is crowned Fugu Queen and tourism ambassador.

Poverty Spotlight: Ghana Statistical Service’s latest Multidimensional Poverty Index puts Ablekuma North at the top nationwide (8.5% average poverty headcount, 2021–2025), with Ablekuma West and Korle Klottey close behind—while the report again flags a sharp urban-rural divide. Power and Politics: NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey says “power” must improve lives, not enrich individuals, as the party launches its June 2026 “NDC Month” on strengthening state institutions. Health and Faith: Church of Pentecost rolls out a free medical outreach at Abesewa (Oct 2–18, 2026), and Ghana’s Health Ministry urges calm as Ebola is reported in parts of Africa—while border screening and public awareness ramp up. Energy Update: ECG schedules planned outages for May 19 across Tema, Accra East and parts of Ashanti. Sports & Culture: Ghana targets about 40 athletes for the Commonwealth Games, and Shatta Wale wins two IRAWMA awards in Florida. Tech & Regulation: NCA warns telecom firms over poor service quality, promising strict enforcement.

World Cup Media Spotlight: BBC is set to make Gabby Logan the first woman to front an England men’s World Cup match, with her likely hosting role for England vs Ghana on June 23. Maternal Health Push: Telecel Foundation’s rural ultrasound drive in Ada screened over 300 pregnant women at Kasseh Health Centre, with referrals for early complications. Education Quality Reform: NaSIA’s governance is under scrutiny as stakeholders say independence and credibility are still weak, limiting fair school regulation. Anti-Crime Training: The US FBI is training Ghana Police for 10 days to strengthen intelligence-led operations against transnational syndicates and violent extremists. Health Alerts: Ghana steps up Ebola preparedness after WHO’s DR Congo emergency—no cases reported locally, but surveillance and screening are intensified. Hypertension Awareness: World Hypertension Day campaigns continue with free screenings across districts, targeting the “silent killer.” Telecom Support Call: Ghana’s NCA urges communities to accept telecom towers to improve service quality and curb vandalism. Sports Moment: Hasaacas Ladies win the Women’s FA Cup again on penalties, and coach Raymond Fenny eyes elite status.

Tourism Spotlight: Ghana’s Noella Wiyaala has been crowned Fugu Queen and Tourism Ambassador in Funsi, with the Tourism Minister praising her role in promoting northern culture, identity, and youth empowerment. Consumer Protection: A new “Verify Before You Buy” campaign is pushing Ghanaians to check products before paying, targeting counterfeits, expired items, mislabeling and fraud. Digital Security: Cyberattacks on Africa’s financial and government sectors are surging, with new data showing Africa still faces higher weekly attack pressure than the global average. Health Data Stand-Off: Ghana has refused a US health agreement, saying it would effectively outsource the country’s health data architecture. Human Stories: The May 9 stadium disaster is marked with renewed support for children needing heart surgeries, while a tidal wave in Moree destroyed 13 houses and left 80+ homeless. Sports & World Cup Buzz: Toronto is set to host six World Cup matches, including Canada’s first-ever game on June 12.

Gold Mining Showdown: The Institute of Economic Affairs is urging the Mahama administration to reject Gold Fields’ 20-year Tarkwa lease extension, arguing April 2027 should be used to reclaim Ghana’s strategic control of a top gold operation. Education & Branding: Advtech has rebranded IIE Rosebank College to Rosebank International and is pushing toward full university status, with its Accra campus at the centre. Youth Innovation: Ghana’s teams battled in the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge qualifier in Accra, earning a shot at the Geneva summit. Cybercrime Reputation Pressure: Ghana is facing rising reputational heat as US fraud prosecutions and extraditions involving Ghanaians increase. Health Focus: PATH Ghana and GHS are intensifying hypertension awareness ahead of World Hypertension Day, urging regular blood pressure checks and better treatment adherence. Disaster & Safety: A tidal wave destroyed 13 houses in Moree, leaving 80+ homeless, while event-centre owners are being reminded to prioritise patron security.

Sahel Security Signal: The US and Nigeria carried out a joint operation against ISIS’ second-in-command in Nigeria’s Lake Chad Basin, underscoring how the fight against militants is widening across the region. World Cup Fan Culture: Liverpool’s Grand Central Dome will host an England fanpark with match screenings, including England vs Ghana on June 23. World Cup Reality Check: Fans are split ahead of the tournament as FIFA’s “fleecing” concerns and visa barriers for supporters keep the mood tense. Education Calendar: GES says SHS/technical students will reopen on September 18, and every qualified BECE candidate will be placed—pushing back fears of mass misses. 24-Hour Economy Tension: Keta Central residents protest the siting of the 24-hour market and UHAS pharmacy outside their area, calling it unfair and politically motivated. Integrity Push: The Asantehene urges business leaders to put honesty and humility at the centre of leadership. Health & Safety: Ghana Navy rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways off Tema.

Protest Watch: A reporter’s first look at a Tommy Robinson rally in the UK surprised them with how many supporters didn’t match stereotypes—among them a Ghanaian woman and a Polish man living in Britain for over 20 years. Faith & Work Ethics: Apostle Dr Eric Nyamekye urged Zoomlion Kenya staff to lead with competence, integrity and faithfulness as the firm expands in East Africa. Sports & Pride: UCC topped the medal table at the 9th Mini GUSA Games in Accra, while UEW dominated football and athletics. Youth & Governance: NCCE’s Tamale director urged students to actively fight corruption and report wrongdoing. Accra Development: The Marine Drive Project is being revised for clearer implementation direction, with updates expected in about three months. Education Push: KMA set schedules for International Day of the Boy Child activities, and Ghana TVET Service launched a TVET leadership workshop. Environment Enforcement: Blue Water Guards graduated 452 recruits in the Western Region to expand the anti-galamsey fight nationwide. Culture & Leadership: Queenmothers backed Zanetor Rawlings after her Pan-African Parliament role, and Maame Efua Houadjeto was enstooled as Safohen of Bentsir No. 1 Asafo Company. Health & Policy: UHAS appealed for more government support amid rapid growth and staff shortages. Entertainment: Shakira, Madonna and BTS are set for the 2026 World Cup final halftime show.

Eid ul-Adha Watch: Muslims around Merseyside are waiting for the official announcement, with moon-sighting expected to shape whether Dhul Hijjah starts May 18 and Eid falls around May 27. Legal Education Shake-up: Ghana’s Legal Education Act, 2026 (Act 1170) keeps entrance exams alive in a new, more decentralised setup—raising fresh questions about what it means for aspiring lawyers and the Ghana Bar path. Tax Push Online: GRA plans automated VAT deductions on online payments from August, aiming to stop reliance on self-reporting and boost revenue. Health Upgrade: Sweden-Ghana Medical Centre (SGMC) commissions a Nuclear Medicine PET-CT facility—first of its kind in West Africa—promising earlier cancer detection. Local Governance Tension: Osei Tutu SHS PTA and Old Students demand headmaster transfers over alleged mismanagement, indiscipline and security fears. Conservation Spotlight: London Zoo moves rare Ghanaian frogs into its habitat as partners race to save species from extinction.

World Cup Buzz: Ghana’s World Cup build-up is heating up as FIFA squads are being announced early, with Group L featuring Ghana alongside England and Panama. Politics & Rights: NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia accuses the NDC of intimidation and harassment of party members, while the Mahama-NDC government’s Interpol Red Alert issue remains in the headlines. Education Pressure: Ho West District is seeing low birth rates hit school enrolment, leaving classrooms underused, while President Mahama says the double-track system will be phased out by 2027. Health Moves: A US delegation praised Ghana’s breast cancer work in Kumasi, and Ghana commissioned West Africa’s first nuclear medicine facility to cut outbound cancer travel. Everyday Economy: Dzodze store owners complain about people rejecting 20 pesewa coins, disrupting change and slowing trade. Sports & Youth: Black Princesses’ U-20 Women’s World Cup draw puts Ghana in Group C with France, South Korea and Ecuador.

U-20 Women’s World Cup Draw: Ghana’s Black Princesses learn their group opponents today, May 15, as the official draw for Poland 2026 takes place in Łódź, with matches also in Bielsko-Biała, Katowice and Sosnowiec. Sports Integrity: SA’s athletes’ complaints about accommodation in Accra have triggered a probe—Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie ordered Athletics South Africa to submit a full report and arranged alternative hotels. World Cup Glam Moment: FIFA confirms Madonna, Shakira and BTS will headline the first-ever live halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final in New York/New Jersey on July 19. Fraud Alert: GETFund warns the public about fake contract award notices circulating in its name, saying they’re unauthorized and not linked to official procurement. Health Update: Ghana records six new Mpox cases, bringing the total to 1,070, with authorities saying transmission has slowed. Rights in Focus: A High Court orders Ghana Police to apologize and pay damages over rights violations during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.