AGP Executive Report

Galamsey and Restoration: President Mahama has allocated GH¢400 million in the 2027 budget to fight illegal mining, while GoldBod and military engineers are partnering to restore the damaged Tano Nimri Forest. Marine Protection: Civil society groups welcomed the suspension of offshore gold exploration but are pressing for the licences to be revoked, citing risks to fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Coastal Resilience: A Keta chief has urged Mahama to speed up the WACA project to protect Fuveme and other communities from erosion and tidal waves. Climate Action: ECOWAS and UEMOA negotiators are meeting in Accra to coordinate West Africa’s priorities ahead of COP31, including climate finance and adaptation. Wildlife: Fifteen critically endangered Afia Birago puddle frogs have hatched at London Zoo—the first successful births under human care. The species is found only in Ghana’s Atewa Hills, where mining threatens its habitat. Greener Cities: Sekondi-Takoradi plans its first dedicated cycling lane, while Ghana’s environment minister has urged scientists to develop cassava- or hemp-based alternatives to plastic.

Climate and Food: A forecast “Super El Niño” is already hurting crop yields across several regions and could push global food prices up 9% through 2028, adding pressure to food systems. Mining and Water: Ghana is tightening scrutiny of mining companies after reported environmental breaches, while President Mahama has urged chiefs to support the fight against galamsey. Civil society groups are also calling for offshore gold licences to be revoked to protect fisheries. Wildlife: A world-first breeding success produced 15 critically endangered Afia Birago’s puddle frogs at London Zoo, in partnership with Ghanaian conservation groups. The species survives in just two pools in Atewa Hills, where mining threatens its habitat. Pollution: Greenpeace’s Ghana textile-waste probe has named major fashion brands, adding pressure for stronger action on discarded clothing.

Offshore Mining: Fishing communities and 24 civil society groups want Ghana to revoke 10 offshore gold licences covering about 10,000 square kilometres, warning of risks to marine life, fisheries and coastal livelihoods. They say suspending exploration is not enough. Galamsey and Water: Ghana Water Company says illegal mining is driving up treatment costs as polluted rivers force it to use more expensive methods to maintain water quality. Climate Finance: Ghana’s climate minister has urged development partners to offer affordable financing to countries tackling debt and climate risks, including longer repayment periods and fairer credit ratings. Climate Risks: New findings warn that extreme rainfall threatens cocoa yields, while wetland communities in northern Ghana face a hotter, more flood-prone future.

Offshore Mining: Twenty-four civil society and fisheries groups have welcomed the suspension of offshore gold exploration but want the licences revoked, warning of risks to marine life, fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Galamsey and Water: A new analysis warns illegal mining is intensifying pressure on Ghana’s water supplies; researchers estimate about 60% of water bodies are polluted, and mining has contributed to the shutdown of the Birim River treatment plant. Climate and Cocoa: New research finds extreme rainfall can damage cocoa flowers and young pods, disrupt pollination and spread disease—threatening farmers’ incomes. Flood Risk: Northern wetland communities face hotter, more flood-prone conditions, while scientists continue seeking lasting solutions to Bagre Dam’s annual floods. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund has committed US$7.6 billion to Africa over the past decade and says future funding will depend on countries developing finance-ready projects.

Cocoa and Climate: New research identifies extreme rainfall as a major threat to cocoa yields in Ghana, damaging flowers and young pods, disrupting pollination and spreading fungal disease. Water Pollution: Illegal mining has reportedly silted the Birim River, forcing the Kibi water treatment plant to shut down. Climate Action: UNDP says it will continue supporting Ghana on climate finance, adaptation, waste recovery, energy efficiency and mercury-free mining. Textile Waste: Greenpeace has named H&M, Primark and Marks & Spencer in a probe into textile waste in Ghana and called for a ban on imports of unusable clothing. Coastal Access: SSNIT says Labadi beachfront will remain public during redevelopment, which is planned to include tourism and leisure facilities.

Sustainable Cocoa: COCOBOD is testing soilless seedling media and alternatives to plastic bags, aiming to reduce topsoil loss and nursery waste. Galamsey and Water: Illegal mining has polluted the Birim River so badly that the Kibi treatment plant has been shut since August, disrupting water supplies. Catholic bishops also warn mining chemicals may be contaminating food and water. Electric Vehicles: Ghana’s Energy Commission says regulations for charging stations and battery-swapping systems are awaiting approval; the framework includes used-battery management to limit future waste. Coastal Protection: Friends of the Nation has launched a campaign to protect Ghana’s Inshore Exclusive Zone, while the Fisheries Ministry says it will crack down on unsafe fish-processing methods. Waste Reduction: The EPA is sensitising Winneba residents about its styrofoam ban. Climate Risks: Scientists are seeking a lasting solution to Bagre Dam floods, as northern farmers face losses and wetland communities confront hotter, more flood-prone conditions.

Climate and Flood Risk: Researchers are seeking lasting solutions to annual Bagre Dam floods, which devastate farms and livelihoods in northern Ghana. New research also warns that wetland communities face hotter, more flood-prone conditions, and points to nature-based adaptation informed by local knowledge. Biosafety: Environment Minister Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings is calling for clear GMO labelling and public education, including for products sold locally, to help consumers make informed choices. Coastal Protection: Friends of the Nation has launched a campaign to protect Ghana’s Inshore Exclusive Zone. Pollution and Conservation: The EPA is sensitising Winneba residents about the styrofoam ban, while Greenpeace is urging a ban on “dead waste” textile imports. Catholic bishops have renewed calls for a state of emergency over galamsey, as three suspected illegal miners were arrested in Tano-Boin Forest Reserve.

Wetland Restoration: Prudential Life says it has planted 12,300 mangroves at the Songor Ramsar Site over three years, including 5,000 this week, to help restore the threatened wetland and build climate resilience. Community Action: Faith leaders urged women to champion conservation through recycling, waste management and turning organic waste into useful products. Climate Funding: Kasa Initiative Ghana and ABANTU called for faster release of climate and environmental funds, warning that budget allocations mean little if money does not reach frontline programmes. Mining and Pollution: Catholic bishops renewed calls for emergency action against galamsey, while an Abuakwa South MP says mining has pushed Birim River turbidity to 50,000 NTU. Offshore gold exploration has also been halted over environmental and consultation concerns. Plastic Waste: The EPA is taking its styrofoam-ban awareness campaign to Winneba.

Wetland Restoration: Prudential Life Insurance Ghana has planted 12,300 mangroves at the Songor Ramsar Site over three years, working with local residents, students and the Forestry Commission to restore a threatened wetland. Community Action: Women at a faith and climate justice conference in Accra were urged to turn waste into income through recycling, briquettes and composting. Plastic Pollution: The EPA is educating Winneba businesses and residents ahead of Ghana’s January 2027 ban on expanded-polystyrene takeaway packs, encouraging reusable and biodegradable alternatives. Water at Risk: Ghana Water Limited warned that illegal mining is polluting raw water sources and increasing treatment costs, urging women to lead efforts to protect water resources. Offshore Mining: Gold exploration off Ghana’s coast has been suspended pending stakeholder talks, amid environmental and consultation concerns raised by fishers and civil society groups.

Food Systems: FAO’s representative to Ghana is urging more innovation and technology to strengthen agriculture, while CSIR-SARI is asking farmers to help choose the next generation of cowpea varieties. Galamsey: The Minority is calling for action against illegal-mining financiers as damage to rivers, forests and farmland remains a major concern; a separate report says turbidity in the Birim River has reached 50,000 NTU. Mining and Oceans: Offshore gold exploration remains suspended pending stakeholder talks, after fishers and civil society groups raised environmental and consultation concerns. Forests and Climate: Ghana’s US$21 million forest-finance success is being touted as a model for West Africa, while the FAO is calling for stronger REDD+ systems to unlock climate funding. Wildlife: Ghana has joined the International Big Cat Alliance to strengthen conservation efforts.

Sustainable Agriculture: FAO’s Ghana representative is urging greater use of science, technology and AI to boost farm productivity and transform food systems. Plastic Waste: Ghana’s Plastic Recyclers Association wants a dedicated industrial hub to grow recycling, create jobs and tackle plastic pollution. Galamsey: Catholic bishops have renewed calls for a state of emergency, warning illegal mining threatens water, food and public health. Offshore Mining: Gold exploration licences have been suspended amid concerns from fishers and other stakeholders about the environmental and livelihood risks. Textile Waste: Global fashion brands and Ghana’s Or Foundation have launched a coalition to test ways to reduce clothing waste and support reuse and recycling, including at Accra’s Kantamanto Market. Forests and Climate: Ghana’s reported $21 million forest-finance success is being promoted as a model for West Africa, while a climate-risk mitigation project is being implemented in northern Ghana.

Illegal Mining: Ghana’s Catholic Bishops have renewed calls for a state of emergency to tackle galamsey, warning that polluted water and food chains threaten public health and livelihoods. Coastal Protection: Fishermen at Dixcove oppose offshore gold exploration over risks to fishing grounds and marine life; the licences have been suspended pending stakeholder talks. Wildlife Conservation: Ghana has joined the International Big Cat Alliance, which aims to protect big-cat species and strengthen efforts against poaching. Climate Resilience: A new insurance scheme in northern Ghana is helping farmers manage erratic rainfall and poor seed germination, with more than 2,000 farmers sensitised so far. Waste: Greenpeace is calling for a ban on imports of “dead waste” textiles, spotlighting the burden discarded clothing places on Ghanaian communities.

Offshore Gold: Ghana has suspended Goldcoast GRC’s offshore reconnaissance work pending stakeholder talks, following concerns about environmental impacts and consultation. Galamsey: Catholic bishops renewed calls for a state of emergency, warning illegal mining threatens public health, food safety and water systems. In the Western Region, community monitors also helped arrest three suspected miners in the Tano-Boin Forest Reserve. Wildlife: Ghana has joined the International Big Cat Alliance, backing cooperation to protect big cats and combat poaching. Flood Preparedness: Bolgatanga Technical University students won an innovation challenge with a system that monitors rising floodwater and sends alerts and location details to emergency responders. Coastal Resilience: Ada East Assembly says recurring tidal-wave damage needs a permanent engineering solution, beyond the temporary measures it can afford. Climate Finance: African climate negotiators are urging COP31 to deliver predictable funding and practical support for adaptation plans. Clean Transport: The Energy Commission says EV-charging and battery-swapping rules are awaiting parliamentary approval, with provisions for managing used batteries and e-waste.

Natural Resources: The Lands Ministry and Presidential Delivery Unit are reviewing five programmes covering alternative livelihoods, responsible mining, reforestation, land reclamation and green mining, as officials acknowledge resource and operational constraints in tackling illegal mining. Climate Finance: Ghana hosted a regional REDD+ workshop to help West African countries build the systems needed to access climate funding. Funding Gaps: Civil society groups urged government to release climate and environmental funds on time, warning that budget promises will have little impact if money does not reach communities and frontline agencies. Ocean Protection: Ghana’s Minerals Commission suspended Gold Coast GRC’s offshore reconnaissance licence amid environmental and consultation concerns, following calls from fishers and civil society to halt the exploration. Waterways: Abuakwa South MP Bernard Ahiafor says illegal mining has pushed turbidity in the Birim River to 50,000 NTU, renewing calls for decisive action to protect the river.

Galamsey and Water: Abuakwa South’s MP says Birim River turbidity has reached 50,000 NTU; Kibi’s water-treatment plant has been shut since August 2025, threatening access to clean water. Offshore Mining: Ghana has suspended Gold Coast GRC’s reconnaissance licence amid concerns from fishers, who want consultation and a fisheries impact assessment before exploration proceeds. Land Governance: Government has begun reviewing the 1999 land policy, with a new framework due for Cabinet consideration by the end of 2027. The review will address pressures including climate change, urbanisation and competing land uses. Renewable Energy: Research finds irregular procurement and weak local-content enforcement are limiting renewable manufacturing and decent jobs in Ghana, despite the country’s 5.3GW capacity. Waste and Biodiversity: Ghana’s planned 2027 styrofoam ban and a new baobab-mapping project put plastic pollution and native species in focus.

Offshore mining pause: Ghana’s Minerals Commission has ordered an immediate suspension of reconnaissance activities by Gold Coast GRC Ghana Limited over offshore mineral exploration, citing potential environmental and ecological impacts and concerns about consultation and social licence. Biosafety rules for investment: Environment Minister Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings urged harmonised biotechnology and biosafety regulations to reduce approval uncertainty and attract investment, ahead of the Biosafety and Biotechnology Expo. Water and sanitation stress: In Nabdam (Upper East), communities report worsening water shortages and unsafe boreholes, with women and girls hit hardest; the issue is being tackled through climate-resilient WASH advocacy. Baobab mapping push: Ho Technical University, CSIR and partners have launched a national baobab population mapping project to build a geodatabase for conservation, sustainable use and livelihoods. Waste transfer stations plan: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga directed MMDCEs to identify one-acre plots for waste transfer stations within 30 days to improve solid waste management. Land governance reset: Ghana has begun reviewing the 1999 National Land Policy to tackle encroachment, multiple sales, disputes and tenure insecurity, with a new framework targeted by 2027.