AGP Executive Report

Flood Relief & Sanitation Pressure: Stanbic Bank Ghana donated GH¢400,000 in flood and fire relief items to NADMO, as Accra’s blocked drains and viral refuse videos keep reigniting the sanitation debate. Climate Education & Attitude Change: The EPA marked World Environment Day with school sensitisation and calls for better waste management, tree planting and biodiversity protection. Tree-Planting vs Urban Livestock: Prof. Chris Gordon warned that roaming animals can destroy new trees, saying tree campaigns must be paired with community coordination and livestock control. Flood Governance Push: E-WANF urged President Mahama to declare a state of emergency in flood-prone areas and strengthen enforcement against building on waterways. WASH for Universal Access: World Vision Ghana signed an MoU with four Upper East districts to expand Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services by 2030, including a “Drinking Water Sustainability Fund.” Climate Stress on Food Systems: Reports highlight how El Niño risks plus rising temperatures could worsen weather shocks for agriculture, while Proforest warns climate change is already cutting Ghana cocoa incomes. Galamsey Accountability: GLOMEF Ghana challenged NAIMOS nearly a year after launch, saying illegal mining remains widespread and needs stronger, impartial action.

Mining Governance: Ghana’s Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah says the era of unlimited renewals of mining concessions is ending, and he also launched a cooperative mining scheme for Akyem Kotoku to push responsible, community-led mining with better recovery tech and land/water restoration. Waste & Flood Risk: Accra’s AMA fined 13 sanitation offenders during National Sanitation Day, as stakeholders call for a shift away from landfill dependence toward engineered waste treatment and sustainable funding to avert a looming waste crisis and worsen flooding. Climate Diplomacy: Ghana took the floor at Bonn climate talks for the African Group of Negotiators, urging stronger adaptation, finance and governance as El Niño risks rise. Oceans & Fisheries: World Oceans Day coverage highlights Ghana’s push for marine protection, with HELP Foundation urging action against overfishing, pollution and illegal fishing to protect livelihoods and the blue economy. Health & Environment: Telecel Ghana Foundation planted 10,000 trees (43,000 total) and ran free health screenings in Konongo; DENSTAR also launched a €11m dengue vaccine push for sub-Saharan Africa. Trade & Digital Growth: ECOWAS trade officials met in Accra as private sector groups complained about stalled implementation, while MTN showcased MTN Ads to help SMEs reach customers with targeted digital marketing.

Floods & Urban Planning: Accra’s flooding is spreading beyond old hotspots, with JoyNews’ Probe pointing to planning gaps, wetland encroachment and drainage failures behind the recurring disasters. Climate Action & Trees: Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah says Ghana will keep pushing climate mitigation through Tree for Life, with stronger post-planting care and monitoring. Illegal Mining & Water: A Lake Bosomtwe restoration push is under threat from galamsey and encroachment, while calls keep growing for tougher enforcement. Health & Safety at Work: Midwives and nurses are demanding justice after an assault on a Tema midwife, as health workers also protest KATH CEO suspension—while the Health Ministry urges staff to return and says emergency care rules must be followed. Food Safety: World Food Safety Day coverage highlights Ghana’s food safety gaps, with WHO estimates showing unsafe food’s huge toll. Local Transport & Environment: DACF and Wahu Mobility launch an electric motorcycle pilot for districts to improve field service delivery and reduce fuel burdens. Media Freedom: President Mahama reiterates Ghana’s commitment to press freedom and warns against misinformation, as GJA honours press institutions.

Climate Action Watch: The EPA says the planet “is no longer negotiating” as floods and extreme heat worsen, blaming attitudes like dumping waste into drains and building on waterways. Flood Governance: Government reiterates long-term action after heavy rains, while NADMO officials point to silted drainage, rising runoff from cleared vegetation, and wetlands “sold” instead of protected. World Environment Day, Local Focus: Oheneba Poku Foundation warns illegal mining and encroachment threaten Lake Bosomtwe’s restoration gains, urging urgent protection of buffer zones. Extractives Oversight: Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah says mining concession renewals will face tougher scrutiny, with companies required to show compliance before approvals. Media Freedom: The GJA World Press Freedom Day Honours Night saw calls for stronger protection of journalists and responsible reporting as misinformation grows. Healthcare Safety: KATH turmoil continues as the Minority criticises CEO suspension as a symptom of the wider “No Bed Syndrome,” while Tema Community 22 Polyclinic faces renewed calls for a national policy to protect nurses and midwives. Digital Resilience: Telecel warns Ghana’s telecoms are losing millions to daily fibre cuts and vandalism, threatening connectivity and daily services.

World Environment Day & climate warning: Ghana marked World Environment Day with calls for urgent climate action as the EPA warned the planet is “no longer negotiating,” pointing to flooding, heat and poor waste practices as human-made drivers of disaster. Floods as a governance failure: The Frimpong-Manso Institute and voices on Newsfile say recurring June floods won’t end with seasonal panic; they blame weak enforcement, blocked drainage, and building on waterways and wetlands. Ada East blamed on human activity: NADMO said most Ada East disasters, including flooding and fire outbreaks, are preventable and linked to encroachment on wetlands and obstruction of natural water flow. Accra relief and enforcement: Tema West Municipal Assembly distributed flood relief and warned it will demolish unauthorised structures on wetlands and Ramsar sites. Tree for Life momentum: Volta launched Tree for Life at Taviefe SHS, while UBIDS reported 70% seedling survival and urged wider planting and restoration. Health & environment link: A World Environment Day sensitisation pushed “Green Clubs” in schools, tying environmental protection to public health. Menstrual hygiene safety debate: A feature raised concerns about chemicals in sanitary pads, urging safer products beyond access campaigns. Healthcare disruption: KATH doctors declared an indefinite strike over the CEO suspension, adding pressure to an already strained emergency system.

Anti-IUU Fishing Push: West Africa steps up action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with the Dakar Declaration driving more cooperation, surveillance and community involvement. Floods & Governance: Commentators say Ghana’s recurring floods are a leadership and accountability failure, not just weather, as residents again report disruption and blame weak enforcement. Environment Action on the Ground: Government and partners kick off the 2026 Tree for Life push targeting 30 million seedlings, while communities like Drobonso hold World Environment Day tree planting to build climate resilience. Waste & Waterways Warning: The Christian Council urges Ghanaians to stop indiscriminate dumping, especially near waterways, linking human behaviour to environmental harm. Mining Future Debate: Calls continue around Gold Fields’ lease renewal and broader mining rights, with renewed pressure to align mining with host communities and environmental rules. Health & Safety at Facilities: A midwife assault case heads to court, and KATH doctors begin an indefinite strike over the CEO suspension—both spotlighting safety and governance in healthcare. Digital Health with AI: WHO, UNDP and Japan-backed support launches an AI health programme aimed at climate-sensitive disease alerts and stronger, ethical digital health systems. Diaspora & Jobs: Ghana’s diaspora is urged to invest in the 24-hour economy and export-led growth, with Mahama also visiting Ghanaian-owned businesses in the UK.

Biodiversity & Trade: Germany signals direct funding support for WASCAL’s Climate Change Action Now (CCAN) in Ghana, as Accra’s recent floods underline the need to turn climate research into action. Reforestation Push: Telecel Ghana plants 10,000 seedlings for World Environment Day, adding to 43,000 trees planted in five years, while Northern Region targets 150,000 trees under the 2026 Tree for Life drive and Cape Coast joins the same national effort. Flood Risk & Accountability: NADMO and Zoomlion launch a 12-week “No Do No Do” campaign to curb waste dumping that blocks drains, as Accra residents continue to face recurring, human-made flooding. Water & Infrastructure: Kumasi residents brace for a Barekese Water Treatment Plant shutdown (June 9–11) for critical pipeline repairs. Health & Safety: Ghana’s “No Bed Syndrome” remains a crisis, and the GHS condemns the assault of a midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic, renewing calls to protect healthcare workers. Climate Finance & Jobs: Ghana’s investor confidence story gets a boost from President Mahama’s London remarks on structural recovery, while tree and sanitation efforts aim to support resilience and livelihoods.

Sports & Tourism: Ghana’s Black Star Balloon Tour was launched to boost patriotism and tourism, with traditional leaders backing it as a way to unite communities through sport. Environment in Schools: Keta’s NCCE and Forestry Commission planted 200 trees (mahogany and palm) in basic schools under the Tree for Life push for World Environment Day. Heat & Health: A BBC report says England will use palm-cooling tech at the 2026 World Cup as venues face dangerous heat, alongside FIFA hydration breaks. Air Quality & Health: A feature highlights how poor air quality is worsening asthma for children, with families facing repeated hospital visits and heavy costs. Forestry & Charcoal Controls: Ghana recorded 952,000 cubic metres of timber production in 2025, while Savannah’s minister ordered MMDAs to pass by-laws with penalties to curb commercial charcoal production. Flooding & Urban Planning: Commentaries warn Accra’s recurring floods need a smarter, integrated approach (including ideas like Malaysia’s SMART Tunnel) rather than repeated clean-up and demolition. Healthcare Access: 37 Military Hospital opened Ghana’s first Philips helium-free 1.5T MRI and expanded diagnostics via a public-private partnership, with free scans for eligible patients for a limited period. Workplace Safety in Health: GRNMA and NARM-GAR condemned the assault of a midwife at Tema Community 22 Polyclinic and called for stronger security and national protections for healthcare workers. Child Survival Concern: A global report says progress in newborn and child survival has slowed, putting many countries at risk of missing UN targets.

Plastic & circular economy: Accra’s AMA has signed a binding feedstock deal with Numatter Recycling Technologies (NRTL) for Ghana’s first industrial-scale plastic-to-fuel pyrolysis plant, targeting over 100 tonnes of plastic waste daily and turning it into petrol, diesel, kerosene and activated carbon. Waste-to-jobs: A separate report flags a landmark recycling push to turn plastic waste into fuel, with plans to create 1,500 jobs. Climate risk: An Oxford study names Ahmedabad, Nagpur and Madurai among the world’s most heat-vulnerable cities, and notes Ghana among countries with high heat-risk scores. Illegal mining pressure: On World Environment Day, the Frimpong-Manso Institute calls for urgent, uncompromising action against galamsey, warning of threats to forests, water, food security and climate resilience. Mining governance: At WAMPEX in Accra, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah reassured investors Ghana will not nationalise mines, stressing stable legal certainty and value-for-economy assessments. Water & sanitation: Tano North commissions WASH facilities (boreholes and toilets) for thousands in four communities, boosting safe water and school sanitation. Early learning: The Education Ministry scales play-based learning across public kindergartens nationwide, training about 30,000 teachers to improve early literacy and numeracy.

Plastic & Jobs: Accra’s first industrial-scale plastic pyrolysis push is moving from promise to implementation, with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly signing a feedstock deal to supply 100 tonnes of plastic waste daily—projected to create about 1,500 jobs across collection, sorting and plant operations. Flood Risk & Planning Enforcement: Ada East District says about 70% of buildings lack permits, warning that structures on waterways and flood-prone areas face demolition as enforcement tightens to cut disaster risks. Extreme Weather: GMet links Accra flooding to a rainstorm drifting in from Nigeria, stressing that poor drainage and rapid urbanisation often worsen impacts even when rainfall totals aren’t extreme. Agriculture for Self-Sufficiency: MOFA partners with FarmMate to boost tomato production and processing, targeting 250 acres in Offinso North to reduce import dependence, stabilise prices and cut post-harvest losses. Mining & Environment: The Ghana Chamber of Mines says artisanal and small-scale mining produces about 52% of Ghana’s gold but contributes under 2% of tax revenue, calling for stronger formalisation without crushing livelihoods. E-Waste: An e-waste drive saw hundreds of items donated for refurbishment or recycling, with many residents citing environmental help as their main reason. Water & Safety at Events: FIFA bans reusable water bottles at World Cup venues, directing fans to alternative hydration options. Human Security at Borders: A human security analyst urges calm over Interior’s warning of over 100 unauthorised entry routes along the Volta-Togo border, saying the focus should be on state accountability for who uses informal paths.

Climate & Clean Transport: In Bawku, residents marked World Environment Day with “Ride for Clean Air,” shifting from petrol motorbikes to electric bikes to cut pollution and push local climate action. Forests for Finance: Forestry Commission’s Elikem Kotoko says Ghana’s forests should be treated as investment assets too—linking restoration and REDD+ to climate finance, jobs, biodiversity and better governance. REDD+ Update (Atewa): The World Bank says it’s “modestly satisfied” with REDD+ progress in the Atewa Hotspot Intervention Area, citing community-led conservation and support for cocoa farmers. Air & Reporting Safety: Ashanti GJA and RSF Germany are training journalists for safer, more accurate environmental reporting as mining and galamsey impacts stay in the spotlight. Flooding & Daily Life: Accra commuters report worsening rainy-season hardship—vehicle shortages, traffic and poor road conditions turning commutes into a daily struggle. Electric Mobility Rollout: DACF and Wahu Mobility plan 5,000 smart electric motorcycles nationwide, starting with a pilot for MMDAs to support revenue collection and environmental health work. Mining Certainty: Ghana reassures mining investors amid Gold Fields’ Tarkwa lease renewal debate, stressing stable, predictable rules and “no nationalisation” signals. Cocoa Price Volatility: Cocoa and coffee farmer groups warn persistent market price swings are undermining livelihoods and slowing investment across the value chain. Green Infrastructure at Takoradi: UK-backed PIDG is investing £101m in a ship repair and dry-docking facility at Takoradi Port, with jobs and a new climate-focused project preparation push.

Nature Finance & Biodiversity: Ecobank has launched a $450m Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange to channel capital into sustainable farming, deforestation-free supply chains and water systems, aiming to close Africa’s nature-finance gap. Cocoa & Forest Risk: COCOBOD proposes up to 10 years in jail for cocoa smugglers, with confiscation and heavy fines, as Ghana pushes to meet the EU deforestation rules and tighten farm-to-port traceability. Soil & Battery Pollution: A new report highlights how sulphuric acid and lead from used car batteries are poisoning Ghana’s soil and affecting people’s health. Invasive Pests: West African experts are meeting in Accra to strengthen pest risk analysis against invasive species, with estimates putting losses at about US$7bn a year across the continent. Flooding & Planning: Accra flooding is being linked to drainage failures and floodplain encroachment, with calls for better rainwater storage and smarter land-use decisions. Clean Energy for Health: A Ghanaian wind-solar microgrid has delivered 6,000+ hours of clean power to rural health centres in the Eastern Region, cutting diesel costs and supporting maternal care. Food Security: WFP says a daily school meal is keeping 60,000 children in class in Northern Ghana, improving attendance and health while supporting local farmers. Investment & Jobs: The UK–Ghana Growth Partnership (2026–2028) is set to unlock private investment, including a £101m ship repair/dry-docking facility in Takoradi.

Flood Resilience in Accra: The Ghana Institution of Engineers says Accra’s worsening flooding can’t be solved by drainage alone and is pushing mandatory rainwater harvesting and on-site storage for homes and estates, so storm water doesn’t rush into the city at once. Plastic Pollution Pushback: Ghanaians are reacting to the government’s ban on Styrofoam containers, with some welcoming cleaner drains and others warning small food vendors may struggle unless affordable alternatives are ready. Clean Water Access: The Ghana Maritime Authority is extending mechanized boreholes to six Upper West communities, aiming to cut the daily burden of water collection and improve school attendance and WASH. Fisheries Enforcement: Two inshore fishing operators were arrested at Tema Harbour for operating without valid licences and using unapproved gear, as authorities intensify action against illegal fishing. Ocean Governance Call: Ahead of Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, Oceana urges stronger protection for marine habitats and more transparent fisheries decisions that put small-scale fishers and coastal communities first. Climate Justice in Court: A landmark climate case is before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, asking what duties African governments have to protect people from climate harms. Cocoa Financing Shift: COCOBOD is close to launching a locally financed commercial paper programme using pension funds, banks and value-chain players to fund cocoa purchases and reduce reliance on foreign syndicated loans. UK-Ghana Green Maritime Deal: A £215m UK-Ghana growth partnership includes a £101m Takoradi floating dock project and an £85m reforestation fund to restore degraded land and support rural jobs.

Climate-smart food systems: Vice President Prof. Jane Opoku-Agyemang urged West Africa to invest in rice across the value chain, warning that importing too much food also imports vulnerability. Flood resilience: Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) says Accra’s flooding is an engineering problem and calls for a radical shift to rainwater harvesting and storage at homes and estates. Plastic and waste-to-wealth: CORD Ghana trained youth in green business skills to turn waste into products, pushing resource recovery as a livelihood and sustainability pathway. Food import pressure: Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability Issifu Seidu called for climate-smart agriculture to cut Ghana’s dependence on imports, citing heavy poultry import costs. Illegal fishing and enforcement: Fisheries enforcement at Tema Harbour arrested inshore operators for operating without valid licences, as Ghana pushes harder against illegal fishing. Local governance and gender: The Gender Minister launched a programme to prepare 30 women for the 2027 district elections, aiming to strengthen leadership and representation. Transport costs: Volta GPRTU denied authorising a 20% lorry fare increase circulating online, warning drivers against unilateral hikes. Health equity research: Ghanaian global health scholar Dr. Godfred Boateng is leading work linking inequality, poverty, resource insecurity and environmental challenges to health outcomes.

Flood Risk & Drainage Reform: The Ghana Institution of Engineering says Accra’s flooding is now a structural crisis, driven by clogged drains, rapid urban growth, weak land-use planning, and fragmented agency control—calling for a shift to decentralised, nature-based stormwater systems like bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and rainwater harvesting. Plastic Pollution Numbers: A new look at Ghana’s plastic crisis estimates about 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste yearly, with less than 2% recycled—fueling clogged drains, polluted coasts, and pressure on marine life. Clean Water Support: Republic Bank commissioned solar/electric mechanized boreholes in Pwalugu and Dingoni, targeting SDG 6 clean water and training residents to operate and maintain the systems. Health & Tech Safety: The Ghana Association of Radiologists warns diagnostic centres against issuing AI radiology reports without licensed doctor oversight, stressing patient safety and legal compliance. Fisheries Education Push: Fishing community stakeholders are urging scholarships for students from riparian areas to train as teachers and nurses, improving access to education and healthcare. Ghana-UK Growth Deal: Ghana and the UK signed a £215m Growth Partnership (2026–2028), including a £101m Takoradi ship repair facility and climate-focused forestry support.

Climate Justice in Court: A landmark climate case is before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, with civil society asking judges to clarify states’ duties to protect people from climate harms and shift away from environmentally damaging economies. Waste Trade Rules: An opinion piece argues Africa’s own treaty could help fix global waste trade loopholes that enable toxic dumping and “toxic colonialism.” Flood Risk & Urban Planning: A commentary revisits Accra’s recurring flooding, blaming weak land-use planning and clogged drainage systems packed with refuse, urging a radical shift in flood management. Clean Water Push: Republic Bank inaugurated mechanized boreholes in Pwalugu and Dingoni after a documentary showed communities competing with animals for water—clean water as health and dignity. Responsible Mining Training: Government-backed training for small-scale miners in Eastern Region focuses on compliance, safety, and environmental protection to curb harmful illegal practices. Air Quality Monitoring: Breathe Accra expands municipal pollution data collection, aiming to map air pollution even where monitors are scarce. Consumer Safety: CDA Consult’s “Verify Before You Buy” campaign targets counterfeit and unsafe goods through public education and stronger collaboration with regulators.