AGP Executive Report

Waste Management Overhaul: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga toured Accra’s waste sites and called for a full reset of the waste value chain, backing the polluter-pays principle and warning that DACF should not be used to fund Accra’s sanitation gaps. Public Health & Plastics: EPA took its styrofoam ban awareness drive to the Central Expo in Cape Coast, urging businesses to get permits and switch to safer alternatives. Sanitation Response in Flood Zones: Zoomlion launched a regionwide disinfection and disinfestation exercise in Ghana’s Upper West Region after heavy rains, disinfecting toilets and refuse dumps and pushing for regular follow-up with MMDAs. Illegal Waste Product Crackdown: VAST Ghana praised FDA, police and National Security for seizing “cigarette rod lollipop” and urged nationwide enforcement plus lab testing to protect children. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: GAIP and AgroT Hub sensitised farmers in Pru West and Atebubu-Amantin on agricultural insurance covering crop and livestock losses from disasters. Energy Transition Debate: President Mahama urged a pragmatic Africa energy mix—oil and gas alongside renewables—at Africa Oil Week in Accra, as Ghana seeks more energy investment. Cyber & Media Responsibility: CSA boss Divine Selase Agbeti urged media to correct misinformation fast and with equal prominence, especially on national security and public emergencies.

Environment & Climate Policy: Newly sworn-in Environment, Science and Technology Minister Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings says Ghana must make science and innovation practical, and tackle climate change, illegal mining, waste, pollution and forest/water protection with decisive action. Coastal & Marine Health: A EU-focused piece argues ocean protection and coastal livelihoods are inseparable, warning that climate change, overfishing and habitat damage are undermining resilient seas. Galamsey & Mining Oversight: Adamus Resources says it welcomes a government reprieve and a 12-month roadmap to restore its mine to sustainable operations, while Ghana’s broader push to formalise and regulate gold pricing continues. Gold Market Reform: Ghana will replace the Bank of Ghana reference rate with Bloomberg gold pricing for transactions, aiming for more market-driven pricing and stronger reserve accumulation, alongside traceability plans. Civic Education & Media: NCCE calls for stronger media partnerships to fight misinformation, deepfakes and hate speech, urging journalists to help strengthen constitutional awareness and democratic stability. Water & Sanitation: ASA Savings and Loans installs a mechanised borehole and water treatment plant for Nungua SHS girls’ dormitory to end years of salty, irregular water supply. Jobs & Skills for Sustainability: Telecel Ghana’s CEO urges mining firms to build “future-ready” talent—adaptability, continuous learning and diversity—to benefit from AI and new tech. Food Systems: AGRA highlights that Africa’s agrifood progress must translate into higher farmer incomes and resilience, not just production gains.

Climate & Energy Fallout: Africa’s climate goals are getting derailed as wars and energy shocks push up fuel, food and shipping costs, forcing painful trade-offs between stabilising prices and protecting public services. Democracy & Media Integrity: Ghana’s civic watchdog warns that misinformation, deepfakes and hate speech are now undermining democratic stability, urging stronger media-civic partnerships. Maritime Accountability: MP Sammi Awuku demands GMA explain the legal basis for waiving a US$1m penalty over MV Sankofa, after claims of missing ship records and serious seaworthiness concerns. Student Housing Pressure: Rising hostel fees are squeezing access to tertiary education, with government moving to investigate the hikes and curb exploitation. Sanitation & Field Delivery: A public service delivery critique says Ghana’s problem isn’t lack of expertise, but weak field presence—leading to flooding, poor enforcement and slow utility fixes. Food Systems Jobs Push: 24-H+ signs a US$270m poultry transformation deal to cut chicken imports and create jobs. Cocoa & Farm Incomes: Cocoa prices rise on West African quality fears, while Fairtrade Africa presses for living income reference prices to close the gap for farmers. Plastics & Waste: EPA says the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a single-use plastics crackdown, with calls for strict enforcement. SOE Performance: SIGA reports SOEs rebounded in 2025 with GH¢19.8bn net profit and GH¢176.43bn revenue—an environmental and economic reset signal for state capacity.

Industrial Jobs & Clean Manufacturing: President Mahama commissioned the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu, a regenerative, zero-waste garment plant expected to create 2,300 direct jobs now and up to 10,000 at full capacity, with 24-hour shifts and export focus. Port Congestion & Trade Costs: The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana urged GPHA to convert some Tema Port private spaces into modern container-handling areas to ease congestion and protect trade gains. Plastics Crackdown: EPA says the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a wider push to eliminate non-biodegradable single-use plastics, citing drain blockage and risks to health and marine life. Border Safety & GBV: Ghana Immigration held a capacity-building durbar in Denu to strengthen community awareness and reporting on GBV, PSEAH and sex trafficking. Media & Security: National security leaders urged journalists to avoid “neutrality” when facts are clear, and called for closer media–security collaboration. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Security forces arrested 10 suspected illegal miners at Kpali, seizing excavators, fuel equipment and firearms amid reported environmental destruction. Policy & Governance: Parliament approved Mahama’s nominees for Local Government and Environment, and also cleared three Supreme Court nominees.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Ten suspected illegal miners were arrested at Kpali in Savannah Region, with excavators and fuel seized after reported environmental damage. Plastics & Public Health: EPA says the styrofoam ban is the first phase of a wider single-use plastics crackdown, citing drain blockage and risks to people and marine life. Green Skills for Jobs: Ghana launches the Green TVET Initiative with ILO support to train youth for climate-resilient, environmentally responsible work. Community Cleanliness: Awutu-Senya District Assembly and Zoomlion lead a clean-up in Awutu Bereku ahead of the Awubia Festival, targeting markets, gutters and town roads. Power Access Push: Government plans to connect 206 unelectrified Volta communities to the national grid within six months under the REIP “Big Push,” with major transmission upgrades also announced. Agriculture Export Logistics: A 150-acre air cargo hub is set for Tamale Airport to speed exports of northern fruits and vegetables. Media & Security: Cyber Security Authority urges media to protect press freedom while strengthening collaboration with security institutions. State Sector Watch: SIGA releases the 2025 State Ownership Report, highlighting a turnaround to consolidated profitability for state entities. Ghana’s Poverty Reality Check: World Bank flags that 56.4% of Ghanaians remain in poverty even as growth and inflation improve. Health & Care: A Ghana study finds a short training workshop can boost ICU nurses’ knowledge to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, but stresses system gaps like electricity and supplies.

Environment Governance: President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, tasking her to lead science- and technology-led development while acting firmly against illegal mining that destroys forests and water bodies. Climate Action & Local Accountability: Mahama also swore in Mahama Ayariga as Local Government Minister, urging decentralisation that delivers clean surroundings, reliable local roads, and responsive services—while climate resilience must be practical and urgent, with flooding and coastal erosion already hitting communities. Youth Climate Demands: Ghanaian youth at LCOY Ghana want at least 40% of the national climate adaptation budget directed to Upper East, Upper West, Northern and Savannah regions, with public scorecards to track delivery. Waste & Circular Economy: The African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit (ASCES 2026) in Cotonou brought together sustainability leaders to push circular solutions and resilient communities. Rural Roads & Livelihoods: A rural roads push is needed as feeder roads in places like Mion District and Oti Region remain badly eroded and impassable in rains, blocking farmers’ access to markets. Digital Access: Residents of Nwawasua (Bono) say poor telecom coverage forces them to climb trees or mountains just to connect online.

Environment Leadership: President Mahama has sworn in Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Environment, Science and Technology Minister, charging her to make science-led development create jobs without harming forests, water bodies, or public health—and to lead a tougher, more decisive response to galamsey. Accountability & Governance: He also swore in Mahama Ayariga as Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, urging meaningful decentralisation with assemblies that are accountable, financially disciplined, and responsive to communities. Climate Urgency: Mahama stressed Ghana’s climate response must be practical and urgent, citing flooding, coastal erosion, shifting rainfall and rising temperatures already affecting livelihoods and infrastructure. Local Impacts: In Sunyani, residents of Nwawasua say poor telecom coverage forces them to climb trees or mountains just to connect online. Green Economy & Waste: Ghana-linked sustainability momentum continues with the African Sustainability & Circular Economy Summit in Cotonou, pushing circular solutions and resilient communities. Mining Reform Consultations: NPP flagbearer Bawumia met small-scale miners to discuss reforms aimed at responsible mining that protects the environment and livelihoods.

Virtual Assets & Banking: UMB becomes the first Ghana bank approved by BoG and SEC to offer virtual accounts for eligible businesses in the virtual asset ecosystem, signalling tighter regulation as digital finance grows. Agriculture & Food Security: Striga (witchweed) is blamed for up to 60% cereal crop losses in Northern Ghana, with awareness campaigns pushing control measures to protect sorghum, millet, maize and upland rice. Environment & Climate Resilience: REIP electrification is set to connect 206 Volta communities to the national grid under the Big Push, aiming for universal access by 2030. Clean Energy & Industry: A US$270m poultry deal targets an integrated value chain to cut chicken imports and strengthen local production. Jobs & Sustainable Manufacturing: Mahama commissions the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu, promising thousands of jobs and zero-waste production practices. Policy & Governance: Mahama is set to swear in Environment Minister-designate Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Local Government Minister-designate Mahama Ayariga, alongside Supreme Court nominees. Construction Costs: Building cost inflation rises to 4.0% in July, with pressure mainly in plant/equipment and installation-related works.

Food Security Threat: Striga (witchweed) is driving up to 60% cereal crop losses in Northern Ghana, with severe infestations capable of wiping out entire farms, as FONAR warns farmers and pushes Striga control awareness in Nabdam. Labour & Rights in Informal Work: ActionAid Ghana is engaging informal business operators in Northern Ghana on labour rights, gender equality and decent working conditions to improve compliance and safer workplaces. Circular Economy in Action: Recycle Up! Ghana holds a Demo Day for youth climate startups, awarding grants to businesses turning rice husks and plastic waste into eco-friendly school desks and other green solutions. Port Safety for the 24-Hour Economy: IEAG calls for stronger security at Ghana’s ports after attacks on transporters, warning that unsafe conditions could derail round-the-clock trade plans and investor confidence. Clean-Up After Flooding: Zoomlion intensifies disinfection and disinfestation across Oti Region, targeting markets, drains, refuse sites and flood-prone areas to reduce disease risks. Climate Heritage Protection: Ghana and Korea launch a five-year heritage project to protect forts and castles from coastal erosion and climate change impacts. Energy Access: Government launches a GHS598m electrification project to connect 206 Volta communities to the national grid within six months. Wildlife/Environment Reporting Under Pressure: A new report says environmental journalists across sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, face assaults and threats for covering illegal mining, deforestation and oil issues.

Roads & Transport: Roads Minister Kwame Agboza says Ghana’s US$10bn “Big Push” will target rehabilitating and upgrading key corridors, after the World Bank reported only 27% of the 94,200km network is paved. Urban Flood Risk: SPEAR Institute warns Accra’s drainage planning is outdated, citing June 29’s 169.2mm rainfall overwhelming existing infrastructure. Public Health After Floods: Zoomlion begins disinfection and fumigation across Volta Region after June floods, aiming to curb disease and pests. Illegal Mining & Forests: Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings calls for an all-of-government approach to galamsey, while Betterland Ghana denies illegal mining in Draw River Forest Reserve, saying its work is lawful under a licence. Plastics Pollution: As environment minister-designate, Zanetor proposes funding CSIR to develop biodegradable plastics from cassava and hemp, plus stronger landfill standards. Mining Reforms: Bawumia consults small-scale miners on reforms to formalise and support them while protecting the environment. Water Access: Denmark’s ambassador backs a $5.8m water project for Wa and surrounding communities, targeting safe drinking water for about 105,000 people. Digital Finance Oversight: Bank of Ghana inaugurates the Virtual Assets Coordinating Committee to regulate Ghana’s fast-growing virtual assets sector.

Styrofoam Ban Push: Environment Minister-designate Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings urged the EPA to keep the January 1, 2027 deadline for banning polystyrene takeaway packs, saying the waste and disposal risks are too serious to ignore. Heritage Under Climate Threat: Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie inaugurated the Ghana-Korea Heritage Project Steering Committee, a five-year plan using climate-risk mapping, digital surveying and 3D modelling to protect six forts and castles from coastal erosion and heavy rainfall. Illegal Mining Crisis: A Ghana-Nigeria look at “galamsey” warns the region’s unregulated gold rush is becoming a public health emergency, contaminating rivers and harming communities. Marine Heat & Child Health: New research links marine heat waves to higher risks of child death, stunted growth and wasting as oceans warm and fish ecosystems collapse. Forest Protection Support: Proforest donated 22 motorbikes to the Ahafo Forestry Commission to boost patrols and help restore degraded forest reserves in cocoa landscapes. Business Environment Warning: The World Bank says unreliable, costly connectivity is still dragging Ghana’s growth and discouraging private investment beyond extractives.

EV Charging Rules: Ghana’s Energy Commission is finalising regulations for electric vehicle charging stations and battery swap systems, with draft rules covering residential, workplace, public/commercial charging and safety standards—aimed at protecting the grid as EV numbers rise. Construction Costs Watch: Ghana’s building cost inflation climbed to 4.0% in July (from 3.1% in June), driven mainly by materials and faster-rising plant and equipment costs, while labour costs eased. Roads, Jobs and Connectivity: The World Bank warns Ghana’s recovery must translate into quality jobs, but unreliable and expensive connectivity is still holding back private investment and diversification. Utility Protection on Roads: PURC says it will bring road contractors and utility providers together so contractors get pipeline and line maps upfront, and can be made to pay when critical infrastructure is damaged. Galamsey and Youth Work: Catholic and Presbyterian leaders renewed calls to end illegal mining, saying it’s increasingly being treated as employment for young people while polluting water and destroying livelihoods. Wildlife Security: The Forestry Commission condemned the killing of a ranger during anti-poaching patrols at Kakum, underscoring the risks faced by conservation staff. Weather Alert: GMet forecasts mist and reduced visibility in coastal, forest and hilly areas this morning, with thunderstorms and rain likely later in the day. Cocoa Exports Pressure: Fitch Solutions ranks Ghana 4th in Africa for cocoa bean exports to the EU (2021–2024), while global supply signals keep cocoa prices under pressure.

Galamsey & Water/Health: A fresh wave of illegal small-scale mining is being reported as mechanised and brazen, with excavators moving through communities and forest/cocoa lands—raising alarms over river damage, dust/chemical fumes, and heavy-metal health risks. Sanitation & Public Health: Zoomlion is intensifying disinfection and disinfestation across Ahafo, targeting markets, schools, dumpsites and public facilities to curb disease spread after poor waste practices. Heritage Under Climate Stress: Ghana and South Korea have launched a five-year heritage protection plan, with a steering committee to guide climate-resilient safeguarding of UNESCO sites. Fisheries Transparency: Ghana has endorsed the Mombasa Declaration to improve vessel and fisheries data transparency, while FiTI and partners warn implementation must be verifiable. Youth & Tourism: Tourism Society of Ghana launched YOTOFEST 2026 to push domestic tourism, with a youth summit including sanitation and environmental protection. Transport & Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: The World Bank says only 27% of Ghana’s road network is paved and urges reforms plus climate-resilient standards to support jobs and growth.

Virtual Assets Regulation: Ghana will fully operationalise the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act (Act 1154) by 2027, with BoG and SEC finalising guidelines and policy sandboxes under a new coordinating committee. Plastic Pollution Push: EPA has launched a second public awareness campaign in Kumasi ahead of the January 2027 polystyrene ban, using roadshows and market engagements to prepare traders and consumers. Galamsey Accountability Debate: GhIE urges a clearer, target-based strategy to fight illegal mining, saying the public must be able to see measurable results. Air Pollution and Health: UCC researchers call for stronger air pollution controls, warning that street vendors and other road-side workers face serious respiratory risks and need both regulation and better nutrition support. Investor Grievances: GIPA is inviting investors to the Invest Ghana Summit and is also pushing faster resolution of investor complaints through a network of MDAs. Mining Watch: Gold Fields reports Tarkwa output down 18% in H1 2026, with key leases nearing expiry and renewal talks ongoing. Cross-Border Cooperation: Ghana, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire begin meetings in Wa to harmonise local cross-border cooperation structures for border communities.

Virtual Assets Regulation: Bank of Ghana says Ghana will fully operationalise the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act by 2027, with a new coordinating committee bringing BoG, SEC, Finance, cyber security and the Financial Intelligence Centre together to manage risks. Investor Aftercare: GIPA launches a Focal Persons Network across 80+ MDAs to speed up resolution of investor complaints on taxes, customs, permits, utilities and land. Energy for Industry: At the Future of Energy Conference, officials urged Ghana to prioritise affordable, reliable power for value addition, warning that unreliable electricity blocks competitive processing of minerals and green industries. Flood Response & Sanitation: Zoomlion begins mass disinfestation and fumigation across 33 Eastern Region assemblies after floods, targeting markets, lorry parks, public toilets and drains; in Bono, officials also back the national push against sanitation offences. Plastic Pollution Push: A Bono environmental health officer welcomes the Styrofoam ban, linking plastic waste to flooding and mosquito breeding. Cross-Border Cooperation: Ghana starts talks with Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire in Wa to harmonise local structures for cross-border cooperation. Climate & Forest Restoration: Women with disabilities in Ahafo North take up tree nursing to fight deforestation and climate change. Heritage Under Climate Threat: Ghana and South Korea launch a five-year plan to protect UNESCO heritage sites from climate impacts.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: NAIMOS intensified operations on the River Ankobra, arresting 3 suspected illegal miners and destroying 86 chanfang machines plus water pumps in the Ablebo area—aimed at cutting pollution and mining capacity. Sanitation & Values: Chief of Staff Julius Debrah linked worsening sanitation and galamsey to the erosion of communal heritage and called for collective action by government and citizens to stop environmental crimes. Mining Governance: The Ghana Chamber of Mines praised government’s 12-month roadmap to revive Adamus Resources, backed by a joint management team, to protect jobs and mining value chains. Responsible Gold Trade: Ghana’s “gold architecture” is being framed for international scrutiny through GoldBod’s role in buying, assaying and exporting gold, including expanded purchases from large-scale mining. Public Health: Health officials marked World Kidney Day warning chronic kidney disease is a silent, costly crisis driven by hypertension, diabetes, pollution (including galamsey-affected water) and delayed care. Policy Discipline: Finance Minister Ato Forson said Ghana will borrow only with discipline—projects must be justified, transparently procured, and able to generate returns while protecting debt sustainability. Environment Leadership Vetting: Parliament begins vetting Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings for the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio.