AGP Executive Report

Inclusive Education & Disability Rights: Ghana’s Education Ministry says it will develop a sustainable policy for Ghanaian Sign Language in schools, including standardising the language, training teachers/interpreters, and producing teaching materials. Teacher Unions & School Calendar: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu is set to meet GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG on Monday after a strike over unpaid promotion arrears and other demands, with government worried about disruptions to learning. Sports for Youth Development: Ghana Taekwondo Federation launches a five-region school and community awareness campaign starting in Kumasi, aiming to build discipline, fitness and early talent identification. Agriculture & Regional Support: TCDA commissions a new Bono Regional Office in Sunyani to bring tree-crops services closer to farmers and strengthen cashew value-chain regulation. Health & Community Support: Immanuel Temple (Royalhouse Chapel International) donates food and essentials to Motherly Love Orphanage in Kobenya, highlighting ongoing feeding challenges. Power & Livelihoods: Government electrification plans will connect 90 Oti communities, with transformers released to improve reliability. Culture & Literature: A feature spotlights 13 young African writers reshaping the continent’s story across Lagos, Accra, Nairobi and the diaspora. Women’s Empowerment in Finance: Ecobank targets $2.6bn by 2030 for women-led businesses and agriculture SMEs, expanding lending and digital onboarding.

Cashless Control Debate: A new piece warns Ghana could drift into cashless systems where spending is tracked and programmable, arguing CBDCs shift commerce toward surveillance and control. Electrification Drive: Government launched the Turnkey Electrification Project to connect 90 Oti Region communities, with transformers to boost ECG and NEDCo reliability. Volta Investment Push: The Volta Economic Forum urged turning opportunities into bankable projects, partnerships and jobs. HIV Update (Ashanti): Ashanti HIV prevalence held at 1.59% in 2025 as new infections fell, with calls for testing and early treatment. Teachers’ Strike Talks: Education Minister meets pre-tertiary teacher unions Monday over unpaid promotion arrears and other demands. Fashion & Standards: ITFP-Ghana calls for a dedicated standards/metrology institute to lift textile and garment quality for trade. Health & Rights for Girls: Keta begins HPV vaccination PIRI for eligible girls; UNICEF and Ghana renew child protection and birth registration support. Culture & Language: Ga language fears grow as children shy away from speaking it; calls to teach Ga stories and history. Tourism Tech: World Tourism Day spotlights AI and digital tools reshaping Ghana’s travel promotion. Music & Youth: AfroQuality opens an Accra flagship for African brands; Accra Marathon returns Nov 14 with a new route.

Energy Transition Finance: Stakeholders are urging Ghana to fund the renewable shift with debt-conscious models that protect fiscal stability and keep the transition truly “just,” with ActionAid Ghana calling for better terms and wider participation. Artisans & Inclusion: Afadzato South artisans in Volta are getting a boost through a financial inclusion and business forum aimed at skills, investment access, and financial literacy. NDC Flagbearer Race: A citizens’ perception survey puts Johnson Asiedu Nketia ahead on both uniting the party and suitability to lead. Water Access Partnerships: Bodi District Assembly signs an MoU with World Vision Ghana to accelerate safe, potable water delivery for underserved communities. Accra Environmental Health: AMA calls for science-led action to tackle sanitation, waste, flooding, air pollution and heat risks. Birth Registration Push: UNICEF and Kuami Eugene back advocacy to improve birth registration in the Eastern Region. Culture & Tourism: Do Ghana and WangoWango launch “The Great Ghana Day Out” for World Tourism Day, while Princess Umul Hatiyya says Ghana must turn attractions into real, bookable tourism products. Education Tension: Teacher unions begin strike action, with the Education Ministry set to meet them Monday. Reparatory Justice: President Mahama renews calls for unconditional return of Africa’s human remains and artefacts, pushing for a permanent global restitution system. Comedy for Global Reach: Black Star Comedy Experience launches “You’re Ghana Laugh” to export Ghanaian comedy ahead of Ghana’s 70th anniversary.

Transport & Tobacco Control: A letter urges the government to be transparent on the 8% commercial transport fare increment from Sept 26, warning against arbitrary charges. The FDA says social media and online sales are making tobacco control harder, pushing journalists and CSOs to better spot and report violations. Media & Women in Agriculture: GhanaMedia.net reports 8.7 million views in 14 days as its Facebook community tops 670,000. MoFA and CABI hold a Gender and Rural Advisory Services forum in Koforidua to improve women farmers’ access to extension support. Education & Youth: EducationUSA College Fair opens in Kumasi; meanwhile, teacher unions’ strike looms as the Minority demands action on arrears and allowances. Ghana launches 2026 National Family Planning Week, and UNICEF/NYA roll out youth engagement in Central Tongu. Governance, Health & Safety: High Court denies bail to a nurse accused in the “Ghana Jollof” false news case. Ridge Hospital marks World Patient Safety Day. Lifestyle & Culture: UNESCO and Prada’s “ONE OCEAN” exhibition lands at the UN, with Ghanaian youth questions on ocean warming. Sports & Community Support: Access Bank begins distributing 10,000 sandals to northern schoolchildren; Ghana hosts a maritime security summit focused on women’s leadership.

Cocoa Farmers’ Pay: Fairtrade says new cocoa premium prices are now live, aiming to protect Ghana and Ivory Coast farmers as farmgate cuts and disease-hit yields squeeze incomes. Education & Labour: Three teacher unions (GNAT, NAGRAT, PRETAG) have declared a nationwide strike over unpaid allowances, promotion salary arrears, and stalled collective bargaining. School Results: In Adaklu, 10 of 32 schools recorded zero percent in the 2026 BECE, with girls outperforming boys and officials promising tighter monitoring. Child Rights: UNICEF and Kuami Eugene push Birth Registration Month with a field visit to Bepowase, highlighting falling registration coverage. Money & Everyday Life: Bank of Ghana urges careful handling of cedi notes ahead of the upgraded Heritage Series launch on November 3. Culture & Entertainment: Abena Kyei Boakye is unveiled as Glow Washing Powder ambassador, while Florence rebrands as “Queen Florence the Lioness” after her marriage dissolution. Justice: A Ghanaian man accused in the femicide of Miriam Azzopardi pleads not guilty. Tourism Push: Do Ghana and Joy FM/Joy Prime announce “The Great Ghana Day Out” for World Tourism Day, inviting people to explore local places, food and stories.

Bank of Ghana & Money: BoG will launch the upgraded “Heritage Series” cedi banknotes on November 3, with enhanced security and durability, while existing notes stay legal tender and co-circulate. UN & Diplomacy: President Mahama used UNGA to push a two-state solution for Palestine-Israel, call for dialogue over threats, and demand permanent African representation on the UN Security Council. Culture & Restitution: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa renewed calls for the return of African artefacts held abroad as part of reparatory justice. Education in Crisis: Ghana will host a West Africa conference on scaling education initiatives in emergencies (Sept 29–30) in Accra. Health & Lifestyle: MahamaCare and Free Primary Healthcare were highlighted at UNGA, while Dr Oduro blends music and pharmacy to promote preventive health with singles like “GISHIRI.” Jobs & Skills: TVET Service partners Tema Oil Refinery to strengthen industry-ready training ahead of National TVET Week. Markets & Local Economy: The Agbogbloshie 24-hour market redevelopment was suspended for further consultations after trader concerns. Community & Youth: Nabeeha Sulemana Atiah crowned Child Sanitation Diplomat for 2026–27, and Cargill/ICI celebrated 111 young graduates from vocational apprenticeships. Music Scene: Accra’s Regain Radikal drops “Sherifa,” an Afrosounds single aimed at Ghana’s independent music crowd.

Digital Youth & Gaming: Metro Digital Group and YMCA Ghana plan Digital Innovation Centers across Ghana, starting in Kumasi, with Gaming–Creator Labs blending gaming, AI learning, digital media and career pathways. UN Culture & Identity: Ghana’s President Mahama rebranded the reparatory justice push at UNGA81, calling for concrete restitution steps—including unconditional return of human remains—and outlining “Next Steps” pillars for cultural heritage. Education & Rights: GES ordered SHS/SHTS heads to stop collecting unauthorised fees and refund what was taken under Ghana’s free SHS policy. Health & Birth Registration: UNICEF Ghana and the Births and Deaths Registry urged parents to register children within the first year, highlighting progress but persistent rural gaps. TVET & Sustainable Fashion: Ghana TVET Service partnered with The OR Foundation for National TVET Week 2026, training learners in circular design and sustainable fashion. Community & Infrastructure: Shai-Osudoku District Assembly begins road reshaping in Shai-Osudoku (Shai-Osudoku/Flatland areas) to improve access and safety. Sports & Youth Olympics: Ghana’s sports ministry says Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics will showcase Africa’s sporting potential, with Ghana set to send 13 athletes.

Legal Rights Under Pressure: Ghana’s Salomay Awiti detention after a midnight raid in Techiman is sparking a national debate on due process, state secrecy, and the real-life cost to her children, hospitals, and public trust. Education Fees Crackdown: GES orders SHS/SHTS heads to stop collecting unauthorised admission fees, PTA dues and other levies, and to refund anything already taken. Online Speech Roadmap: President Mahama directs MFWA and GJA to build a national roadmap on hate speech and abusive online content—balancing accountability with protection for free expression. Cultural Heritage Restitution: Mahama pushes for concrete restitution of Africa’s cultural property, calling for permanent mechanisms and investment in archives, conservation and digitisation. Zongo Leadership Milestone: Tema installs Alhaji Faisal Abdullah Masud as Sariki Zongo I, aiming to strengthen unity and representation across Tema’s Zongo communities. Global Culture & Faith: Evangelicals react to Meryl Streep voicing Aslan in the Narnia film, reigniting culture-war arguments about religion and media. Health & Inclusion: Sign Language is set to become a compulsory basic-school subject in five years, after NaCCA approves piloting. Tourism & Creative Economy: Ghana is urged to turn attractions into bookable tourism products, while Kotoko Brass brings Ghanaian rhythms to an international stage.

Courtroom Tension: Manhyia South MP’s lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah says he drove off after a clash at Accra High Court, claiming he feared for his safety when a woman allegedly linked to EOCO couldn’t produce an arrest warrant. Media & Speech: President Mahama tasks MFWA and GJA to lead a national dialogue on hate speech and abusive online content, while Kwesi Pratt Jr warns Ghana’s media space is sliding into irresponsible, insulting talk. Teen Pregnancy: Protect Our Future Foundation links rising teenage pregnancy to social media pressure and parental neglect, citing over 53,000 adolescent pregnancies recorded Jan–July 2026. Digital Tax Push: GRA rolls out ITAS to unify tax processes online, aiming to boost compliance and reduce delays. Security Crackdown: NSCS says 16 suspects were arrested in counterfeit currency syndicate raids, with a pastor Rev. Emmanuel Boakye-Danquah reported at large. Culture & Tourism: Ghana selected to host the 6th FAJ Continental Congress, and Volta’s Sesinam gets GHS10,000 support for GMB pageant. Health & Rights: UN human rights chief warns of a “comprehensive onslaught” against LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.

Climate & Displacement: ECOWAS warns climate change could push West Africa’s displaced population to nearly 32 million by 2050, with women and children most affected. Consumer Protection: CDA Consult says Ghanaians must become “final inspectors” as counterfeit goods and scams erode trust, launching a nationwide “Verify Before You Buy” push. Public Safety: Ghana’s National Fire Service urges everyone to join bushfire prevention ahead of the 2026/27 season, with a campaign launch set for Sept 25. Crime & Justice: National Security says it dismantled four counterfeit currency hubs, arresting 16, with churches allegedly used to hide printing operations. Health & Care: KATH is working to finish a hostel for relatives of in-patients, while GHS marks Patient Safety Day calling for stronger NCD care systems and patient navigation. Education & Skills: Ghana TVET Service, UNESCO, KPMG and Microsoft plan to train 100,000 TVET facilitators in AI and digital skills. Culture & Heritage: Ghana begins steps to protect Akpeteshie with Geographical Indication status, aiming to preserve heritage and boost market value. International Spotlight: MrBeast responds to backlash over a $10m Ghana village project aimed at tackling child labour.

School Discipline & Fair Access: GES has told SHS and technical school heads to stop turning away duly admitted students over metal trunks, wooden chop boxes or other personal storage containers, saying it unfairly burdens parents and should not be used to deny accommodation. Preventive Health Boom: Ghana is shifting from treating illness to preventing it, with more people seeking routine screenings and wellness products; Uprise Health Shop marks 20 years and opens a new Osu flagship. Health Awareness: Dr Vanessa Apea warns that excess belly fat can signal hidden risks like blood sugar and blood pressure problems, urging waist checks beyond BMI. Sports & Politics: NPC President Samson Deen says politics and infighting are undermining sports development and scaring away sponsors. Drug Trafficking Oversight: Catholic Bishops back a parliamentary recall to scrutinise Ghana’s response to a cocaine shipment and border security, urging serious, non-partisan proceedings. Education Policy Shock: UK removes teachers trained in Ghana (and Nigeria) from the overseas route to Qualified Teacher Status, citing reference-verification issues. Culture & Identity: Historians revisit the Akatamanso War’s role in Akuapem’s Odwira tradition. Media & Business: FourthMainland appoints a high-profile board to build an integrated African content ecosystem. Aviation Costs: IATA warns African airlines are squeezed by high taxes, levies and charges, threatening growth. Football: Carlos Queiroz says Ghana will keep “sailing strong” despite injuries ahead of AFCON qualifiers. Art & Industry: STU launches a Bachelor of Technology in Mass and Media Communication; GIMA 2026 spotlights Ghana’s next industrial era.

Sports & National Pride: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana will keep “sailing strong” despite late injuries, as the team assembles in Accra for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers vs Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia plus a friendly against Morocco. Diplomacy & People-to-People Links: Ghana and Solomon Islands formally establish diplomatic relations, with plans for cooperation in economic development, local government, health and education exchanges. Economy & Development: President Mahama meets IFC boss Makhtar Diop to discuss scaling commercial agriculture, cocoa processing, transport and digital connectivity, while also announcing a World Bank push to end the double-track SHS system by 2027. Culture & Fashion: BRICS+ Fashion Summit returns to Moscow (Sept 28–30) with a strong African presence, including Ghana’s Accra Fashion Week. Health & Environment: A report highlights hidden risks from lead exposure tied to battery recycling, while Ghana marks World Cleanup Day with calls to tackle plastic pollution and illegal mining. Faith & Society: Catholic Bishops back an inter-agency task force to fight drug trafficking after a major cocaine seizure allegedly linked to Ghana. Education & Youth: GES warns schools against unauthorised charges that block SHS admissions, as parents complain about rising school supply costs. Tech & Learning: Prof. Kwofie urges publishers to use indigenous knowledge systems to decolonise AI. Community Life: A free NHIS and health screening drive in Ayawaso North offers malaria, diabetes, hepatitis B and eye checks.

Education & Fair Access: GES has ordered SHS/SHTS heads to stop turning away newly admitted students over metal trunks and chop boxes, and warned that unauthorised charges will bring administrative sanctions. Health Awareness: ISD and MoH took Free Primary Healthcare education to Paga JHS, outlining screenings and services while stressing it doesn’t replace NHIS. Pan-African Culture & Memory: Ghana marks Nkrumah’s 117th birthday with renewed calls to move from commemoration to implementation, including revisiting his Seven-Year Development Plan for today’s development challenges. Politics, Media & Speech: A NewsFile clash reignited debate on political sponsorship allegations and the thin line between media commentary and incitement. Diaspora & Citizenship: A Ghana Diaspora Town Hall at Christiansborg focused on listening, integration, national identification and immigration realities. Global Mobility Rules: Germany lists 20 countries needing an airport transit visa, including Ghana, while the US exchange visitor skills list flags Ghana among nations facing a two-year home residency rule. Community & Philanthropy: MrBeast’s $10m Abna Dakwa Village project in Ghana targets child labour with a school, clinic, clean water and school meals. Sanitation Oversight: Parliament’s sanitation committee reviewed DACF sanitation spending in Volta and Oti, urging better access and enforcement.

Education & Youth Support: Kpando MP Sebastian Deh launches “SMILE TO SCHOOL,” a two-day package of trunk, mattress, bucket, school bag and exercise books for newly admitted SHS students. Health & Safety: Upper East nursing students are sensitised on early warning signs of childhood cancer as the “Gold Ribbon” awareness drive ramps up. Community Peacebuilding: Oti Peace Council trains Jasikan and Kadjebi Assembly Members on conflict prevention, early warning and dialogue to protect stability near the border. Culture & Heritage: Akuapem marks Odwira at 200 with fresh historical questions on what evidence and oral tradition say about the festival’s origins. Public Health Crisis: Mafi Kope residents in Oti Region appeal for urgent medical help after an illness affecting children and adults limits walking, hearing and school attendance. Governance & Accountability: GSAA calls for firm, apolitical action to end illegal mining, while NDC chair Johnson Asiedu Nketiah urges journalists to track public spending and hold ministers to account. International Spotlight: President Mahama departs for the UN General Assembly in New York, set to host side events on the Accra Reset and reparatory justice.

Reparations & Culture: CARICOM officials are exploring legal moves to push the UK into reparations talks, with Barbados PM Mia Mottley urging a “multigenerational plan” after slavery comparisons to the Holocaust. Faith & Society: A Ghana-based sermon challenges “back-to-sender” style prayer culture, arguing Christian prayer should focus on Jesus rather than Satan. Digital Life vs Real Life: NerdCon Expo in Accra shows Ghanaian youth using gaming and fandom to build real friendships offline. Sanitation & Health: President Mahama commissions the National Emergency Waste Evacuation at Agbogbloshie, targeting about one million tonnes for removal in 90 days. Education & Fairness: GES tells SHS/SHTS to stop rejecting boarding students over metal trunks or chop boxes. Health Alert: Buruli ulcer is highlighted as a silent, disabling disease hiding in water-linked communities. Lifestyle & Travel: Accra Food Festival returns at Place 100 Park (Sept 19–21). Sports & Youth: Team Ghana prepares for a historic Karting Africa Showrun in Angola (Oct 10–11). Women in Leadership: Legacy Leadership Africa Institute announces a boardroom women’s leadership programme in Accra (Oct 7–8). Tourism Jobs: Upper East leaders urge turning cultural and natural attractions into jobs and local business growth.

Coastal Climate Reality: A new report on Keta shows how storms and sea erosion are swallowing homes and even graves, as ports, dams and coastal works disrupt sand balance—leaving communities scrambling to adapt. Economy & Investment: President Mahama says investor confidence is back, pointing to tighter fiscal discipline and plans to scale commercial agriculture, local processing (especially cocoa), transport and digital connectivity. Sanitation & Public Health: Ahead of World Cleanup Day, GF Foundation begins sanitation education in Greater Accra, urging safer waste disposal, hygiene and gutter cleaning. Education Access: Adaklu District Assembly is pushing to complete abandoned classroom blocks and teachers’ bungalows to end “schools under trees” and improve learning time. Gender & Rights: The Gender Ministry runs capacity-building on implementing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, shifting focus from advocacy to real outcomes. Cyber Safety: Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority warns about leaked intimate images and sextortion, stressing extra protection for children and young people. Sports Unity: NPC President Samson Deen urges politicians and sports stakeholders to stop infighting that scares sponsors and stalls development. Culture & Heritage: UCC honours Kwesi Pratt Jnr with an honorary doctorate, celebrating decades of journalism and civic accountability. Health Infrastructure: Krachi East MCE inspects works to expand Dambai Polyclinic ward capacity to reduce referrals. Youth Peacebuilding: Peace Council urges youth in Jamestown to prevent conflicts through dialogue, mediation and respectful communication.