AGP Executive Report

Constitution Review: The NPP has issued its official stance on Ghana’s 1992 Constitution review, rejecting a “bundled” referendum approach and pushing for a constituent/consultative assembly first. Education & Language Policy: The Education Ministry’s press secretary says Arabic and Chinese language recommendations are not yet government policy and still need Cabinet approval. Security at Local Level: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga urged MMDCEs to strengthen early warning systems and report threats before they escalate, under the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026. Media Freedom: MFWA launched a GHC544,000 legal support fund for journalists facing lawsuits or threats. School Funding: GES says outstanding 2023 Capitation Grant arrears have been released to district accounts for disbursement to basic schools before reopening. Culture & Fashion: Rhythms On Da Runway returns November 28 with an “UNBOUND” theme focused on disability inclusion and wider representation. Royal & Fashion Heritage: GTP/woodin textiles paid tribute to Asantehemaa Nana Yaa Akyaa II, reaffirming brand ties to African heritage. Health & Charity: Mercy Ships’ Global Mercy continues surgical outreach in Tema, working with Ghana’s health system to target high-impact cases.

Culture & Arts: Bishop Dag Heward-Mills pays tribute to gospel musician Bernice Offei, urging listeners to let her songs minister to their lives as Ghana mourns the veteran singer. Education & Skills: Cambridge’s Juan Visser says Africa must build critical thinking and independent learning so students can thrive in university and the modern workplace. School Placement & Accountability: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu assures parents that outstanding SHS placement challenges will be handled before schools reopen, while the Ministry moves to review CSSPS after Catholic Bishops’ calls for transparency. Gender & Social Protection: Gender Minister Agnes Naa Momo Lartey says Ghana has shifted from advocacy to enforcement on gender equity and disability inclusion, with LEAP grant rates rising and disbursements restarting. Community Hardship: A four-year water crisis in Agbozume (Ketu South) continues to disrupt schools, health services and livelihoods as residents demand urgent GWCL action. Media Freedom: MFWA launches a GH¢544,000 legal support fund to protect journalists facing suits or threats. Tech for Inclusion: Ghana’s Funza AI aims to bring AI access to people without smartphones or data via SMS. Transport & Services: DVLA expands to 62 offices nationwide and Cape Coast Assembly supplies streetlights and dustbins to SHSs to improve safety and sanitation. Security & Youth: DISEC in Adaklu Kpatovoe warns it will not spare anyone caught using marijuana, citing risks to students’ health and development.

Education & Youth: NDC’s Ewura Adams Karim defends Free SHS but says quality must be protected through more infrastructure and STEM support, while CPP’s Kwame Jantuah argues abolishing Double-Track isn’t the answer—expand facilities instead. SHS Placement Pressure: Catholic Bishops demand an independent review of CSSPS, citing complaints over transparency and alleged payments, as GES insists most students are already placed and capitation arrears for 2023 have been released to districts. Gender & Protection: Gender Minister Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey says 272 graduates with disabilities are being formalised into GES, LEAP expands to 450,000 households with higher grant rates, and shelters for SGBV survivors are set to grow across all 16 regions. Child Safety: Ghana records 53,000+ teenage pregnancies in seven months, including 1,501 cases among girls 10–14. Transport & Tech Services: DVLA plans to move toward full 24-hour services, and the IGP engages okada riders on road safety, registration and crime prevention. Culture & Film: Dagbani feature “Zjili” premieres at TIFF, and Rhythms On Da Runway returns Nov 28 with an “UNBOUND” inclusion theme. Sports Development: GFA commits GH¢1.5m to train young referees through Catch Them Young. Governance & Integrity: Anti-corruption campaigners Edem Senanu calls for OSP action over alleged astroturf procurement breaches.

Child Protection & Safety: Challenging Heights warns TikTok is being used to recruit Ghanaian girls into commercial sex exploitation, after a joint police operation rescued 47 victims near Goaso, including 16 minors. Teen Pregnancy Crisis: Ghana recorded 53,415 adolescent pregnancies from January to July 2026, with 1,501 involving girls aged 10–14, as health officials push stronger support for girls in and out of school. Education & Placement Transparency: The Education Ministry says it will review CSSPS after Catholic Bishops’ calls for an independent look at SHS placement, while parents are urged to report anyone demanding payment. Maternal Health Response: Government launched PRIMER, a five-year emergency maternal and newborn care initiative aimed at improving quality, readiness and speed of care to cut maternal deaths. Culture & Community: Queen Mothers urge Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga to protect their roles from intimidation, as the Black Star Experience Secretariat wraps a seven-region tour ahead of the 2026 choral contest. Sports Development: GFA says 155 talents (117 boys, 38 girls) are in its Elite Academies, and launches the 2026/27 Colts season to build a pathway from community football to national teams. Health & Labour: TUTAG threatens industrial action over delayed Book and Research Allowance payments, while Health Services Workers’ Union marks its 82nd anniversary with welfare and pension focus.

Maternal Health Push: Government launches PRIMER, a five-year initiative to cut maternal deaths by 20% annually over the next three years, focusing on timely quality care before, during and after childbirth. Education & Fairness: Parents complain about SHS placement glitches under CSSPS, while the Education Ministry sets up a technical committee to review the system after Catholic Bishops’ calls for transparency and alleged “protocol” admissions and payments. Local Accountability: Agona West Municipal Assembly holds an “accounting to the people” forum to report Common Fund use, with residents raising issues like unemployment and bad roads. Culture & Heritage: Preparations for Nkrumahfest 2026 in Nkroful outline a week of community events, homecoming and inter-faith activities. Agri-Tech for Youth: Delmark Agro in Akatsi South moves into drone farming, including training young people as drone pilots and setting up a local drone service centre. Cocoa Value Addition: Chief of Staff Julius Debrah backs Ghana’s push to process at least 50% of cocoa locally, citing jobs and farmer income protection. Consumer Protection: GRA warns businesses about deliberate VAT evasion, while Dr Kpodar urges “ask, check and confirm” before paying to avoid counterfeits and scams. Local Governance Live: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says MMDA General Assembly and Town Hall meetings will be broadcast live to boost participation. Heritage Spirits: GHIPO moves to secure Geographical Indication protection for Akpeteshie to strengthen branding and export potential. Football & Partnerships: GFA and Meiji Holdings explore a sports nutrition and player performance partnership, using football’s reach to grow SAVAS in Ghana.

Education Costs & Access: Parents in Tema complain private schools are driving up learning-material costs by forcing purchases from schools, not open vendors. Teacher Shortage: In Yilo Krobo, persistent staffing gaps are pushing families toward private schools, shrinking learning support in public schools. Community Giving: A former teacher and politician donates books and stationery to JHS pupils in Ada East ahead of BECE. SHS Placement Reassurance: GES says about 95% of students seeking SHS admission are already placed, citing improved automatic placements. Maternal Health: Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang launches PRIMER, a five-year plan to cut preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Suicide Prevention: Mental Health Authority urges Ghana to treat suicide as a public health issue, shifting from stigma and punishment to early help. Local Governance: Local Government Ministry plans live media coverage of Assembly and town hall meetings to boost citizen participation. Green Business & Culture: GGFS opens in Accra, spotlighting horticulture, sustainability and green enterprise. SME Growth: MTN Ghana wraps up an SME Business Clinic in Accra, pushing digital tools and marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. Consumer Protection: A consumer-protection push urges Ghanaians to verify products and services before paying to fight counterfeits and scams. Sports & Health: Meiji Holdings and GFA move toward a sports nutrition partnership to support player welfare and performance. Traditional Heritage: Ahanta Kundum celebrations draw attention as queenmakers urge stronger traditional governance roles.

Education & Youth Support: NAPO says Ghana’s Free SHS opened the door, but the SHS placement system still needs better data, clearer rules, stronger digital support and faster fixes as families feel the pressure. Social Protection: Government plans to expand LEAP from 350,000 to 450,000 households under BIG LEAP to strengthen support for poor and vulnerable families. SHS Placement Crisis: Education advocate Emily Nyarko urges the Ministry and GES to publish clearer, timely vacancy and placement information so parents and students aren’t left in uncertainty. Rehabilitation Through Learning: Juvenile inmates at Accra’s Senior Correctional Centre record a 100% pass in the 2026 BECE, reinforcing the role of education in reform. Health & Care: Ghana Medical Trust Fund marks its first year, with 110 children receiving lifesaving heart treatment at Korle Bu. Culture & Tourism: The 2026 Tapioca Festival is being repositioned as a broader cultural and tourism platform to spotlight Ada’s heritage and boost local business. Arts & Society: M.anifest weighs in on toxic fan culture amid Stonebwoy–Sarkodie tensions, calling for less hate and more unity in Ghana’s music scene. Community Giving: NALAG presents 3,800 exercise books in Bono to ease learning burdens as schools reopen.

Health & Youth Safety: An NGO kicked off its 2026 World Heart Day campaign with school sensitisation on substance abuse, warning that tramadol, cannabis and shisha are increasingly reaching young people, with plans for anti-drug clubs, counselling and screenings. Public Health Access: The ISD in Ashanti has started a public education push for Free Primary Health Care, urging early use of CHPS, health centres and polyclinics to reduce delays caused by cost. Gender & Mentorship: Volta’s Department of Gender ran an Adolescent Mentorship and Empowerment Camp for 60 girls, focusing on self-confidence, practical skills and personal hygiene. Cyber & Fraud Prevention: MTN Ghana intensified cybersecurity awareness for staff, stressing that criminals’ tactics keep changing and employees must protect customer and company data. Education Policy & Language: NaCCA and the Confucius Institute trained teachers to implement the new Chinese curriculum, while President Mahama reiterated there’s no plan to introduce Arabic or Chinese as compulsory in all public schools. Arts & Culture: Ghanaian pencil artist Aewura Arts says parents resisted her art career, and she also shared how her portrait of IShowSpeed impressed his manager. Culture Tourism: The Tapioca Festival 2026 in Ada Foah is being repositioned as a broader cultural and tourism platform to boost local business and creativity. Sports/Global Culture: Ghanaian poet Emma Ofosua will take West African spoken word to three UK cities this September. National Cathedral Update: President Mahama says a forensic audit on the National Cathedral is completed and the National Cathedral Secretariat has been dissolved, arguing the project shouldn’t be funded with taxpayers’ money.

Education & Exams: President John Dramani Mahama says improved invigilation and reduced cheating are producing “true results” in the 2026 WASSCE, while also reiterating plans to end the double-track SHS system by end-2027. SHS Placement Pressure: GNAT backs keeping double-track temporarily until infrastructure expands, as parents continue to crowd placement centres over CSSPS-related frustrations. Policy Clarifications: Mahama denies any new Cabinet-approved plan to introduce Arabic and Chinese in all public schools, saying Arabic teacher training supports existing English-Arabic schools. Regional Development: Upper West Region has received GH¢101.9m DACF (about 25% of expected annual allocation), funding CHPS compounds, classrooms, boreholes, quarters, police posts and roads. Health Access: A free primary healthcare “Health Kiosk” was commissioned at Sogakope Market to bring routine screening and emergency triage closer to traders and residents. Gender & Learning: STU holds a gender-responsive pedagogy workshop for staff, linking equity in higher education with tackling gender-based violence. Culture & Arts: Spruill Gallery’s “Material Poesy” opens Sept 24 with three local Atlanta-based artists. Lifestyle & Community: A new one-stop African grocery store opens in Middlesbrough, bringing ingredients for traditional dishes to the local community.

Education & Youth: President Mahama says Ghana’s economy is now “standing on concrete pillars” and ties the push for better schooling to ending the Double-Track SHS system by 2027, while BECE results are seen as more “true” after malpractice clampdowns. SHS Placement Crisis: GETFund will expand Category A SHS infrastructure with GH¢250m, and placement support centres are clearing thousands of CSSPS cases—plus calls for counselling for students placed in schools they didn’t choose. Child Protection: A Bolgatanga Girls’ SHS abuse case is reigniting survivor-centred safeguarding demands, while hygiene sensitisation urges parents to teach personal and menstrual hygiene early. Women’s Rights & Health: FEAD-Ghana wants all taxes removed from menstrual products. Security & Governance: WACCE warns Ghana is “closer to the threat” of terrorism as galamsey creates weak-governance vulnerabilities; NACOC urges stronger regional cooperation to fight drug trafficking. Culture & Arts: Ibrahim Mahama receives France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres; Ghana’s Willis Bell Archive heads to France’s Rencontres d’Arles. Sports & Entertainment: U.S. Embassy trains coaches to grow girls’ football leadership; gospel icon Bernice Offei dies at 63.

Education & Youth: GNAT says Ghana can fix the SHS placement crisis within two years by prioritising infrastructure, arguing CSSPS problems are symptoms of wider capacity gaps. Education & Accountability: A parent alleges being asked for GH¢15,000 for a St. Louis SHS placement after BECE results, as families scramble at resolution centres amid placement chaos. Health & Women: Ashanti plans virtual labour rooms in selected facilities, using remote specialist support with UNICEF backing, to cut maternal deaths. Public Health: An air-pollution campaign in Accra targets drivers, trotro operators and schools, urging residents to stop open waste burning as pollution harms everyone. Culture & Sports: Ho residents celebrate the Black Princesses’ 3-1 win over South Korea, with Ghana now needing a France result to reach the U-20 Women’s World Cup knockout stage. Culture & Arts: Osagyefo Theatre Company launches in Winneba to create jobs, preserve Ghanaian culture and take performances into schools and communities. Lifestyle & Community: Prudential Life wins CSR Company of the Year 2025 for health, education and climate projects, including mangrove restoration and financial literacy. Security & Crime (Regional): Lagos police arrest fraud syndicates targeting major markets, with claims they also abduct victims and ransom them. Immigration (Regional): Georgia detains 59 foreign nationals in immigration control operations, including a Ghanaian among detainees. Tech & Policy (Global): UNESCO unveils new tools to strengthen ethical AI governance, with Ghana among countries building AI readiness strategies.

Security Diplomacy: Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak says Ghana is ready to deepen security cooperation with Canada, focusing on border security, intelligence sharing and tackling cross-border threats. Education & Skills: Ghana is scaling up AI and digital skills across TVET, with a phase targeting about 140 TVET institutions and aiming to reach up to one million educators and learners by end-2027. School Expansion: President Mahama says 16 new SHSs are underway under a US$300m World Bank facility to ease congestion and end the double-track system by 2027, with plans to convert some rural SHSs into boarding schools. Placement Pressure: Parents report chaos and desperation around CSSPS SHS placement, with one parent claiming they were pushed to pay GH¢15,000 after considering GH¢10,000. Health Awareness: Korle-Bu’s NCTC launches World Heart Awareness Month, urging Ghanaians to screen for hypertension and other hidden cardiovascular risks. Culture & Identity: Kente ambassador Amma Prempeh urges Ghana to turn global kente attention into real investment for weavers and industry growth. Community Support: TGM Network begins kitchen renovation at Accra’s Senior Correctional Centre to improve hygiene and safety. Music & Public Life: Shatta Wale weighs into the Sarkodie–Stonebwoy clash, urging Stonebwoy to apologise and keep disputes from spilling endlessly. Religious Harmony: President Mahama warns leaders to protect Ghana’s religious freedom after a pastor–imam dispute escalated into arrests and assault in police custody.

Non-Interest Banking: Bank of Ghana plans its first non-interest banking licence by end of 2026, with guidelines and a Non-Interest Finance Advisory Council—sparking debate over whether it could be seen as religiously driven, though regulators insist it won’t support any religion. Education & Discipline: Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey warned students after alleged school disturbances, while a new push urges schools to manage social media and digital device use to curb indiscipline. SHS Placement Stress: Parents at GNAT Hall complain about CSSPS placement discrepancies, delays and long queues as EduPack distribution readiness begins for SHS and SHTS. Culture & Youth: PRESEC-Legon wins NSMQ for a historic ninth time; Mfantsiman Girls marks 66 years with a theme on adaptability; and First Friday Art Walk brings community and creativity together. Health & Lifestyle: A cardiologist cautions Ghanaians to moderate koobi/momoni for high sodium and higher hypertension risk, and a study flags how young people rely on phone health advice without clear checks. Community Development: Mahama Ayariga and Ga Mantse call for Zongo redevelopment without evictions, focusing on sanitation, housing and infrastructure. Entertainment Buzz: Sarkodie’s jollof saga keeps trending, and Inusa Dawuda drops “Adamin Dibisin” as a feel-good anthem. Sports: Iñaki Williams retires from Ghana’s Black Stars after four years. Safety & Crime: France intercepts a €225m cocaine shipment hidden in plastic waste from Ghana.

Ghana–France Defence Ties: Ghana is deepening cooperation with Paris as France’s Sahel footprint shrinks, including modernisation of the Ghana Air Force’s rotary-wing fleet with French help. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: GASP and TOLECGH mark World Suicide Prevention Day by urging open, everyday conversations and support instead of blame, citing rising suicidal thoughts among youth. Education Under Pressure: Teacher unions demand an apology from Interior Minister Muntaka over remarks linked to alleged forged WASSCE results, while GES warns parents and students against CSSPS placement scams. Women in Tech: The Girls in ICT initiative urges girls to use AI and digital skills to solve real problems, backing Ghana’s push for an inclusive digital future. Culture & Community: Oguaa Fetu Afahye brings chiefs and reparations-focused unity to Cape Coast, while Climate Change Advisors Ghana and Buzstop Boys lead a major clean-up for greener festivals. Health Access: Navro-Pio backs the Free Primary Health Care programme, urging Ghanaians not to politicise it. Travel Ease: Ghanaian passport holders get visa-free access to the Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda under new agreements. Show & Lifestyle: The Ghana Garden and Flower Show returns in Accra for 11 days of plants, workshops and green-business ideas. Sports & Youth: PRESEC-Legon wins NSMQ 2026 for a record ninth trophy, and Karela United runs FIFA Laws of the Game updates ahead of Bechem United.

Education Crisis: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is calling for an honest national conversation after WAEC results showed weak English and Core Mathematics performance, plus ongoing BECE-to-SHS placement problems affecting tens of thousands of learners. School Placement Scams: The GES warns parents and students about fake or digitally altered CSSPS placement slips and scammers demanding money to change placements. Union Politics: The TUC says any move to extend the presidential term to five years must come with stronger governance reforms, warning citizens would suffer longer under misrule. Health Focus: Korle Bu’s National Cardiothoracic Centre launches World Heart Awareness Month, urging Ghanaians to know their blood pressure and screen early as hypertension drives heart disease deaths. Nutrition & Food Culture: Kontomire is spotlighted as a nutrient powerhouse that can help fight malnutrition and diet-related illness. Youth & Faith Online: A Catholic youth message urges young people to use social media responsibly—don’t trade God for tech, and share only what is true and peaceful. Business Skills: GEA and Mastercard Foundation train Ashaiman MSMEs on bookkeeping, financial management, and digital marketing. Interfaith Tension: Ghana’s Muslim forum condemns Rev. Owusu Bempah’s remarks about Bawumia, saying Ghana’s peace and unity should not be inflamed. Global Watch: Iran’s seizure of a US underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz raises fears of reverse-engineering.

Education Crisis & Placement Chaos: Parents at GNAT Hall in Accra say CSSPS placement issues are dragging on into day three, with some sleeping at the centre as Category A/B options reportedly disappear for certain cases, leaving only Category C choices. Teacher Shortage: Former Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum warns 30,000 classrooms lack teachers, risking nearly a million students missing proper instruction. Fake EduPack Alert: NCPTA cautions SHS parents not to pay EduPack PGL GH¢1,617 for prospectus items, saying GES has not authorised the company. Academic Freedom Under Fire: UTAG-UG accuses GTEC of threatening university autonomy by directing faculty recruitment through a regulator-led process. Gender & Media: Gender Minister calls for fair household roles to protect girls’ education; DW Akademie trains journalists on gender-sensitive reporting. Culture & Creative Arts: The “70 Slate Initiative” launches three films to spotlight Ghana’s history ahead of 70 years of independence, while the UK High Commissioner urges joint state-private investment in Ghana’s creative industry. Health & Rights: CHRAJ and partners push stronger HIV/TB public education to cut stigma and discrimination. Transport & Daily Life: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga says Aayalolo’s success depends on reliability, as repairs and fleet expansion continue. Pan-African Youth & Reparations: A youth-focused op-ed reignites the debate on debt and reparations as part of Africa’s liberation agenda. International Watch: Iran says it captured a U.S. underwater drone, potentially enabling reverse engineering.