AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Gender: MoFA and CABI held a GRAS forum in Koforidua to improve women farmers’ access to extension and advisory services, addressing the gap where women form 52% of agricultural labour but face barriers to support. Education in Emergencies: Ghana’s Education Minister says the ACCELERATE+ conference (Sept 29–30) is ready, pushing resilient education systems and an emergency education fund. Research for Policy: UBIDS opened its 6th R&D conference in Wa, with Prof. Dittoh urging research to translate into policy and community solutions. Road Safety & Infrastructure: A commentary flags the Accra–Kumasi Expressway decision, stressing Ghana’s rising crash deaths and the need to “build it right.” Cybersecurity: GCIF warns that AI is making phishing messages more convincing, urging caution with unsolicited requests. Digital Finance: Telecel Cash launched FUNDiT, a verified crowdfunding platform where contributions can come via mobile money and cards. Fisheries Governance: Fisheries Commission inaugurated national co-management committees (STC and FMOC) to strengthen science-based fisheries management. Banking & Tech: Absa commissioned its new head office, calling for tech-enabled inclusion and stronger cybersecurity. Sports Tech: Carlos Queiroz again questioned the lack of VAR in AFCON qualifiers after Ghana’s loss to Côte d’Ivoire.

Bank of Ghana Currency Update: BoG says it will launch upgraded “Heritage Series” cedi banknotes on November 3, with enhanced security and durability, while existing notes will keep circulating. Higher Education Reform: Ghana’s Education Minister challenges universities to align programmes with the job market, as Africa’s higher education leaders push for transformation that links curricula, credentials, research and industry needs. EV Regulation: The Energy Commission has laid EV charging and battery-swap regulations before Parliament, aiming to set safety and licensing rules as electric mobility expands. Digital Skills for Women: Absa backs the GirlCode Ghana Hackathon to grow young women’s participation in the digital economy. Research-to-Policy Push: An Upper West Minister urges researchers to move findings from shelves into practical policy and implementation. Environment Enforcement: EPA shuts down Ponlok Company over smoke emissions and poor waste management. Blue Economy & Fisheries: UCC warns galamsey and coastal pollution could damage Ghana’s coastal economy, while reporting also questions how well the marine fisheries plan is being delivered. Energy & Investment: A.P. Moller Capital-led consortium agrees to acquire Powergas, a major CNG producer, expanding gas infrastructure beyond pipelines. Education Support: A University of Ghana researcher donates books and stationery to pupils in Sunyani West. Sports Tech Governance: Carlos Queiroz criticises referee decisions and calls for VAR in AFCON qualifiers after Ghana’s loss to Côte d’Ivoire.

Bank of Ghana Currency Upgrade: The BoG says it will launch the upgraded “Heritage Series” cedi banknotes on November 3, 2026, with stronger security and durability; existing notes will co-circulate and remain legal tender. Blue Economy & Research: The Fisheries Ministry rallied the Ghana Science Association and researchers to co-create science-based solutions for ocean protection, tackling illegal mining and destructive fishing. Digital Trust & Cybersecurity: GCIF is rolling out a broader cybersecurity awareness push—schools, communities and the music scene—plus a virtual assets workshop with the BoG to address crypto-related risks. Education in Emergencies: Ghana will host a high-level conference in Accra (Sept 29–30) on scaling education initiatives during crises, focusing on what works, how to scale, and sustainable financing. TVET Meets Industry: Ghana TVET Service partners Tema Oil Refinery to strengthen certification and create work-experience placements ahead of National TVET Week. Accessibility in Schools: Sign language is set to become a compulsory subject in basic schools within five years, following NaCCA piloting in special schools. Energy Tech Expansion: Tango Brook’s Tango Fuel App expands to five countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, DR Congo, Zimbabwe) for traceable fuel and fleet management.

Telemedicine & Robotics: A Nigerian team in Abuja carried out what they call West Africa’s first tele-robotic surgery—removing a cancerous kidney with a surgeon controlling the robot remotely from Ogun State, using a real-time link (reported Starlink with MTN backup). CBRN Training: Ghana’s Army EOD personnel in Tema completed a two-week French-supported chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence course, covering both battlefield and industrial incident response. Biometrics Standards: Neurotechnology says its contactless fingerprint capture passed NIST Fast Capture Phase One qualification, using smartphone cameras for rapid tenprint capture. Agriculture Insurance: GAIP launched a rainfall-based Germination Index Insurance pilot for smallholders in Upper West and Northern regions, aiming to trigger payouts without farm-by-farm assessors. Skills & TVET: Ghana TVET Service met the Bank of Ghana to align technical training with economic transformation as AI and automation shift job needs. Sanitation Tech in Action: Government began emergency evacuation of about one million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie to Adepa engineered landfill sites to support the Agbogbloshie Urban Renewal Project. AI & Entrepreneurship: Yango Fellowship graduated 24 young innovators in Abidjan, pitching projects from smart waste collection to digital identity for informal merchants.

AI & Data Governance: Ghana’s Data Protection Commission chief Dr Arnold Kavaarpuo urged connected African regulators to tackle how big tech controls data, AI and the value it generates. Skills for the Digital Economy: Ghana signed an Intel deal to scale responsible AI teaching in K-12 classrooms, while TVET Service partnerships with Tema Oil Refinery (and UNESCO/KPMG/Microsoft) push industry-ready training and AI/digital skills for 100,000 facilitators. Research-to-Industry: CSIR leadership calls are getting louder: Dr Zaneto Agyeman-Rawlings wants CSIR research turned into commercially viable products, with stronger links between evidence and policy. Mobility of Talent: Kenya’s “Masterkey” corridor under Accra Reset aims to make skills and qualifications portable across borders using trusted digital records. Education Inclusion: Sign Language is set for piloting then nationwide rollout as a compulsory basic-school subject within five years. Health & Tech: Roche reaffirmed its Africa Breast Cancer Ambition to improve survival by strengthening diagnostics and care systems. Local Tech & Safety: Binance says Ghana’s crypto market is growing and doubles down on safety/compliance; meanwhile NAS launched “Operation Restore Fleet” to reduce ambulance downtime.

AI Governance: Ghana’s Communication Minister says the country will regulate AI risks without stifling innovation, focusing on harms in high-stakes uses while allowing low-risk experimentation. Digital Finance & Security: The CSD launched “Investor Connect” to let Ghanaians open securities accounts and track holdings digitally, while GIABA urged journalists to intensify probes into money laundering and financial crimes as cyber fraud rises. Mobile Money Innovation: MoMo Fintech Lab has drawn nearly 1,000 entries, with trust, security and digital identity among the top tracks. Health & Research: UHAS students tested bitter leaf for antioxidant and anticancer activity in lab assays, adding to Ghana’s growing applied research culture. Water & Infrastructure: Ghana Water faces a US$235m liability after the Teshie desalination dispute, highlighting the cost of stalled public projects. Tourism Tech: Ghana will mark World Tourism Day 2026 in Koforidua with a theme linking tourism to digital and AI redesign. Public Services: KATH is working to complete a hostel for relatives of in-patients to ease pressure on families travelling for care.

Health & Tech Capacity: WHO handed the University of Ghana School of Public Health ICT and media equipment (GHS 258,000) to boost teaching, research and emergency preparedness, while Ghana also moves to strengthen clinical trial oversight through WHO/NVI support. AI Governance: Ghana’s government says it will regulate AI risks without killing innovation, focusing on harms in high-stakes uses and citing revenue gains from an AI system at the GRA. EV Infrastructure Rules: The Energy Commission has laid EV charging and battery-swap regulations before Parliament, aiming for safe, orderly growth tied to grid capacity. Digital Payments Safety: Ghana’s telecoms chamber urged MoMo users to protect PINs and watch for SIM swap, phishing and fake support calls. Food Safety: Ghana launched a 5-year plan to cut heavy metals in food (2026–2030), strengthening lab capacity and surveillance. Agriculture & Water: Government will rehabilitate all 22 Volta irrigation facilities by 2027 and push mobile irrigation systems; Ghana also launched a national heavy-metals-in-food roadmap. Industry & Culture IP: Ghana begins Geographical Indication protection for Akpeteshie to help formalize and scale the spirit. Sports Development: Ghana Sports Fund eyes a National Sports Academy to spot and nurture talent beyond football. Security & Drugs: Norgbey and the NPP both allege internal compromise at ports and airports amid drug trafficking concerns. Environment & Waste: President Mahama commissioned a 90-day push to clear about one million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie to Adepa engineered landfill.

Agbogbloshie Cleanup: President Mahama has kicked off a 90-day operation to remove 1 million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie/Old Fadama to Adepa engineered landfill, aiming to cut flooding and restore Korle Lagoon. Port Security & Drugs: A France-linked probe into a €225m cocaine shipment from Ghana alleges insider sabotage and customs collusion, with suspects remanded while a key fugitive remains at large. Health Mystery in Oti: Residents of Mafi Kope report an illness affecting children and adults, with sores and hearing issues; no official cause or diagnosis has been confirmed yet. Education/UK Policy: The UK has removed Ghana- and Nigeria-trained teachers from its Qualified Teacher Status route, citing problems verifying references. Finance & Markets: Ghana’s stock market slipped 2.06% week-on-week as turnover fell; meanwhile, stakeholders warn immunisation funding must be secured ahead of Ghana’s GAVI exit in 2030. Tech & Research: WANETAM-4 launched a five-year West Africa programme to strengthen TB, HIV and malaria research and lab capacity. Climate & Policy: ECOWAS Parliament urged urgent, people-centred climate action as environmental degradation drives displacement and insecurity. AI/Innovation: Yango Fellowship 2026 wrapped up in Abidjan with 24 African fellows pitching locally built tech solutions.

Digital Policing & Public Safety: Ghana’s Interior Minister Muntaka commissioned a national Fire Code Committee to modernise and enforce fire safety, with the code expected to cover emerging risks from new technologies and building methods. AI for Health Equity: The Gates Foundation pledged at least US$1B over two years to expand access to AI and AI-enabled solutions in clinics, classrooms and on small farms, arguing AI must be built for equity. Disinformation & Local Languages: A new study recommends language-centred approaches to fight disinformation in Ghana, showing most people consume information in local languages while many verification tools don’t. Crime Records Tech Transfer: A Ghana delegation visited India’s State Crime Records Bureau to study digital policing systems like CCTNS 2.0, including facial recognition and digital fingerprinting. Cancer Burden Rising: A Lancet Oncology/GBD study reports cancer incident cases in Africa jumped 229% from 1990 to 2023, with breast and cervical cancers leading female deaths. Education & Tech Skills: Education Minister urges AUCB to deepen AI, entrepreneurship, research and innovation as Ghana’s skills needs shift. Community Tech Access: Cape Coast South MP commissioned an ultra-modern children’s library at Ekon with a computer room to support digital learning. Sports & Youth: Ghana’s Black Maidens started the WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup with a 4-0 win over Togo.

ECOWAS Reform Push: Experts at Ghana’s Nyansa Dialogue Series in Accra say ECOWAS must reform to stay relevant amid fractured West Africa, warning that governments’ failure to deliver human security and services is driving public frustration. NDC Succession vs “Reset”: Kwesi Pratt Jnr accuses some NDC officials of focusing on succession politics rather than delivering President Mahama’s reset agenda. Standards & Labs: Ghana Standards Authority reports 18% revenue growth in 2025 (GH¢228m), with expanded testing, calibration and verification to protect consumers and exports. Waste Tech & Logistics: Ghana’s 90-day Agbogbloshie waste evacuation is underway, with the Army Engineer Brigade coordinating truck movements to reduce traffic disruption as about one million tonnes are targeted for transfer to Adepa engineered landfill. Health Alert: Yellow fever confirmed in Sissala East after mysterious deaths; reactive clinician training and further sampling begin. Mining & Climate: GSAA calls illegal mining “intolerable,” urging apolitical enforcement and transparent compensation for affected communities. Aviation Expansion: AWA takes delivery of its first Embraer E190 to boost Ghana’s regional air connectivity. Lithium Deal Update: Huayou clears an Australian hurdle in its proposed US$210m takeover of Atlantic Lithium, moving Ewoyaa closer to development.

Economic Outlook: IC Securities says Ghana’s GDP growth should re-accelerate in 2H 2026, with ICT staying the services growth anchor and oil & gas output recovering as new wells come on stream. Public Health: Yellow fever has been confirmed in Sissala East after about 21 “mysterious” deaths; clinicians are being trained for reactive case detection while more samples are tested. Sanitation & Environment: President Mahama has launched a 90-day emergency waste evacuation at Agbogbloshie, targeting about 1 million tonnes for transfer to Adepa engineered landfill to cut health and flooding risks. Transport & Standards: Ghana Standards Authority will tighten vehicle import enforcement from Oct 1, 2026, including limits on used vehicles over 15 years—sparking debate on safety versus vehicle condition. Drugs & Security: NACOC needs more personnel and training to match tougher trafficking networks, as Ghana faces renewed scrutiny after major seizures linked to the region. Digital Policy: A call is growing for a national framework to regulate children’s independent social media access, proposing 16 as a minimum age. Tech & Infrastructure: A piece argues AI’s biggest opportunities start with infrastructure—power, fibre, cooling and logistics—not just software.

Agbogbloshie Cleanup: President Mahama has commissioned a National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise to remove about one million tonnes of waste from Agbogbloshie in 90 days, moving it to Adepa Engineered Landfill near Nsawam and warning assemblies to stop illegal dumping from returning. Public Health & Disease: Yellow fever has been confirmed in Sissala East after mysterious deaths, with reactive clinician training underway. Food & Nutrition Science: A Ghana-focused look at kontomire highlights that “iron-rich” leafy vegetables don’t guarantee iron absorption; meal partners like vitamin C matter. AI in Education: A commentary argues Ghana and other African states must speed up AI use in classrooms to personalize learning and support teachers, not just teach students to use tools. Digital Assets Regulation: Ghana’s Digital Asset Summit Africa pushes a regulatory framework for trusted virtual-asset innovation, building on mobile money success. Cyber & Safety: Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority warns about non-consensual intimate-image sharing and sextortion, urging stronger protection for young people. Energy & Research: GNPC Explorco advances Voltaian Basin drilling prep with a planned 13.5km access road to a proposed well site at Chegu. Tech for Health Care: ADB Ghana Medical Systems backs the Otumfuo Cancer Centre project in Kumasi, including an AI hub in the first phase. Education System Pressure: New CSSPS numbers show demand concentration in top schools is driving placement stress despite many declared vacancies.

Digital Assets Regulation: Ghana is positioning itself as a hub for responsible digital asset innovation, with regulators and industry pushing a framework to build trust, protect consumers and spur investment at DASA 2026. Cybersecurity & Youth Safety: Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority warns of rising non-consensual intimate-image sharing, blackmail and sextortion, urging extra protection for children and young people. Waste & Sanitation Push: President Mahama orders a 90-day Agbogbloshie waste evacuation to Adepa engineered landfill, with enforcement to stop illegal dumping and plans for an industrial park. Food Safety: Ghana launches a national strategic plan to cut heavy metals in food, targeting risks like cadmium in cereals and lead in turmeric. Health & Research Capacity: ADB Ghana Medical Systems backs the $100m Otumfuo Cancer Centre in Kumasi, including an AI hub and advanced cancer treatment facilities. Education Infrastructure: Adaklu District Assembly and Wa East District complete long-abandoned classroom blocks, including GETFund and DACF legacy projects. Tax Cooperation: GRA calls for stronger African tax administration cooperation and more tech-driven compliance. Public Debate on BECE Placement: Stakeholders question CSSPS placement outcomes as demand concentrates in top schools despite reported vacancies. Environment Tech Recognition: Ugandan-founded AirQo makes Earthshot Prize finalist list for low-cost air quality monitoring using AI and open data. Lithium Investment: Australia clears Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt’s $210m takeover of Atlantic Lithium, bringing Ghana’s first planned lithium mine closer to construction.

Space Cooperation: Ghana and Japan reaffirmed space science ties as Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata visited Accra, with satellite tech highlighted for agriculture, disaster response and national security. Power & Safety: GRIDCo and the Information Services Department launched a 12-day sensitisation drive in Ashanti to clear encroachers from transmission right-of-way, warning of fault and public-safety risks. Fire Governance: The Interior Minister commissioned a Ghana Fire Code Committee to draft a modern, enforceable national fire code with support from the World Bank and partners. Maritime Security: MARSEC urged the Ghana Maritime Authority to keep strengthening maritime awareness and information sharing to counter piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking. Health & Research: Ghana launched a 2026–2030 plan to cut toxic heavy metals in food, while World Patient Safety Day coverage pushed safer NCD care across the full patient journey. Digital Skills: Huawei began digital training under the One Million Coders Programme, targeting 100,000 Ghanaians in cloud, 5G, AI and security. Science Capacity: KNUST is set to launch the Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory to build light-based tools for medicine authentication and heavy-metal sensing. Environment: President Mahama launched a 90-day operation to evacuate about one million tonnes of Agbogbloshie waste using drone-assisted AI assessment, moving it to Adepa landfill.

Digital Payments for SMEs: Access Bank Ghana and Visa launched “Visa Accept,” a virtual POS inside the Access Bank mobile app to help nano and small merchants accept card payments and build transaction records for formal credit. Health Tech & Research: KNUST is set to commission a Photonics and Optics Laboratory to support locally built light-based tools for medicine, agriculture and environmental safety. AI in Policing: INTERPOL’s “Operation Shams II” used AI to process 108,076 facial images from jihadist content, cutting them to 6,362 unique high-quality faces to identify 126 suspected foreign terrorist fighters. Waste-to-Industry Push: President Mahama commissioned the evacuation of Agbogloshie waste to Adepa Engineered Landfill using drone-assisted AI estimates (~1 million tonnes) to clear the way for an industrial park. Green Enterprise Funding: The EU, Netherlands and Fidelity Bank launched a €6.668m Green Innovation Fund to back Ghanaian SMEs adopting green technologies. Cocoa Tech Strategy: Mars says 98% of cocoa supply is covered under its responsible sourcing and highlights new cloning and climate-smart cocoa work in its Cocoa for Generations report. Aquaculture Skills: UESD and Maleka Farms launched an aquaculture scholarship (MESAS) to support financially challenged students. TVET Governance: DTI inaugurated an Academic Council and Industry Advisory Committees to strengthen TVET delivery and industry relevance. Energy Access: Anloga MP Richard Kwame Sefe announced rural electrification works for Amenyokorfe and Bomigo. Oil Exploration: GNPC and GNPC Explorco advanced preparations for the TUA-1X exploratory well at Chegu, including road and rig-pad works.

Climate & Jobs: Green Prosperity Africa Foundation is pushing “green entrepreneurship” in Ghana—renewables, climate-smart farming, recycling and clean tech—as a way to cut poverty while building resilience to heat, rainfall shifts and coastal risks. Business Discovery: Accra Street Directory and Modern Ghana’s Business Directory are helping local firms get found online with structured listings by sector and location—an easy win for Ghana’s digital economy. Digital Connectivity: USTDA and C-Squared Africa signed a feasibility study to lay fibre-optic cables using Ghana’s existing electricity infrastructure, aiming to expand affordable digital access for AI growth. AI Trust & Policy: A Pew survey says people in Ghana trust China, the US and the EU about equally to regulate AI—highlighting how regulation confidence varies by country. Standards & Industry: Ghana Standards Authority reported GH¢228m revenue in 2025 (+18%), with more testing and certifications to protect consumers. Agriculture Tech: DBG launched “Boa Mi,” an AI-powered WhatsApp platform giving farmers agronomic advice and helping lenders make better decisions. Marine Protection Gap: Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area (Greater Cape Three Points) is still not fully operationalised in monitoring systems like Global Fishing Watch, leaving boundaries and patrols unclear. Health Crisis: Ghana Health Service data show 53,415 adolescent pregnancies Jan–Jul 2026, including 1,501 cases among girls aged 10–14. Water & Sanitation Diplomacy: UAE is advancing SDG 6 preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, stressing investment and private-sector/youth participation.