AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: President Mahama has cut sod for a seven-storey, multi-tier car park and airport hotels complex at Accra International Airport, including 2,000+ parking bays, hotels, retail, a sky lounge and observatory—funded through the airport’s own balance sheets. Community Finance: Akyempim Community Bank stakeholders are urging chiefs, corporate bodies and citizens to buy more shares to recapitalise before Bank of Ghana’s GHC 5m share-cap deadline. Church Discipline: The Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong says the suspended priest was found at the Police Training Centre in Koforidua after enrolling to join the Ghana Police Service. Music & Culture: Tekno reignited debate on Afrobeats’ origins, crediting Fela’s global reach while highlighting Oliver De Coque and other pioneers. Entertainment & Society: UK-based musician Reggie Zippy denies claims Barosky’s homelessness is due to laziness or drugs, pointing instead to missed royalties and poor documentation. Sports: Asante Kotoko coach Eric Tinkler says the team is ready for the Democracy Cup clash with Hearts of Oak. Public Accountability: AFAG is calling for a forensic probe into GoldBod’s 2025 spending, while GoldBod defenders argue the domestic gold programme prevented smuggling losses.

Ghanaian entertainment mourns: Veteran actress Grace Nortey (“Maame Gyata”) has died at 89, leaving behind a landmark film and theatre legacy spanning decades. Performing arts upgrade: Ghana’s National Theatre is set for major transformation with Chinese support, aiming to modernise the landmark into a contemporary cultural hub. Football—women’s game: The GFA met Women’s Premier League clubs to review the 2025/26 season and map out preparations for 2026/27, with a push for better visibility and commercial appeal. Football—Ghana abroad: Coventry City’s Brandon Thomas-Asante says Frank Lampard called him during the World Cup to assess Caleb Yirenkyi, praising the midfielder as “the modern N’Golo Kante.” Sports diplomacy: Ghana’s Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Committee is building a new grassroots-to-national sports pathway, backed by early in-kind support from the Ghana–Anhui Chamber of Commerce. Culture & awards: Accra hosted the 18th Gong Gong Awards, with organisers urging businesses to integrate AI into advertising. Society & faith: The Presbyterian Moderator warns of rising indiscipline and violence in schools, calling for urgent action. Legal spotlight: Former boxer Ayitey Powers was remanded over an alleged death threat against the NSA boss.

Sports Policy & Talent Pipeline: The National Sports Authority’s RMPC says Ghana’s sporting future is being rebuilt through a constituency-to-national pathway, with early in-kind support from the Ghana–Anhui Chamber of Commerce (footwear, T-shirts and motorcycles) to boost grassroots access. Football Transfers: FC Samartex has signed Dabo Soccer Academy star Bright Kofi Obeng on a four-year deal ahead of the 2026/27 season. Court & Celebrity: “Powder Man” Kailani Ibrahim appears in Accra over alleged visa fraud involving more than 13 people and over $30,000; the court grants GH¢70,000 bail. Entertainment Loss: Veteran actress Grace Nortey dies at 89, leaving a five-decade legacy across theatre, radio, TV and film. Cinema Spotlight: Black Star International Film Festival unveils its 2026 official selection in Kumasi, featuring films from 11 countries. Public Health: Ghana AIDS Commission calls for expanding an HIV prevention project for adolescent girls and young women beyond current districts. Culture & Tourism: Tourism Society launches YOTOFEST 2026 to push youth-led domestic tourism, culture and heritage. Arts & Community Abroad: Africa Fest Madison returns with two days of art, music and African cuisine, powered by volunteers. Infrastructure: GARID begins major underground storm drain works along the Dr. Busia Highway from September 7. Media Accountability: JoyNews faces calls to apologise after a disputed report about Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s extortion allegations.

Vigilantism Watch: Ghana’s security chief warns that the threat behind Act 999 (the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act) has “learned to hide,” as the country pushes for tighter enforcement ahead of 2028. Anti-Corruption Politics: Fresh debate swirls around the NPP’s ability to campaign on corruption as court cases and prosecutions keep dominating headlines. Media & Governance: Afenyo-Markin’s “shoot first, think later” style is criticised for derailing policy with misinformation and lawsuits. Health & Youth: The Mental Health Authority cautions young people against mixing food or drinks with drugs, warning of unpredictable mental health harm. Beauty & Culture: Adjorkor secures a spot in the Miss Universe Ghana preliminary stage. Sports & Safety: With the Ghana Premier League set to return, stakeholders are urged to put sports security first. Gospel Music: Pastor Winny releases “Come and See,” with an official video on YouTube. Environment: EPA launches a second Kumasi awareness push ahead of Ghana’s polystyrene ban. Health Crisis: Stroke risk is rising among Ghanaian men aged 30–49, with health officials calling it alarming. Football Development: FIFA opens a two-day amateur football environment analysis in Accra. Music Awards: Nee Oseye Ade Leke wins Highlife Artiste of the Year at Ghana Music Awards USA 2026. Child Protection: SEND Ghana urges stronger cocoa-sector enforcement to protect children from hazardous farm work. Creative Industry: Publicis West Africa wins Agency of the Year at the 2026 Gong Gong Awards, highlighting craft and tech. Entertainment Buzz: Yaa Yeboah fires back in the Stonebwoy–ShattaFest UK controversy fallout. Art Market Integrity: Ghana’s growing art scene is linked to wider calls for provenance and anti-money-laundering safeguards. Security Exercise: Ghana Armed Forces begin “Exercise Resolute Synergy 2026” tabletop drills to sharpen joint response to threats.

Mining & Local Content: Asempa 94.7 FM’s National Mining Dialogue 2026 at Kempinski drew 500+ people instead of 200, with leaders pushing for mining that delivers fair community benefits and real local value, not just quiet corporate social responsibility. Music & Awards: The 2026 Headies nominees are out, with Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy dominating major categories as the ceremony heads to Canada. DJ Culture: Guinness Ghana DJ Awards powered by Smirnoff is set for December 4, with a new Digital DJ of the Year category and nationwide pre-events. Film Art & Politics: Ghanaian movie posters—often seen as “wrong”—are being framed as a form of political resistance and creative adaptation. Security & Vigilantism: The National Security Coordinator says vigilante groups may be less visible but are reorganising through encrypted chats and covert networks. Public Health & Environment: Zoomlion begins disinfestation and fumigation across 33 Eastern Region assemblies after floods, while officials welcome the upcoming styrofoam ban as a boost for sanitation and disease control. Sports Development: The NSA backs the planned Constituency Games as a grassroots talent pipeline, and the Sports Minister calls for a full rebuild of Ghana football.

Public Health: Ghana’s HIV gains in 2026 sit beside a tougher reality—STIs are rising among adolescents and young adults, with higher rates in urban areas and a heavier burden on young women. Digital & Media: NITA says Ghana’s digital transformation must reach everyone, not just the tech elite, while MTN Ghana trains media and CSOs on responsible AI use and data safety. Politics & Democracy: The National Media Commission urges tighter regulation of campaign financing to protect Ghana’s democratic gains, warning against money dominating politics. GoldBod & Governance: The IMF flags governance and transparency gaps in Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, while also cautioning against rushing back to international capital markets. Arts & Culture: Ghana–Korea heritage talks stress people-to-people exchange beyond funding, and CBAAC’s Aisha Augie joins a Yale cultural heritage fellowship. Sports & Entertainment: Aduana FC backs a new mini-stadium plan as a “game changer,” and veteran boxer Ayitey Powers is arrested over an alleged death threat tied to NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. Community & Safety: Manhyia South MP donates relief to fire victims, and a call for collective action on sanitation follows.

Ghana Arts & Entertainment: Bisa Kdei lit up a high-profile private event in Accra attended by former President Nana Akufo-Addo and Rebecca Akufo-Addo, as he ramps up for his December 20, 2026 “The Convention” show. Ghana in the diaspora: Bozoma Saint John-Watson married Keely Watson in a lavish traditional Ghanaian ceremony in Accra, with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars among the guests—fueling fresh buzz for Ghana-shot reality-TV content. Faith & music abroad: MOGmusic’s “Back to Basics” worship night drew thousands to OVO Arena Wembley, featuring ministers and worship leaders including Israel Houghton and Joe Mettle. Film spotlight: The Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) announced its 2026 official selection—films from 11 countries—running Sept 24–27 in Kumasi. Sports culture: Dinamo Zagreb signed Ghanaian midfielder Fuzy Taylor on loan, while Ampem Darkoa Ladies began their WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over ASEC Mimosas.

Prisons & Creative Skills: Ghana Prisons Service plans five prison-based industries—tailoring, cabinetry, shoemaking, packaging and prefabrication—plus creative tracks like music, poetry, recital and video production to help inmates earn and reintegrate. Music & Mental Health of Fame: Highlife collaborator Barosky has shared heartbreaking homelessness struggles in Manchester, asking for food and a plane ticket back home. GoldBod Heat: COPEC’s boss urged GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi to embrace criticism and stakeholder concerns as the GoldBod loss debate rages. World Cup Talk: Andre Ayew explained why he stayed silent after his 2026 World Cup omission, saying he wouldn’t “spit on my country.” Stonebwoy at Wembley: BHIM Fest UK’s PR head says curtains at OVO Arena Wembley were about sold-out capacity and venue agreement, not low attendance—while commentators argue over how Ghanaians should discuss international wins. Awards & Culture: Manhyia Palace will host the 10th HAPAwards in October, celebrating African film, music, fashion and diaspora talent. NSMQ Spotlight: Holy Child School returns to NSMQ National Championship and books a One-Eighth ticket after a strong comeback. Book Fair: Ghana International Book Fair’s 23rd edition is set for Aug 27–30 at the National Theatre under “Transforming Ghana’s Future Through Books.”

Galamsey Accountability Clash: Media coalition leader Ken Ashigbey alleges some MMDAs are collecting fees from illegal miners, echoing JoyNews’ “extortion racket” claims and raising fresh questions about local complicity. GoldBod vs Minority Leader: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin rejects “false and defamatory” attacks over his DGPP/GoldBod loss questions, while GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi challenges him to sue over calling him an “extortionist,” keeping Ghana’s political-legal drama in the spotlight. Faith & Work Ethic: Gospel star Ohemaa Mercy says prayer must be paired with hard work, urging unemployed youth to use skills and technology—not wait for “manna.” Book Culture Push: The 23rd Ghana International Book Fair (Aug 27–30) returns at the National Theatre under “Transforming Ghana’s Future Through Books.” Sports & Talent: Ghana’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku eyes a Leicester reunion after his Ipswich debut; meanwhile, David Oduro lands on loan at FC Annecy from Barcelona. Arts & Society: A new Lagos solo exhibition by Faith Omole explores identity through symbol-heavy marks, while Ghana’s assisted motherhood boom highlights late-life fertility debates.

Dagbon & Youth Institutions: Dagbon’s Damba Festival suspension after Ya-Na Abubakari Mahama II’s death is being respected, but voices are now pushing a bigger question: where are the institutions that can mobilise Dagbon youth around a shared development agenda. Assisted Motherhood: Ghana’s late-life motherhood conversation grows with Doris Anum-Dorhuso, 61, who delivered her first child at 61 using stem cell-enhanced IVF, with doctors stressing it’s not a routine path. Women’s Football: Black Princesses coach Charles Sampson details an injury crisis ruling out seven players, including captain Linda Owusu Ansah, ahead of the U-20 Women’s World Cup. Ghana in Europe: David Oduro’s move from FC Barcelona to French Ligue 2 side FC Annecy is confirmed on a two-year loan. Sports & Community: NSA’s Resource Mobilisation committee involves media in shaping the Constituency Games rollout, while Accra’s only public horse racing course at Borteyman is reportedly destroyed. Digital Rights: Sierra Leone’s MRCG calls for stronger protections against online abuse as women’s digital rights risks rise. Media & Privacy: A viral church prayer video for visa-free travel sparks laughs online, while Ghana’s broader debate on protecting children in classrooms from live-streaming continues. Energy & Regulation: PURC’s new head office is commissioned as a push for stronger utility oversight and faster complaint resolution.

Ghana in the spotlight (sports): Nathan Opoku says his Leicester first-team pre-season minutes have him “fit and ready” as he starts a new chapter at Northampton Town after completing his move from the Championship side. Classroom privacy alarm: A new Ghana-focused report warns that teachers livestreaming children without consent is becoming normal, despite existing child-protection protections that are not being enforced. Music-business crossover: Roc Nation Sports boss Michael Yormark speaks on how the agency built its football power—linking the music brand’s playbook to elite player representation. Utilities and consumer protection: Energy Minister Dr John Jinapor commissions the new PURC head office in Accra, urging tougher enforcement and faster complaint resolution for electricity, water and gas users. Fashion & culture: ATU final-year fashion students stage “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity,” while Miss Tourism Ghana’s regional costume and talent night spotlights Ghanaian heritage on one stage. Security and order: Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak orders police to dismantle illegal “self-defence” vigilantism groups. Tech and connectivity: MTN marks 30 years in Ghana with renewed investment plans to expand northern connectivity. Football community: NYA’s inter-agency gala at Accra Sports Stadium crowns YEA champions on penalties. Gospel branding: Promasidor Ghana names Diana Antwi Hamilton ambassador for Onga Tomato Mix. Public health after floods: Zoomlion-supported disinfection and disinfestation efforts stress post-flood hygiene to prevent outbreaks.

Ghana–Russia Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Samuel O. Ablakwa says Ghana and Russia agreed measures to stop illegal recruitment of Ghanaian youth for the Russia-Ukraine war, after casualties rose to 62 deaths and 15 missing. Public Health & Flood Response: Zoomlion’s post-flood disinfection drive in Accra New Town gets backing from an Environmental Health Officer, warning flood runoff can spread disease. Consumer Protection: PURC commissions a new Accra office symbolising stronger utility regulation and faster complaint resolution. Music & Brand Power: Promasidor Ghana names gospel star Diana Hamilton as Brand Ambassador for Onga Tomato Mix. Gospel on the Global Stage: Stonebwoy rallies behind MOG Music ahead of his OVO Arena Wembley headline concert; MOG Music also says he sold both cars to fund the event. Sports Transfers: Asante Kotoko completes Moroccan keeper Abdel Wadie Mourad signing; Berekum Chelsea confirms Vincent Klu Adjei’s move to FC Basel. Football Community: Asamoah Gyan and Ghana football figures join mourning for late George Gyan Mensah. Ghana’s Creative Economy: USPTO highlights strong IP protection as key to unlocking Africa’s creative industries, while Ghana’s gaming sector is flagged as a growing digital economy opportunity.

GFA Football Integrity & Funding: The Ghana Football Association has moved to curb match-fixing by banning betting companies from offering odds on domestic matches, while also announcing major financial support for clubs—GH¢1m each for Premier League teams ahead of 2026/27, plus continued backing for Division One and Women’s Premier League clubs. Stadium Upgrade Push: In Kumasi, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is racing to regain CAF licence status, with renovations targeting pitch, dressing rooms, safety and media facilities. Sports Calendar & Fitness: The Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon is officially launched for October 10, with a GH¢100,000 prize pool and categories for elites, the public, para-athletes and skaters. Media & Trust: GJA leadership is urging journalists to verify, avoid follower-based hiring, and strengthen credibility as digital media reshapes newsrooms. Digital Economy Skills: MTN’s Masterclass series is equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools for thriving in a digital-first economy. Public Health Focus: World Mosquito Day coverage calls for Ghana to broaden mosquito-control beyond malaria as dengue risk rises. Arts & Culture: HAPAwards’ 10th anniversary media launch spotlights plans to promote Ghanaian culture globally.

Ghana Premier League build-up: The GFA has confirmed the 2026/27 season kicks off September 4–7, running to May 28–31, with 18 clubs, weekend-focused fixtures, and big stakes for title, continental spots and survival. Women’s football momentum: The Black Princesses have arrived in Poland for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, starting against Ecuador on September 6, while AFC Toronto confirmed Linda Owusu Ansah will miss the rest of 2026 after an ACL injury. Media & credibility: Kwesi Pratt Jnr hit out at TV stations hiring presenters based on Facebook follower counts, calling it a direct threat to journalism standards. Power outage accountability: Parliament’s Energy Committee says it hasn’t received the July 29 blackout report despite claims it was submitted, as calls grow for GRIDCo and the Energy Minister to appear over recurring outages. Arts & books: The 23rd Ghana International Book Fair opens August 27–30 at the National Theatre under “Transforming Ghana’s Future Through Books,” and the 2026 Print Swap Exhibition runs September 4–25. Business & culture loss: Kessben Group founder Stephen Kwabena Boateng (Kessben) has died, with tributes spanning media, education and hospitality.

Cultural Diplomacy: Gbese Traditional Council appoints Naomi Borley Alabi as curator for the Oobakɛ Experience at Newark’s Homowo Festival (Oct 16–18), promising a youth-forward showcase of Ga culture through arts, music, food, fashion and identity. Media Governance: The National Media Commission reconstitutes boards of state media, naming Dr Charity Binka to chair New Times Corporation and appointing new leadership for GNA, GBC and GCGL. Urban Life & Safety: Accra’s AMA apologises and refunds a pickup driver after a City Guard allegedly extorted money, while also warning officers against unauthorised payments. Public Power & Daily Disruption: A major early-morning blackout hits parts of Accra and other regions, reviving concerns about electricity reliability. Arts, Sports & Youth: Ghana’s volleyball federation seeks more government backing after medal-winning runs; meanwhile, the TRIPLE S Challenge 2026 crowns Shea and Cocoa zone winners ahead of a grand finale in Accra. GoldBod Row: GoldBod rejects Minority claims of a US$1.7bn loss, citing audited surpluses and challenging opponents to point to the IMF basis.

Media & Democracy: Deputy government spokesperson Shamima Muslim says the media’s scrutiny and government’s willingness to respond have strengthened Ghana’s democracy, right to information and accountability. Child Safety Online: Cyber Security Authority training highlights child online protection risks, from grooming to password theft, urging better digital habits for families and journalists. GJA Ethics: GJA leaders and partners stress ethical journalism, verification over speed, and a free press as “national infrastructure” for trust and nation-building. GoldBod Clash: GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi rejects Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin’s $1.7bn loss claims, pointing to Auditor-General findings of GH¢907m operational surplus and over GH¢5.4bn overall profit, while GoldBod plans traceability tech to track legal gold sources. Cultural Spotlight: Stonebwoy’s BHIM Festival London at Wembley is framed as cultural diplomacy and soft power, with Tic Tac praising the impact. Sports Grassroots: Ghana–Anhui Chamber donates 2,120 sports items to support the Constituency Games and talent pathways. Entertainment & Business: Promasidor Ghana launches Onga Mix Tomato Paste and names Diana Hamilton brand ambassador. Football Moves: Elisha Owusu joins Erzurumspor after Auxerre; Aston Villa signs Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.