AGP Executive Report

Ghana Music & Culture: Fashion and music circles are buzzing after Sam Creatives’ Samuel Clottey hailed Black Sherif as “the new face” of Ghanaian music, predicting a possible Grammy breakthrough as the star pushes his SUN SHERIF EP. Creative Economy: Jambo Spaces is expanding from a physical creator hub into a directory for finding creative spaces across Accra and beyond, aiming to make it easier for creators to work, record and produce. Arts Education: In Kumasi, the Centre for National Culture says STUDRAFEST is built to incubate theatre talent for national development, with school plays framed around discipline and youth development. Sports (Football): Ghana’s Black Stars face The Gambia in Accra with Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf appointed, after the team’s 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the opener. Sports (Other): Ghana’s Golden Shuttlers advanced in the U-19 badminton mixed team relay after a walkover, while the Ghana Taekwondo Federation launched a five-region school awareness drive in Kumasi. Music (New Release): Ghanaian-German artiste Giddens drops debut album Far Too Modular, an Afrofusion project shaped by the tension between Accra and Berlin. Sports (Cycling): Ellen Anim won the Elite Women’s race at Osagyefo Criterium 2026, earning “Queen of the Road” honours in Accra.

Black Sherif & Ghana music: Fashion/creative CEO Sam Creatives says Black Sherif is “the new face” of Ghana music and could be Ghana’s first Grammy winner, as he promotes his SUN SHERIF EP. Creative industry debate: MC Yaa Yeboah and Efia Odo clash with Rex Omar over the Black Star Experience—both argue his “people can’t afford entertainment” message doesn’t speak for everyone. Film & culture abroad: London screens the restored Ghana classic His Majesty’s Sergeant, with filmmakers revealing cave scenes were built in a Ghana studio. Comedy push: Black Star Experience launches “You’re Ghana Laugh” to spotlight Ghanaian humour and grow local comedy talent. Science to jobs: CSIR announces an October conference and innovation fair to turn local research into market-ready products and new businesses. Sports (Ghana): Black Stars resume training for the Gambia AFCON qualifier after a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire; Ghana’s amputee team is drawn with Colombia, Iraq and Angola. Sports (Ghana Premier League): Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko stumble on Matchday 4 as Karela United and 10-man Aduana FC secure shocks. Policy & online media: President Mahama calls for a national debate on regulating TikTok and new media without killing free expression.

Cybersecurity & AI: Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority says online fraud drives nearly half of recorded incidents, as AI-enabled scams move from “suspicious emails” to faster, more convincing attacks—AI vs AI is the next battleground for businesses and trust. Ghana Film & Streaming: Village Krakye returns with Episode 9, keeping Kumawood-style storytelling in the spotlight for online movie lovers. Music Drops: Essumann releases “On Ma Mind (Bonus)” and “Big Bricks II” featuring Medikal & Lalid, feeding Ghana’s wider West African Afro-fusion playlist culture. Diaspora & Culture: The Black Star Experience sparks debate over how diaspora programmes are framed, with critics questioning whether key terms like “Year of Return” and “Right to Return” are being used accurately. Sports & Community: Accra’s First National Bank Accra Marathon is back to the full 42.2km on Nov 14 with a new route, while Ghana’s amputee team is drawn for the WAFF World Cup in Mexico against Angola, Colombia and Iraq. Music Industry: AFRIMA sets its 10th edition for Lagos, May 18–23, 2027, with entries opening Oct 11, 2026.

Road Accountability: A Builsa South MP revisits the Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Sandema-Fumbisi corridor, saying a project once mapped at 40km has allegedly been repackaged down to 10km after years of delays and payment issues. Music Meets Sports: Joy Sports editor Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo will moderate Zambia’s inaugural Music Meets Football Summit in Lusaka, linking African music and football industry opportunities. Black Stars Push: Alexander Djiku urges Ghanaians to pack Accra for the AFCON 2027 qualifier vs Gambia after Ghana’s opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire left them bottom of Group C. Women & Agribusiness Finance: Ecobank targets $2.6bn by 2030 for women-led businesses and agriculture SMEs across Africa, expanding its Ellevate and agribusiness lending. Corporate Sports Buzz: GCB Bank retains the Citi Business Olympics crown for the ninth time, while Okyeame Kwame brings live music energy to the games at Eden Heights. Creative Economy & IP: Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie calls for stronger intellectual property protection to secure sustainable returns for African and Caribbean creatives. Taekwondo for Youth: Ghana Taekwondo Federation launches a five-region school awareness campaign starting in Kumasi, aiming to build discipline and talent pipelines. Streaming Deal: Ghanaian film Bed of Thorns lands on Homi TV after festival recognition, widening access to its romantic drama.

Ghana Film & Comedy: Veteran actor Kofi Ajorlolo says a Ghana producers’ ban backfired, pushing more opportunities from Nigeria after the restriction was quietly reversed within months. Comedy for 2027: Black Star Experience Secretariat launches the Black Star Comedy Experience (“You’re Ghana Laugh”) at Jubilee House, aiming to spotlight Ghanaian comedians globally ahead of the 2027 independence celebrations. Tourism & Tech: GTDC’s Prof. Kobby Mensah urges AI to boost human capability—not replace people—at World Tourism Day, while President Mahama calls for a wider Ghana-led conversation on regulating TikTok and new media for “information integrity.” Currency Watch: Bank of Ghana dismisses rumours of a new GH¢500 note in the Heritage Series, saying it upgrades existing notes with stronger security. Sports & Entertainment: Lekzy DeComic announces “Lekzy Unleashed: The Godfather Edition” uniting four generations of Ghanaian comedy on Nov 7. Ghana Football Politics: Manhyia South MP Nana Baffour Awuah clashes with GFA boss Kurt Okraku over football administration and conflicts of interest. Media & Public Health: FDA trains journalists/CSOs on tracking tobacco promotions on social media as enforcement gets harder online.

Madina MP Update: Dr Francis-Xavier Sosu is reported doing well after collapsing during a GIMPA speech, with his office urging the public to rely on official updates. Media Ethics: The Bank of Ghana urged journalists to uphold ethics and integrity, warning that misinformation and disinformation erode public trust. Women vs Corruption: CENSODEV launched NG-WALI in Northern Ghana to equip women with skills to identify, resist and report corruption, building networks linked to social audit structures. Connectivity Boost: GIFEC’s completed telecommunications project at Torve is improving network access, with residents calling for proper maintenance. AFCON Pressure: Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign faces an early test after a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia’s 2-1 win over Somalia. Sports & Fans: Hearts of Oak coach Nebojsa Kapor asked supporters to pack Tamale for the Karela United clash, while Berekum Chelsea vow to protect home form against Vision FC. Family Planning Push: Government launched 2026 National Family Planning Week, stressing access to voluntary services and improved contraceptive supply. Entertainment Night: Nana Adjoa Lovia hosts the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards Pub Fest in Accra today at Purple Pub, Osu.

Fashion & Creative Economy: President Mahama is set to walk the runway on November 7 at Black Star Fashion Week, with the event framed as a platform for emerging designers and creatives. Comedy for Export: Rex Owusu Marfo says the Black Star Comedy Experience will give Ghanaian comedians infrastructure, recordings and international showcases, aiming to turn laughter into a sustainable export. Music Identity: Gospel singer Florence Obinim has rebranded as “Queen Florence the Lioness” after the traditional dissolution of her marriage to Bishop Daniel Obinim. Branding & Media: TV personality Abena Kyei Boakye unveiled as ambassador for Glow Washing Powder, as the Ghanaian detergent brand pushes wider distribution. Education Support: Service Radio Books Project expands in Sunyani West with Dr Thomas Kyeremeh donating learning materials to basic schools. Football & Drama: Black Stars begin AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké; Carlos Queiroz criticises a late penalty decision while Ghana faces Gambia next. Public Life Update: Madina MP Francis-Xavier Sosu is reported doing well after collapsing during a GIMPA speech.

AFCON 2027 Build-Up: Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz insists Ghana are in Bouaké to “deliver” in the opening qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire, even as injuries hit the squad. GPL Spotlight: NASCO named Man of the Match winners across Matchweek Three, with standout performances from Hearts of Oak, Medeama, and Asante Kotoko as the league churned out 19 goals. Court Update—“Ghana Jollof”: The High Court in Accra refused bail for Salomey Awity Baffoe, keeping her in custody as investigations continue, while Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah’s attempted EOCO arrest sparked fresh legal debate. Music & Culture: Hunnyboy credits social media grind for landing a Shatta Wale feature, while Bola Ray backs Kweku Smoke’s “Faith” for TGMA Best Collaboration. Tech & Security: GCIF rolls out a cybersecurity awareness push to schools, communities, and the music scene. Health & Society: President Mahama highlighted Free Primary Healthcare and MahamaCare at UNGA, and Nabeeha Sulemana Atiah was crowned Child Sanitation Diplomat for 2026–27. Arts & Heritage: UNESCO-backed training urges journalists to stop reducing Northern tourism to poverty and festivals only.

AFCON 2027 Kick-off: Carlos Queiroz says Ghana’s goals are clear as the Black Stars open Group C in Bouaké against Côte d’Ivoire, with injuries and major withdrawals reshaping the squad. Team Logistics: Ghana travelled to Bouaké on a Ghana Air Force plane, and CAF officials explained the unusual move. Fan Access: The GFA has petitioned CAF for extra tickets after about 500 supporters were left stranded by sold-out stands. Women’s Football: Black Queens defender Susan Ama Duah signs for Mexico’s Tigres Femenil on a one-year deal. Music & Culture: JAH EYE teams up with Kyn Troy for the new single “Classic,” blending Highlife warmth with Afrobeats energy. Media & Accountability: A commentary warns Ghana’s mainstream media is too quick to repeat official narratives without proper verification, citing the EOCO-MP confrontation. Public Health: MoH and SEND Ghana launch a push for front-of-pack warning labels as childhood obesity and NCDs rise. Tech & Identity: Neurotechnology reports contactless fingerprint capture has cleared NIST Fast Capture qualification testing.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Sports): Ghana’s Black Stars touched down in Bouaké ahead of Thursday’s opener against Côte d’Ivoire, with the squad set for a final training session before kick-off at 7pm. Injuries & Team News: Coach Carlos Queiroz played down the impact of Ghana’s injury list, insisting the “most important players” are the ones available for the match. Match Preview: Côte d’Ivoire captain Franck Kessié framed the clash as a derby, while Hervé Renard urged humility and focus on details. Entertainment & Culture: Black Sherif says “Sacrificial Vol. 2” is complete and will be released soon, while OkayAfrica’s Culture Cafe spotlights Ghanaian singer Gyakie with a live listening session. Arts & Media: Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim addressed West Africa 2026 on the broadcast media shift—bigger audiences, tougher monetisation, and the risks of AI-driven errors. Public Life & Rights: President Mahama urged MFWA and GJA to lead a national dialogue on hate speech, warning against disproportionate arrests over criticism. Legal/Justice: The High Court adjourned the “Ghana Jollof” nurse bail hearing to September 24.

Ghana Music & Culture: Black Sherif pushed back on the idea that one artiste can take Ghanaian music global, calling for “collective motion,” while also describing his evolving sound as a “reintroduction” of himself; JuzKid, an emerging Afrobeat/Highlife voice from the Central Region, declared big ambitions after launching with debut single “BANK LOVE.” Entertainment & Media: The Luckiest launched Season 4 in Accra with a GH₵5m grand prize and instant rewards, plus a bigger Ultimate Draw multiplier; Damela Foundation and Great Excellence Movie Awards (GEMA) unveiled 2026 nominees ahead of a Nov 7 ceremony in Kumasi. Sports (AFCON 2027): GFA boss Kurt Okraku urged calm over Black Stars withdrawals, insisting injuries are genuine; Ghana depart Accra for Côte d’Ivoire with squad reshuffles as Mohammed Kudus and others miss out. Arts & Society: GIABA trained journalists to intensify reporting on money laundering and financial crimes; Sunyani’s MCE donated GH₵10,000 to support the Sunyani Prisons Regimental Band.

Media & Law: MFWA has launched a Legal Support Fund for Ghanaian journalists to help curb nuisance suits and protect press freedom, while speakers at the Broadcasters Convention 2026 urged broadcasters to stay independent, professional and ethical. Media Regulation: PRINPAG’s David Tamakloe called for a clearer regulatory framework for online media, saying it’s now hard to separate journalism from other content. Film & Culture: Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) returns to Kumasi from Sept 24–27 with films from 12 countries, masterclasses and a focus on African audiences. Music Spotlight: Maamobi-born artiste Larry Prince is turning street experiences into Afrobeats/Afropop storytelling, and Black Sherif’s “Jolie” continues to gain chart traction. Football (Black Stars): Ghana’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off with injuries and withdrawals hitting the squad, including Semenyo and Jordan Ayew ruled out, as Queiroz brings in reinforcements. Sports Development: Ghana Sports Fund is pushing for a National Sports Academy to identify and nurture talent beyond football. Tourism & Community: Tourism operators in Greater Accra were honoured for service excellence, while TOSOGHA supported Osu Presbyterian Girls Basic School with hygiene products and Liberty Cards. Public Health & Capacity: WHO handed ICT and media equipment to the University of Ghana School of Public Health to strengthen emergency preparedness and research.

FAJ Congress Bid: Ghana has been unanimously selected to host the 6th Continental Congress of the Federation of African Journalists, with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) winning the bid after a two-day steering committee meeting in Accra (Sept 17–18). Media Support: MFWA has launched a GHS 544,000 legal support fund for Ghanaian journalists, offering training on media law, defamation, access to information and digital risks. Black Challenge Media Lead: NPC Ghana appoints Theophilus “Theo” Sampah to coordinate media operations for Ghana’s Black Challenge at the 2026 WAFF World Cup in Mexico (Nov 13–22). Music & Culture: Pat Thomas marks his 80th birthday with a highlife celebration at +233 Jazz Bar and Grill on Sept 26, featuring Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Pozo Hayes, Obrafour, Samini and others. Entertainment Spotlight: Black Sherif’s new single “Jolie” debuts at No. 20 on the UK Official Afrobeats Chart. Sports: Ghana’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off with a Côte d’Ivoire clash in Bouaké on Sept 24, with Mohammed Kudus withdrawing and new call-ups added by Carlos Queiroz.

AFCON Focus: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana are “50-50” with Côte d’Ivoire as AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off away on 24 September, confirming five new squad additions (Thomas-Asante, Anang, Fuseini, Adjetey, Alidu Seidu) after withdrawals and injuries, while also insisting he won’t change his winning philosophy despite criticism. Sports Media: GFA accreditation is now open for Ghana vs The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium, with limited media slots and a Sept. 24 deadline. Ghana Jollof Saga: Police say the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok operator is friends with remanded nurse Salomey, citing interactions and money transfers, as the case fuels fresh debate on free speech and state overreach. Music & Politics: Mzbel says her NDC support “caused more harm than good,” while Sista Afia complains colleagues are “busy” refusing her feature requests. Culture & Community: Twelve Tribes of Israel Ghana marks 40 years on Dec. 6 with a reggae/highlife concert plus community activities. Creative Industry: The Base Movement launches an online radio, website and operations manual in Tesano, Accra. Health & Safety: World Patient Safety Day coverage highlights patient education for NCD care, and the Fire Service commissions a national fire code committee with World Bank support.

Politics & Governance: Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr says some NDC officials are fixated on succession politics instead of delivering President Mahama’s “reset” agenda, warning that internal ambition could derail 2028. Rule of Law: Frank Annoh-Dompreh cautions against partisan use of state institutions in social-media speech cases, as debate grows around arrests tied to “Ghana Jollof.” Constitutional Reform: Ghana’s constitutional reform process is back in focus, with calls to ensure citizens truly own the review and that power checks work beyond elections. National Cathedral: Mahama rules out taxpayer funding for the stalled National Cathedral, urging Christians to mobilise funds directly. Football & Sports: Carlos Queiroz demands “absolute focus” for AFCON 2027 qualifiers, naming a 24-man squad; Mohammed Kudus withdraws, while Ghana’s window includes a friendly vs Morocco. Cycling & Youth: Ghana Cycling Federation pushes for more girls in cycling ahead of Tour du Ghana, including bicycle support for female participation. Arts & Culture: The Montreal International Black Film Festival opens with “The Eyes of Ghana,” featuring Obama-backed production and Ghana independence-era footage. Entertainment: MrBeast responds to backlash over a nearly $10m Ghana village project aimed at reducing illegal child labour.

Reggae & Highlife Spotlight: Twelve Tribes of Israel Ghana marks 40 years with a 6 December 2026 celebration at the Arts Centre, Accra, featuring international reggae voices Micah Shemaiah, Patrick Junior and Mariam Simone alongside Ghanaian acts, plus community outreach like a Nsawam Prisons donation, youth soccer and a visit to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Football & Culture: In the Ghana Premier League, Hearts of Oak’s unbeaten start ended with a 0-0 draw versus Bechem United, while Asante Kotoko and Samartex shared a 1-1 spoils; newly promoted Port City and Debibi United also notched first wins in Matchday 3. Online Abuse in Sports: Ipswich Town launched an investigation after Ghana winger Abdul Fatawu was targeted with racist abuse on social media following their 1-0 defeat to Everton. Ghana Jollof Fallout: Gender adviser Akosua Manu urged VP Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to intervene for the release of Salomey Awity Baffoe, while Inusah Fuseini and others argue the case must separate morality concerns from lawful investigation. Creative Economy & Tourism: Michael Adangba was named Tourism Personality of the Year at the 2026 Upper East GTA Awards, highlighting music’s role in drawing visitors and promoting local culture. Youth & Global Football: Ghana is gearing up for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, opening 22 October in Baku, with a squad training in Accra.