AGP Executive Report

Upper West Airport & roads: President John Dramani Mahama inspected the proposed site for the new Wa Airport and the Wa–Han Road during his “Resetting Ghana Tour,” saying the airport will boost domestic connectivity for trade, tourism and faster travel. Free Primary Health Care: Ghana Health Service says Free Primary Health Care targets deprived districts based on access and deprivation—not politics—and President Mahama stressed it complements NHIS (NHIS card still needed for higher-level care). Health system strain: Upper East Regional Hospital’s medical director appealed for more staff and funding, warning shortages can reduce ICU care quality. Education funding push: Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says GETFund will allocate GH¢250m to expand Category A SHS infrastructure, while Mahama inspected GETFund projects at Han SHS and promised boarding status once facilities are built. Transport & city planning: Former Accra Mayor Mohammed Adjei Sowah proposes moving trotros to Accra’s outskirts to reduce congestion, using bigger buses for city entry. Power services: ECG held a Central EXPO customer service clinic to promote digital services like the ECG Power App and address billing and connection concerns. Tourism & culture: Ibrahim Mahama received France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in Accra. Travel rules for Ghanaians: US ESTA covers 42 countries (no African countries listed), Japan’s Working Holiday adds 32 countries (no African nations), and Mozambique offers visa-free ETA entry for Ghanaians plus Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.

Visa-Free Travel: Ghana has expanded visa-free access for Ghanaians to the Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda, with stays of up to 30 days (Maldives/Zambia) and 90 days (Antigua and Barbuda). Tourism & Events: The Accra Inter-City Marathon’s 21km winners will share a $4,000 prize package, including a cash award and a travel package to an international marathon in January. Health & Community Access: President Mahama announced a 20% basic salary incentive for health workers posted to deprived areas, alongside promises to improve roads, water, electricity and equipment. Infrastructure for Travel: Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe says Ghana will push a multimodal system (rail, lake and road) to decongest highways and the Port of Tema, including a new port at Mpakadan. Public Health: A report on typhoid highlights how dirty water, informal food vending and weak enforcement keep the disease circulating. Safety on the Road: Seven people died and 21 were injured in a crash on the Hwideim-Acherensua Highway after a tyre burst. Environment: EPA CEO Nana Ama Browne Klutse urges Ghana to move from plastic policies to real implementation. Immigration & Travel Risk: Georgia detained 59 foreign nationals, including a Ghanaian, during immigration control operations. Sports Tourism: Hearts of Oak and Gold Stars set for a key Premier League away clash as coaches promise strong performances.

Visa-Free Travel: Ghana has announced visa waivers for eligible Ghanaian passport holders to the Maldives, Zambia and Antigua & Barbuda—Maldives & Zambia up to 30 days, Antigua & Barbuda up to 90 days—while reminding travellers to meet entry and health rules and get special permits for study/work/residence. Airport & Diaspora Service: The Diaspora African Forum trained Accra International Airport immigration officers on customer service and diaspora engagement, aiming to improve how travellers experience Ghana at a key entry point. Tourism Trade: Akwaaba 2026’s Tour Operators Summit will bring 100+ African tour operators to Lagos (Sept 13–15), with sessions on sports tourism and cross-border payments. Health Tourism Push: GMTF says it’s moving from paying bills to building capacity—new cardiac centres (Kumasi, Tamale), a cancer facility at Korle Bu and a US$10m diagnostic/imaging centre at Greater Accra Regional Hospital. Urban Mobility: Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga has started talks to revive Aayalolo as a truly rapid mass transit system to tackle Accra’s congestion. Environment & Beaches: Togbe Ghana released “USE THE BIN” to curb littering and protect beaches and waterways, expanding from clean-ups to prevention. Road Safety: A tipper truck crash on the Krofrom–Tafo–Nhyiaeso stretch in Kumasi killed one and injured several, with congestion reported as responders cleared the scene. Sports Tourism Angle: Medeama SC head to Lubumbashi for the second leg vs TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League preliminary round.

Visa-Free Travel: Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says visa waivers are now in force for eligible Ghanaian passport holders to the Maldives, Zambia and Antigua and Barbuda—30 days for the Maldives and Zambia, and up to 90 days for Antigua and Barbuda, with travellers still required to meet entry and health rules. Tourism Costs: The Ghana Tourism Federation is urging a review of Ghana’s $260 e-Visa fee, warning it could price Ghana out of the tourism market and discourage visitors amid processing delays. Clean Cape Coast: Climate Change Advisors Ghana and the Buzstop Boys led a major clean-up in Cape Coast during Oguaa Fetu Afahye, targeting plastic waste and blocked drains to protect waterways, livelihoods and festival safety. Road Safety & Transport: Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza called for restricting oversized heavy-duty vehicles to controlled mining enclaves to protect public roads, while also pointing to electronic tolling plans under a new PPP. Aviation & Connectivity: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says the Tema–Mpakadan standard-gauge rail line is enabling passenger services and first/last-mile links with Aayalolo buses, with freight preparations underway. Beach Volleyball Pathway: Ghana’s beach volleyball teams are among those progressing through the CAVB Youth Development Cup in Senegal, a key step toward Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. Ghana at 70 on Screen: Sparrow Studios and OldFilm Productions unveiled ‘The 70 Slate’—three films aimed at boosting diaspora audiences and tourism around Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.

Cancer & Health: Ghana recorded an estimated 27,385 new cancer cases and 17,944 cancer deaths in 2022, with women accounting for 15,987 cases and 9,856 deaths; liver, breast and cervical cancers led deaths, and the focus is now on improving survival through better care and the proposed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Excellence. Aviation & Travel Costs: An Akim Swedru MP wants Ghana to open aviation fuel supply to more players to cut airfares, arguing the current setup limits competition. Customs & Traveller Rules: Ghana’s Customs guidance on luggage and mobile phones is being debated, with labour urging Customs not to treat multiple phones as commercial imports automatically. Tourism & Events: The Ghana Garden and Flower Show returns Sept 11–21 in Accra with a “Green Means Business” theme aimed at jobs, wellbeing and tourism. Ghana’s Transport Push: At a Transport Sector Review in Ho, leaders discussed financing and reforms across rail, maritime, aviation and roads, including Tema–Mpakadan rail connectivity and freight plans. Medical Tourism: GTA and Africa’s Brain Bank broke ground for a Global Medical City in Ada to boost healthcare delivery, research and medical tourism. Digital Entry Updates (Global): New Zealand is rolling out a visa waiver for about 60 countries via NZeTA, while the UK lists only Mauritius and Seychelles for ETA entry. UK Travel Disruption: A technical glitch at UK air traffic control led to nearly 400 flight cancellations and major passenger misery, with cyberattack ruled out. Ghana Tourism Funding Debate: A report questions whether Ghana’s reported Visit Ghana £10m shirt deal with Sunderland is delivering real economic returns, calling for transparency. Sports & Youth: Asamoah Gyan praised the Black Princesses after Ghana beat South Korea 3-1 in the U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Aviation Disruption (UK): UK air traffic glitches have been blamed for nearly 400 flight cancellations again on Wednesday, after 1,746 were axed the day before; NATS says it has ruled out cyberattack and is conducting a “very, very thorough” probe, leaving passengers stranded and scrambling for hotels. Public Transport (Accra): GPRTU and GRTCC say no decision has been taken on a 2026 fare increase yet, after consultations with the Ministry of Transport; they’ve suspended any fare-change move and formed a team to review costs, including the GH¢2/litre diesel intervention. Aayalolo Update (Accra): Transport Minister’s push for a more reliable Aayalolo service continues, but commuters faced disruption when drivers stopped work at the Tudu terminal over unpaid bonuses—services later resumed. Tourism & Culture: GTA CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto won an Africa Visionary Leadership Award, while GTA and Africa’s Brain Bank broke ground for a Global Medical City in Ada to boost medical tourism. Ghana@70 Films: Sparrow Studios and OldFilm Productions launched the “70 Slate Initiative” to produce three films celebrating Ghana’s 70th anniversary. Education Pressure (Northern Region): Parents report only Category C schools are available in the SHS placement resolution window, with some children placed outside their original choices. SSNIT Recognition: SSNIT honoured 16 stakeholders at its 2025 awards for contributions to Ghana’s social insurance system. Media & Tourism Link: Nine Bono Region journalists are set for GJA honours, including a Tourism reporting category.

Weija Dam Spillage: Ghana Water Ltd has started controlled spillage from Weija Dam as water rises to 45.2 feet, urging downstream residents to evacuate and avoid risky activities; communities named include Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach and Ada Kopey. South Africa Evacuation Scrutiny: Ghana’s Minority in Parliament is demanding an itemised, public account of the GH¢49.72m spent on evacuating and reintegrating 1,964 Ghanaians, arguing the current figures are too aggregated despite the humanitarian intent. Accra–Kumasi Expressway Update: A new report says the 198.7km Accra–Kumasi Expressway is clearing right-of-way faster than planned, with Ghana Armed Forces engineers credited for speed and cost control. Customs & Phone Duty Debate: GRA clarifies that customs duty rules on travellers’ phones/laptops should not be treated as automatic based on number alone, amid ongoing concerns about airport extortion. Media & Tourism Spotlight: Ashanti GJA launches the 2025 Media Excellence Awards with an AI-era credibility theme, while Ghana Tourism Authority partners Africa’s Brain Bank for a Medical City project in Ada. Sports & Travel Mood: Carlos Queiroz is set to return to Ghana to lead AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia on the horizon.

Port & Logistics: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says a new Mpakadan port will shift containers from Tema Port to rail, then barges on the Volta Lake to Buipe—easing congestion and cutting costs. Customs & Travel Checks: Government plans tighter scrutiny of Ghanaians travelling abroad, focusing on group travel after the recent South Africa evacuation. Coastal Safety: Ghana Water Ltd will resume Weija Dam spillage from Sept 9, warning downstream communities to prepare for possible evacuation. Tourism & Business Travel: Ghana wins Second Runner-Up for Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination in Africa at the ATLF Awards, highlighting MICE growth. Medical Tourism Push: GTA partners Africa’s Brain Bank Global to promote medical tourism and investment around Medical City projects in Accra and Ada. Community & Skills: MP Abla Dzifa Gomashie’s initiative trains 30 youth in mobile phone repair in Ketu South. Sports & Travel Mood: Medeama thanks President Mahama after a $30,000 Jubilee House boost ahead of CAF Champions League travel to Lubumbashi. Road Commuting: Mahama Ayariga proposes peak-hour dedicated lanes for Aayalolo buses to beat traffic. Education: GES processes 2024 teacher salary arrears and sets up a help desk for unresolved cases.

Renal Care in Accra: A Bole teacher’s ulcer misdiagnosis turned into kidney disease, pushing him from peritoneal dialysis in Tamale to hemodialysis in Accra—highlighting how specialist care is concentrated in the capital. Patient Mental Health: At Ridge Hospital’s dialysis center, psychologists say stress and financial anxiety hit patients hard long before the machine starts. Customs & Travel Rules: GRA Customs Commissioner Aaron Kanor clarified that airport gifts and multiple phones don’t automatically get duty-free treatment, urging travellers to follow the law. Diaspora Support for Travellers: Foreign Affairs says it will launch a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to fund emergency evacuations and repatriations after the South Africa xenophobia response. South Africa Evacuation Fallout: Some Ghanaians still stranded there are pleading for the voluntary evacuation exercise to reopen. Tourism on the Move: Ghana Olympic Committee inaugurates planning for Tour du Ghana 2026, aiming for UCI status and a bigger international tourism spotlight. Tourism Safety & Fraud: A travel agent was remanded over an alleged GH¢107,000 security recruitment scam.

CARICOM-Africa Day: Barbados PM Mia Mottley urged freer movement of people, trade, education and opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean, citing new air links and cooperation in healthcare, with Ghana’s UN push on trafficking and reparatory justice also highlighted. Diaspora Support: Ghana plans a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to quickly mobilise emergency help for citizens in distress abroad, announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. South Africa Evacuation Costs: Government says it spent GH¢49.72m to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from xenophobic attacks, with GH¢38.84m on flights and welfare, GH¢10.80m on reintegration allowances, and GH¢84,274 for repatriation; lawmakers are calling for transparency. Tourism & Health Investment: Ghana Tourism Authority partners Africa’s Brain Bank for a summit culminating in the ground-breaking of a Historic Medical City in Ada, positioning medical tourism as a development driver. Travel Disruption Watch: Ghana Water Ltd will resume Weija Dam spillage from Sept 9; downstream residents are urged to evacuate early and follow official directives. School Placement Upgrade: CSSPS is upgraded with an admission portal so parents can enroll and download forms online, reducing travel costs. Beach Soccer Prep: Ghana names 60 players for Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier screening ahead of the Nigeria tie.

Road & Safety Updates: GARID warns Pamprom Junction road closure will worsen Kaneshie traffic from Monday, advising motorists heading elsewhere to use Kwame Nkrumah Avenue via Abossey Okai/Kaneshie North or the Atta Mills Highway via Korle Bu and Dansoman. Water Watch: Ghana Water Limited says it will resume spillage at Weija Dam on Wednesday, Sept 9, after water rises to 45.2 feet, urging downstream residents to evacuate and stay alert. Tourism & Travel Business: Ghana Tourism Authority-backed awards crowned Cliffmelvyn Travel & Tours “Travel Service Company of the Year” in Bono, with a reminder to verify agents before paying. Cycling Tourism: The Tour du Ghana 2026 committee is launched for a 2,401.7km, 11-stage race from Tamale to Accra (Nov 9–23), aiming to showcase Ghana’s culture and hospitality. Ghana Premier League (Fan Travel): Hearts of Oak thrashed Berekum Chelsea 4-0, while Asante Kotoko drew Debibi United 2-2—good news for matchgoers planning weekend trips. Cross-border Mobility: GRA clarifies that carrying more than two phones doesn’t automatically trigger duty, but travellers should still expect scrutiny on new devices.

Health Policy: A new “spectrum approach” maps how health decisions draw on both tacit know-how and scientific research, aiming to make real-world policy evidence easier to recognise. Customs & Travel: GRA says Accra International Airport has clear red/green channels, and travellers bringing more than two phones or laptops may face duties depending on how items are declared and assessed. Tourism & Culture: Ghana Tourism Authority partners Africa’s Brain Bank for a Medical City project in Ada, while a separate push urges Ghana to treat tourism as big business, not just entertainment. Tourism Voices: Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Abeiku Santana, says he’d choose Ghana over a $100,000 monthly salary in the US or UK—pointing to opportunities locals overlook. Infrastructure for Visitors: Ghana Armed Forces clears the full 175.6km right-of-way for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway ahead of schedule, bringing construction closer. Creative Sector: Concerns continue around National Theatre renovation and how creatives will operate during closure, with calls for stronger support. Sports (GPL opener): Hearts of Oak thrash Berekum Chelsea 4-0; Port City FC draw Ashantigold 1-1 in a historic debut; Samartex beat Karela United 3-1; Bechem United edge Bibiani GoldStars 1-0; Asante Kotoko hold Debibi United 2-2.

Customs & Travel Rules: GRA Customs at Kotoka says arriving passengers can use red/green channels, but “green” doesn’t mean no checks; gifts bought abroad for family may attract duty depending on value/quantity and whether items look for sale. Roads & Access: Ghana Armed Forces cleared the full 175.6km right-of-way for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway in 19 weeks, ahead of schedule—pushing construction closer. Tourism Beyond Accra: GTA calls for a more competitive, sustainable tourism industry and urges partnerships to spread benefits across all regions, not just the usual hotspots. Volta Development & Diaspora: Council of State member Tanko Atokple urges deeper diaspora engagement for Volta’s growth and backs a proposed cancer research centre. Health & Mobility: Volta electrification plans add power to 206 communities in six months; Northern residents in Chakori still struggle with weak mobile network coverage. Sports (Local): Hearts of Oak open the Ghana Premier League title hunt vs Berekum Chelsea, while Asante Kotoko warn against complacency against Debibi United.

Customs & Travel Rules: Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says gifts bought abroad for family may attract Customs duty, depending on value, quantity and whether they’re for personal use—not for sale or distribution. It also clarifies that carrying more than two phones doesn’t automatically trigger duty; officers assess each case, including whether devices are new or commercially packaged. Tourism Industry Push: Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) calls for a world-class, competitive and sustainable tourism sector, urging better packaging and promotion of Ghana’s heritage and visitor experience. Green Tourism Event: The 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show runs Sept 11–21 at Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, spotlighting green business, beauty and tourism benefits of greening. Powering Communities (Travel Impact): Energy Minister launches a GH₵598m electrification project to connect 206 Volta communities, improving access and local development. Connectivity Gap Story: Residents in Kpandai’s Chakori rely on a mango tree hotspot for weak mobile network signals, highlighting rural digital isolation. Accra Events: Citi FM/Channel One TV Literacy Challenge finals are at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel today, with top regional teams competing. Festival & Culture: Avenor Tutudoza Festival is launched in Avega-Agornu, Volta, under a theme of peace, unity and security.

Beach Soccer & Sports: Ghana’s Black Sharks get the green light for AFCON qualifiers preparations, with the 2026 Beach Soccer Premier League final set for Sunday, 27 September in Ada. Youth Football: The Black Maidens name a 24-player squad for camping ahead of the WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup in Burkina Faso (Oct 10–23). CAF Champions League Build-up: Sports Ministry backs Medeama ahead of their preliminary-round opener vs TP Mazembe in Tarkwa, while Nations FC begin their campaign in Mali against FC Diarra. Tourism & Medical Tourism: Ghana Tourism Authority partners Africa’s Brain Bank for a six-day summit in Accra and Ada, culminating in groundbreaking for a proposed Historic Medical City in Ada—positioned as healthcare plus medical tourism. Travel Rules (Phones): Ghana Revenue Authority clarifies that carrying more than two mobile phones doesn’t automatically trigger customs duty; officers assess each case based on use, packaging, and whether it looks commercial. Roads for Travel & Trade: Government says construction of the Dunkwa–Ayanfuri road will start in 2027 to improve movement in mining areas. Ghana–South Africa Returnees: Ghana completes another evacuation phase, bringing total returnees from xenophobic violence in South Africa to nearly 1,900, with reintegration support.

Road & Access: Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson says construction of the 8km Dunkwa–Ayanfuri road will start in 2027, with the project budgeted next year to ease transport for mining and other Central Region communities. Tourism & Health Investment: Ghana Tourism Authority partners Africa’s Brain Bank for a six-day summit in Accra and Ada (Sept 3–8) ending in the groundbreaking of a proposed Historic Medical City. Cycling Event Planning: The Ghana Olympic Committee has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee for Tour du Ghana 2026, with Ghana Tourism Authority and other agencies on board to showcase cycling, culture and investment to an international audience. Customs for Travellers: GRA clarifies that carrying more than two mobile phones or laptops does not automatically mean duty; Customs assesses each case based on personal use vs commercial intent. Beach Safety: A 10-year-old boy drowned at Tetekope beach in Keta after being overpowered by strong tides while swimming with friends. Sports & Travel Buzz: CAF Champions League prelims this weekend see Nations FC travel to Mali to face FC Diarra, while Medeama host TP Mazembe in Tarkwa. Local Culture & Events: Ghana Garden and Flower Show returns in Accra (Sept 11–21) at Efua Sutherland Children’s Park, spotlighting greening, business and tourism links.