AGP Executive Report

Road Safety & Transport: MPs want tougher enforcement against container trucks on low-bed trailers after reports of containers falling, causing fatalities and highway disruptions. Traffic Disruption (Accra–Kumasi): A crash involving a heavily loaded articulated truck at Birimso Bridge blocked the N6 in both directions; police diverted traffic via Kyebi (Accra-bound) and Nsutam/Apedwa routes (Kumasi-bound). Volta Infrastructure & Tourism: President Mahama says completed Ho–Aflao Highway sections will be commissioned within six months, with more openings by early/mid-2027; he also wrapped up a two-day Volta tour tied to the “Resetting Ghana Agenda.” Keta Port & Ho Airport: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says Keta Port is on course after an EPA environmental permit, with construction about 80% complete and expected to finish by Jan 2027; Ho Airport revitalisation is also progressing. Travel Rules for Visitors: Ghana released official 2026 visa fees for tourist, business and transit visas, with stays of up to 30 days for tourist/business holders. Emancipation Day (Tourism Calendar): Ghana Tourism Authority launches a two-week Emancipation Day programme starting today with a fitness walk in Accra and Pikworo, running through Aug 1. Anti-Corruption (Youth): RUWA-Ghana and GACC mark Anti-Corruption Day with student sensitisation in Wa. Airport Upgrade: Accra airport security scanners are being rolled out to improve passenger screening, aligning with the “no need to remove shoes/belts/laptops” plan.

Tourism Innovation: Ghana’s Chief of Staff Julius Debrah says innovation is key to repositioning tourism, urging better branding, digital engagement and immersive visitor experiences. University Reset Agenda: Work resumes on UHAS Sokode’s multipurpose laboratory complex, aiming to boost hands-on medical training and generate services income. National Clean-up Push: Traders in Accra say misinformation led some shops to close during the flood clean-up, but they back regular exercises to cut flooding risks. Chieftaincy Modernisation: A proposal calls for hybrid chieftaincy dispute resolution—keeping tradition while adding online filing, secure records and virtual mediation for faster access. Aviation Expansion: President Mahama outlines plans to expand Ho Airport into an aviation hub, including pilot training and engineering support facilities. Highlife Abroad: Ghanaian musicians will launch a global Highlife campaign in Barcelona on Aug 2, following UNESCO’s Highlife heritage inscription. Visa-Free Lists Watch: Poland’s visa-free list includes only three African countries; separate reports also flag a fake claim that South Africa cancelled Ghana’s visa-free deal. Human Impact of Xenophobia: Coverage highlights the family fallout from xenophobic violence, including Nigeria’s repatriation of 1,490 citizens from South Africa.

Highlife Goes Global: Ghanaian musicians will launch the “Highlife to the World, Black Star Experience 2027” campaign with a major Barcelona concert on Aug 2, featuring Stonebwoy, Obrafour, Amandzeba Nat Brew, Bessa Simons and others, after UNESCO inscribed Highlife as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Tourism & Culture: A separate feature highlights how Accra is becoming a top Black heritage travel destination, with beaches, festivals, markets and nightlife drawing diaspora visitors. Aviation & Regional Growth: President Mahama says Ho Airport could expand into an aviation hub, including pilot training, aeronautical engineering and aircraft maintenance services. Travel Services & Safety: DVLA opens a new office in Tumu to bring licensing closer to residents and improve road safety. City Life & Cleanliness: Accra traders call for regular national clean-ups after misinformation disrupted business and raised flooding concerns. Food Regulation: FDA shuts Oxford Street eateries over missing Food Hygiene Permits. Migration & Human Dignity: Ghana’s Inter-Ministerial Committee reiterates rejection of xenophobia and promises lawful, state-led humanitarian support for affected foreign nationals.

Dagbon Mourning & Culture: Thousands turned out in Yendi for the third-day adua for the late Ya-Na Abukari II, with chiefs, politicians, clergy and residents gathering for prayers and a showcase of Dagbon heritage. Tourism Calendar: Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has mapped a week-long Emancipation Day programme starting July 18, with events across Accra, Central and Upper East regions, including a fitness walk and durbar at Pikworo Slave Camp. Transport & Travel Growth: Emirates EK789 has touched down in Accra for the first time, as the airline adds more weekly Dubai–Accra flights to boost Ghana’s connectivity. Electric Mobility: Zonda Tec Ghana, with SINOTRUK, launched Ghana’s first electric heavy-duty tipper truck, targeting lower operating costs for construction and mining. Regional Travel Ease: Liberia launched free roaming for subscribers using Liberian SIMs across Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia under ECOWAS. Local Economy & Travel Links: President Mahama broke ground for a modern 24-hour economy market at Juapong, aimed at boosting trade, jobs and agriculture. Road Safety: A head-on crash near Konongo on the Accra–Kumasi route killed 12 and injured 44.

Road Safety Shock: A head-on crash near Konongo on the Kumasi–Accra highway killed 12 and injured 44, involving a passenger bus, a cargo truck carrying tomatoes, and an empty fuel tanker. 24-Hour Economy Markets: President Mahama cut sod for a modern 24-hour market at Juapong, with plans for stores, stalls, warehouses, police and fire posts, health facilities, and digital commerce—part of a rollout to all 261 districts. Court & Travel Rights: Ghana’s High Court struck out the AG’s bid to revoke former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba’s travel permission after the order had already expired. Tourism & Culture Push: The Chief of Staff urged stronger collaboration to boost tourism through better storytelling and innovation, while the Fugu Wednesday campaign faces questions over whether it’s yet boosting sales for traders. Nature & Tourism Backdrop: Cabinet revoked E.I. 144, restoring Achimota Forest Reserve’s full protected status—an ecological win for Accra’s air, cooling, and flood defence. Visa-Free Travel Watch: Chad announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 Jan 2027, joining a growing list of African countries easing travel rules.

Aviation & Safety: Emirates has boosted Accra’s connectivity with new Boeing 777-300ER services, raising flights to 11 weekly and strengthening Ghana’s role as a West African aviation hub. Tourism Policy: Ghana’s Tourism Ministry says it’s pushing tourism, culture and creative arts as an economic growth engine, with better storytelling and innovation to attract more visitors. Visa Convenience: Zimbabwe released updated visa-on-arrival and visa-free lists for 2026, with several African countries included—useful for travellers planning trips without long pre-approvals. Airport Experience: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says Accra Airport’s new 3D scanners mean travellers won’t have to remove laptops, belts or shoes during screening. Conservation & Nature: Cabinet revoked EI 144 and restored Achimota Forest to full forest reserve status, citing protection against illegal mining. Health & Travel Disruption: A prolonged blackout at Akporkploe Health Centre in Volta is harming vaccine cold storage and diagnostics. Intra-Africa Tourism Push: NANTA, Safari Valley Resort and Ibom Air plan a 4-day retreat to tackle Afrophobia and trade barriers affecting African travel. Travel Fraud Watch: Accertify reports rising air-travel booking fraud pressure in Middle East and Africa, with top fraud rates tied to departure cities including Accra. Community Events: GTA announced its programme for 2026 Emancipation Day, climaxing Aug 1 at Assin Manso.

Aviation & Travel Connectivity: Emirates’ expanded Accra service adds more weekly flights, with new EK789 arrivals lifting Ghana’s international links via Dubai. Airport Experience Upgrade: Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe inspects new Accra International Airport scanners that mean less hassle at security—no more removing laptops, shoes or belts, and liquids up to 100ml allowed. Visa Headaches for Travelers: The U.S. Embassy in Accra suspends most routine consular services from July 20–31, while affected visa applicants face rescheduled appointments. Immigration Access Updates: Rwanda offers visa-on-arrival for citizens of AU, Commonwealth and La Francophonie countries (with fees waived for eligible groups), and Barbados grants visa-free entry to all 54 African countries. Conservation & Tourism Safety: Cabinet directs restoration of Achimota Forest to full status, while Blue Water Guards are being strengthened to curb galamsey impacts on water bodies. Health & Power: A prolonged blackout at Akporkploe Health Centre disrupts care, including the vaccine cold chain. Local Roads: Nabdam residents protest poor roads, demanding urgent construction of the Asonge–Pelungu–Sekoti route.

Mid-Year Budget Review: A new push argues Ghana’s 2026 mid-year budget should focus on citizens’ relief instead of austerity, citing inflation pressures and a weakening cedi. Heritage & Tourism: Ahanta West will mark Ahanta Heritage Month 2026 starting July 17, blending history, education, and a business summit to boost local enterprise and tourism. Aviation & Travel: Emirates adds four weekly Dubai–Accra flights (11 weekly services total). Airport Operations: GACL and Dzata Aviation are still in talks over the future of the McDan Aviation private jet terminal at Kotoka. Consular Notice for Travelers: The US Embassy in Accra will suspend most routine consular services from July 20–31, with limited exceptions. Transport Reform: Experts call for an overhaul of Ghana’s public transport system, saying inefficiencies cost the economy over GH¢4bn yearly. World Cup Travel Interest: England’s semi-final vs Argentina is set for Wednesday, July 15 (3pm local/8pm UK), with viewing details circulating. South Africa Repatriation: Ghana begins the final voluntary evacuation of about 900 nationals from July 25. Heritage Site Spotlight: Pusiga’s Naa Gbewaa Shrine is being promoted as a major spiritual and tourism destination.

ASEC 2026 Wrap-Up: Ghana’s Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak urged African leaders to turn security talks into real cross-border action as the 13th Africa Security Symposium ends in Accra, with focus areas ranging from counterterrorism and cyber resilience to climate-driven insecurity and aviation safety. South Africa Repatriation: Ghana will begin the final voluntary evacuation of about 900 Ghanaians from South Africa on July 25, after nearly 900 registered people requested to return home, following earlier successful operations after xenophobic attacks. Visa Updates for Travellers: Kenya says Ghanaians can enter visa-free (Category 1) for short stays, while Algeria’s 2026 visa-free list is limited to a small set of countries; the UAE also published an updated list of countries needing visas, including Ghana. Heritage Tourism Calendar: Emancipation Day celebrations have been launched at Assin Manso, with a week of activities culminating Aug 1, positioning Ghana for diaspora and roots tourism. Aviation Investment: Ghana’s aviation sector needs over $1.2bn to close infrastructure gaps and support future demand—good news for connectivity and tourism planning. Weather Watch: GMET forecasts morning mist and light rain in parts of southern Ghana, with thunderstorms later—plan travel and outdoor activities accordingly.

Tourism Regulation: The Ghana Tourism Authority has started stakeholder consultations on draft rules for the events industry, aiming to raise standards and professionalism, and introduce the Ghana Tourism Information System (GTIS) as a national database to improve compliance and service quality. Dagbon Culture: Ya-Na Mahama Abukari II was laid to rest in line with Dagbon customs after his death in South Africa, marking a new mourning and transition period for the Yendi skin. Travel Rules (UK): The UK Home Office updated immigration guidance requiring entry clearance for travellers from Nigeria and 32 other African countries, with Ghana among those affected—meaning visa checks before booking to avoid boarding denials. Ghana E-Visa Uptake: Ghana’s e-visa portal has recorded over 1,000 applications in a month from travellers across 78 countries, with the Interior Ministry highlighting faster remote processing. WAFCON Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Queens arrived in Morocco for final preparations for WAFCON, with 18 players reporting to camp and more expected to join. Sanitation & Tourism Impact: President Mahama ordered six previously idle Zoomlion waste transfer stations to be operational to speed up refuse evacuation after floods—an effort that should help protect cleaner streets and visitor experiences. Regional Tourism Boost: Ghana will host the 2026 African Cashew Alliance Conference and Expo at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in September, expected to draw 600+ participants.

E-Visa Uptick: Ghana’s Electronic Visa portal has logged nearly 1,500 applications in a month from 78 countries, with the Interior Ministry saying the online system is cutting out embassy visits. Drug Bust on Highway: Bole District Police arrested two people after intercepting 73 parcels of suspected cannabis on the Banda Nkwanta–Teslima road; officers say a GH¢300,000 bribe was offered and rejected. EOCO Crackdown: EOCO confirmed the arrest of “Miracles” Dennis Aboagye over alleged GH¢55m IMCCoD misappropriation, saying a stop order was issued before his airport handover and that bail will follow due process. Legal Fight Over Belongings: Lawyers for Hanan Abdul-Wahab demand EOCO return cash, phones and passport after his release, warning of legal action. Clean-Up Push in Accra: Miss Ghana 2026 contestants joined the national clean-up with Bus Stop Boys and BOST Energies, targeting gutters and litter in East Legon, Bawaleshi and Shiashi. Flood Waste Response: President Mahama ordered six long-idle Zoomlion transfer stations to be opened to speed up flood waste evacuation. Travel Safety Watch: UK visa rules for short stays under six months were updated for Nigeria and 32 other African countries, with entry clearance required for affected travellers. Tourism & Culture: Ghana’s Miss Ghana Foundation links pageantry to community service, while fisheries training in coastal areas highlights local livelihoods tied to coastal tourism.

Airport Upgrade for Travellers: Kotoka International Airport security screening at Terminals 2 and 3 now lets passengers keep laptops, shoes and belts on, and leave liquids/aerosols/gels in carry-on bags (100ml limit still applies), with an automatic tray return system to speed up checks. Sanitation Push in Accra: President Mahama has ordered six long-idle waste transfer stations to be operationalised via Zoomlion, so refuse trucks can discharge locally and stop waste washed from drains back into waterways—part of flood-risk reduction after June 29. Military Housing Boost: GAF launched the 440-unit Burma Camp redevelopment project in Accra, including new housing at El Wak Barracks and Medo Lines, plus a multipurpose commercial redevelopment of the Burma Camp Post Office. Road Safety Update: GNFS rescued a driver trapped after a HOWO tanker crash off the Accra–Kumasi Highway at Amanase; no fatalities were reported. Weather Alert for July 13: GMet warns of thunderstorms and rain in northern and transition belt areas, with morning mist/fog reducing visibility in forest and hilly zones. Visa-Free Travel Watch: A roundup lists countries Ghanaians can visit without visa, highlighting continued global mobility despite border restrictions. Sports & Tourism Calendar: Ghana secures three UCI cycling events for 2027 and the Diamond Rackets head to Botswana for the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III starting July 13.

Airport Ease for Travellers: GACL has rolled out new security screening at Accra’s Terminals 2 and 3, so passengers can keep laptops, shoes and belts on, and leave liquids/aerosols/gels in cabin bags (with the usual 100ml-per-container limit), using an Automatic Tray Return System to cut delays. Education & Mobility: Ghana will deploy 300 teachers to the Bahamas under a new bilateral education partnership, building on existing labour-mobility links between Accra and Nassau. Sanitation Push After Floods: Zoomlion and other partners are supporting President Mahama’s post-flood clean-up with heavy equipment and waste transfer station upgrades, while markets and terminals in Accra’s Korle Klottey area get fumigated to help prevent cholera. Tourism Loss: The Ghana Tourism Authority mourns Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi (“Padiki”), calling her a resilient creative ambassador for Ghana. Health Services Upgrade: Government says a DNA laboratory at Noguchi Memorial Institute will soon be inaugurated to expand local paternity and forensic testing. Safety & Justice: Four people face court in Accra over a parcel allegedly used to conceal 4.6kg of marijuana for a traveller jailed in Qatar. Nurses & Midwives: UPNMG urges better conditions in the Northern Region to retain staff, citing accommodation and infrastructure gaps.

Sanitation & Waste Relief: President Mahama has ordered Zoomlion to immediately open six long-idle waste transfer stations in Greater Accra (Achimota, Teshie, Kpone, Ashaiman, Pantang, Adipa) to speed flood-related refuse evacuation, with a monthly clean-up day and continued military drain clearing. Tourism Culture: MTN Ghana backed Elmina’s Bakatue Festival with GH¢20,000 plus items, as the ancient city leans into culture and visitors. Health Workers & Rural Access: The GHS says poor roads, lack of accommodation and basic amenities are pushing health professionals away from rural postings in the north, worsening staffing gaps. Travel Tech: Ghana launched a fully digital e-visa system aimed at faster, cleaner approvals and reduced corruption risks, with an African passport fee waiver highlighted. Visa Headline for Travelers: The UK reaffirmed that Nigerians and nationals of 100+ countries (including Ghana) need visas for short stays under six months. Scam & Safety: Ghanaian influencer Abu Trica (Frederick Kumi) was extradited to the US over an alleged $8m AI romance scam targeting elderly Americans. Urban Clean-up Debate: IMANI Africa’s Kofi Bentil criticised parts of Accra’s clean-up for leaving silt on streets instead of removing it fully. Beach & Flood Tourism Pressure: Ghana Tourism Authority’s CEO blamed garbage from floods for driving tourists away from beaches. Transport Cost Pain: Commuters on the Nungua–Accra route report vehicle shortages and fares jumping from GH¢6 to as high as GH¢20.

Sanitation & Flood Cleanup: IMANI Africa’s Kofi Bentil says Accra’s post-flood clean-up left mud on roads and even involved harsh scenes, arguing Ghana needs daily, institutional sanitation—not one-off PR campaigns. Leadership by Example: AfriSAFE praised President Mahama for joining the National General Cleaning Days and desilting drains after June floods. Waste Transfer Stations: Mahama ordered the immediate reopening of six long-idle waste transfer stations in Accra to stop refuse being washed back into drains during rains. Local Clean-up in Ningo-Prampram: NiPDA joined National Sanitation Day, mobilising security services and Zoomlion to clear flood debris and urge residents to stop dumping into drains. Travel & Entry Rules: Ghana launched a new e-visa system aimed at speeding approvals and boosting African travel; meanwhile the UK updated its visitor visa list, including Ghana, for stays under six months. Transport Costs: Commuters on the Nungua–Accra route report vehicle shortages driving fares up to GH¢20 from about GH¢6. Military Housing: GAF launched the Burma Camp redevelopment project to replace ageing infrastructure and improve accommodation. World Cup Tourism Angle: England-Norway quarterfinal coverage continues to draw international visitors to Miami, with Ghana-linked football staff and fans still in the news.

Digital Travel Upgrade: Ghana officially launched its national e-visa platform to speed up visa processing, cut delays, and strengthen border security—aimed at making travel and trade across Africa smoother. Healthcare & Tourism Link: President Mahama commissioned the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Korle-bu, a major boost for advanced heart care in Accra. Ghana World Cup Aftermath: Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sa says extensive travel and time-zone hopping were the biggest challenges during the 2026 World Cup, while he also confirmed his World Cup-only contract has ended. Immigration & Safety: Ghanaian influencer Abu Trica (Frederick Kumi) was extradited to the US over an alleged $8m romance scam targeting older Americans. City Living for Visitors: Accra’s flooding concerns are back on the agenda as the Council of State calls for stronger action against illegal developments, poor sanitation, and weak drainage. Transport Pain Point: Commuters on the Nungua–Accra route report vehicle shortages and fare spikes, making daily travel harder for workers. Tourism Resilience: Ghana Tourism Authority says garbage from floods is driving visitors away from beaches, urging better cleanup and waste control.