AGP Executive Report

Church Governance: EPCG’s 12th General Assembly ends with big reforms, including a new Moderator (Rev. Prof. Frederick Mawusi Yao Amevenku) and a mandate to review the Constitution and Manual of Order. Faith vs Action: GoldBod debate sparks a response from Anthony Abayifaa Karbo, arguing prayer must back up accountability and measurable governance. Arts & Culture: Stonebwoy marks a historic London milestone—first Ghanaian to headline OVO Arena Wembley with BHIM Festival—while GhanaFest 2026 is hailed as a diaspora cultural hit. Film & Identity: New documentary “Towards Sun” spotlights Afro hair and Black Muslim identity through four women’s stories. Fashion Education: ATU fashion students showcase African fabrics in a “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity” exhibition. Football (Kotoko): Asante Kotoko appoints Eric Tinkler as head coach, with Stanley Menzo calling it the right decision ahead of the 2026/27 season. Youth Media: YFM partners the Ministry of Youth Development for National Youth Forum 2026, with live broadcasts and streaming. Sports (WAFCON): Cameroon win their first WAFCON title, beating Malawi 3-0—an African women’s football moment reverberating across the region.

Entertainment Milestone: Nana Ama McBrown marked her 49th birthday with 25 years in Ghana’s entertainment, packing UPSA Auditorium for a star-studded celebration that also doubled as the premiere of her new movie. Media & Truth: Dubawa’s West Africa AI push is training smarter fact-checking tools to spot claims before they spread. Fashion & Culture: Accra Technical University fashion students showcased “Wear Your Culture: Tradition Meets Modernity,” blending African fabrics with modern designs at an exhibition. Music & Global Reach: Stonebwoy made history by headlining a sold-out BHIM Festival at London’s OVO Arena Wembley, bringing Ghanaian acts and Afro-dancehall to a major international stage. Sports (Youth): Ghana’s Black Princesses departed Accra for Poland to prepare for the U-20 Women’s World Cup, starting against Ecuador in early September. Sports (Women’s Africa Cup): Cameroon won the WAFCON title for the first time, beating Malawi 3-0 in Rabat, while Malawi’s Scorchers set up a historic final run. Faith & Media: Evangelical Presbyterian Church Ghana secured a radio frequency for Bremen Radio to expand its outreach. Public Life: KFC’s GH¢15 anniversary promo sparked massive queues and chaos across Ghana, raising questions about crowd control.

Local Arts & Film: “Too Much Music” is a Locarno Film Festival Open Doors doc project in the works, spotlighting Ghanaian keyboardist Kiki Gyan and the fight over credit and control of artists’ narratives. Music & Culture: Sarkodie’s 2026 dominance stays in focus as Accra Street Journal cites 94 million global streams in the first half of the year, alongside his mid-year release “Eno Easy” with DopeNation. Entertainment & Media: The Citi FM/Channel One TV Literacy Challenge moves to its written aptitude test today (Aug 16) at the British Council in Accra, with 100 shortlisted JHS students aiming for regional quizzes and a GH¢10,000 top prize. Hospitality & Community: Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra marks 15 years with a new push for community outreach and more accessible, tailored hospitality. Sports Development: MTN launches the Bright Scholars Alumni Network to connect 1,200+ beneficiaries, while the Ghana Taekwondo Federation appoints a new technical director and executive board member to strengthen the sport. Maritime Efficiency: Ghana Maritime Authority calls for a maritime single window to cut delays at Tema Port and improve digital processing for stakeholders.

MTN Ghana Foundation: Bright Scholars Alumni Network launched in Accra, linking 1,200+ scholarship beneficiaries and showcasing made-in-Ghana products as the programme marks impact since 2017. Sports Reset: NSA inaugurates a Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Committee, with plans to unlock private funding and diversify sports financing. Grassroots Talent: NSA chair Samson Deen proposes Constituency Games to spot and develop athletes from the grassroots. Taekwondo Boost: Ghana Taekwondo Federation appoints Simon Koku Gluikpor as Technical Director and Hannah Akua Humphrey to its Executive Board. Football Moves: Ghana winger Michael Ephson completes a move to Egypt’s Modern Sport after Heart of Lions; and Caleb Yirenkyi’s Coventry debut has fans buzzing after an assist in a win over Monaco. WAFCON Drama: Malawi’s Scorchers set for the final after a stunning run, led by Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. Media & Public Trust: GWJN trains northern journalists on climate/WASH reporting standards—accuracy, balance, and better source mapping. Food Culture Moment: KFC’s GH₵15 anniversary deal sparks massive queues and overcrowding at branches nationwide. Arts & Film: Locarno Film Festival winners include Romania’s Florin Șerban taking Pardo d’Oro for You Don’t Belong Here. Music: Ghana Jazz Orchestra set for a Sept 5 launch in Accra, inspired by Wynton Marsalis’ 2025 visit. Culture Beyond Politics: Denise Scott returns for Origin Odyssey season two, reuniting with Shaun Micallef in Germany.

Homecoming Concert: Togbe Afrika is set to return to the stage after nearly two decades with a major “Togbe Afrika Homecoming” concert in Dzodze-Penyi on Saturday, August 29, featuring Enam and Jah Phinga, with a youth-empowerment message against drug abuse and alcoholism. Music & Money Talk: Stonebwoy pushes back on the “Ghanaian men are stingy” narrative, saying spending depends on real finances and that relationship expectations have shifted. Film & Creative Careers: Malik Ofori puts a Ghanaian lens on global stories, sharing how he grew from filming school music events into a storytelling-focused filmmaking path. Arts, Health & Education: Accra Arts and Health Festival ends with plans to co-develop Ghana’s first Creative Health Curriculum for nursing students, using arts like music, drama and storytelling for healing. Gospel Worship: Pastor Denzel Prempeh announces “Touching God’s Heart 2026” on August 30 at North Legon, with a lineup of ministers and gospel artistes. DJ Spotlight: DJ Raya (WatsUp TV) shines as official DJ at the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards 2026 launch. Sports-Entertainment Crossover: MTN rewards early winners of its 30th anniversary promotion with brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prados. Global Culture Note: The Black Star International Film Festival outlines four pillars for 2026, including local language cinema, building audiences, mental health for creatives, and AI in African storytelling.

Fast Fashion Fraud: A new report on the “high cost of cheap clothes” links fast-fashion’s low-cost, high-volume model to fraud risks like undervaluation, greenwashing and counterfeiting. Corporate Recognition: Kofi Amoako Attah was inducted into the 11th Corporate Ghana Hall of Fame, spotlighting SIM Group’s cross-sector growth. Film & Culture: Black Star International Film Festival 2026 sets four pillars—local language cinema, building African audiences, mental health for creatives, and emerging tech like AI. Music Comeback: Nene Tek returns with a deeper, purpose-driven chapter and launches AFG Music Group rooted in family and Krobo heritage. Women’s Football Support: Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams assures Ampem Dakoa Ladies of support for the WAFU Zone B tournament. Sports Funding Reset: NSA inaugurates a Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Committee chaired by Samson Deen to shift Ghana sports from emergency fundraising to long-term investment. Entertainment TV Watch: What To Watch TV Reviews highlights 2026 Logies, Lanterns, Outer Banks and Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. Homecoming Concert: Togbe Afrika announces “Togbe Afrika Homecoming” in Dzodze-Penyi on Aug. 29. Religious Peace Push: The National Peace Council urges restraint after separate incidents involving clerics and social media tensions. Football Transfers: Karela United sign defender Frank Ackom; Medeama coach Ibrahim Tanko praises scoring form in pre-season.

Youth & Work: Ecobank Ghana launched its maiden Youth Summit on “The Future of Work,” bringing 350 young people together with mentors and industry leaders, plus 100 youth ambassadors on university campuses to push financial inclusion and savings. SME Policy: An ILAPI study warns Ghana’s regulatory burden is slowing MSMEs, citing long business registration timelines and heavy reliance on “goro boys,” which adds cost and delays. Kumawood Drama: Lil Win says he will never work with Van Vicker again after alleged repeated role refusals and poor communication around shoots. Music & Respect: Stonebwoy pushes back on “cripple” insults, sharing how a life-changing accident and years of recovery shaped his career. Afrobeats Business: Afro Nation co-founder Obi Asika says the festival plans to scale globally to as many as eight events a year. Sports & Community: Capelli Sport will kit runners for the Oct. 10, 2026 Tampico Accra Inter-City Marathon, with Ghana Athletics introducing electronic timing. Tourism Tech: CityQuest Africa launches an edutainment tourism platform using a browser game and real-world “CityQuest Originals” experiences. Digital Safety: A white paper from Academic City and partners flags Ghana’s cyber losses (GH¢19.3m in 2025) and calls for stronger accountability and public awareness. Entertainment at Accra Mall: “Weekend Vibes” returns Aug. 15 with “Cultural Heat,” featuring live music and a free family-friendly shopping experience. Women’s Football: Ghana’s Black Queens keep World Cup hopes alive after a 2-1 play-off win over Côte d’Ivoire, coming back from early down.

Pan-African Culture & Awards: The Africa Choice Awards will hold in Pretoria, South Africa for the first time on 26 September 2026, with Ghana’s Selly Galley among those celebrated and a mission to counter xenophobic narratives through Pan-African unity. Digital Creators: Ghanaian influencer K_Sane is gaining major brand traction through collaborations with tech and entertainment firms, including TECNO’s AFCON influencer selection. Gospel Music in the Diaspora: Royal Mama wins back-to-back Gospel Artiste of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards USA, reinforcing her growing diaspora influence. Housing & Media Partnerships: Republic Bank and Multimedia Group expand the JoyNews Habitat Fair to Accra, Kumasi and Ho to boost housing finance access and affordability conversations. Peace & Politics: The National Peace Council leads an inter-party dialogue in Accra on trust-building, responsible political communication and reducing inflammatory rhetoric. Arts & Storytelling: The Hidden Story Project is reviving Ghana’s storytelling culture through school and community workshops. Sports & Women’s Football: Black Queens players demand clarity from the Sports Ministry over unpaid per diems and communication gaps ahead of crucial matches. Public Safety & Media Ethics: Police investigate a viral assault in custody, while officials urge media to avoid graphic crash footage after the Ofankor tragedy. Evacuation Update: Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry says evacuations from South Africa were fully self-funded, rejecting claims of any $18m reimbursement. Circular Fashion: Project ReWear spotlights circular fashion as it diverts thousands of pounds of textiles from landfills.

Women’s Football Finance: Ghana’s Black Queens demand immediate payment of outstanding bonuses, qualification allowances and per diems as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup play-in, with the dispute coming at a tense moment after their WAFCON quarter-final exit to Malawi. Music Heritage: Highlife singer Dela Botri urges universities to institutionalise traditional music teaching, warning Ghana risks losing cultural control to outsiders if academia doesn’t partner with veteran musicians. Fashion & Identity: “Afro Dandyism” is set to shape the South African Music Awards red carpet, spotlighting how African style storytelling is being localised across designers. Sports Administration: Medeama SC say they’ve strengthened for the CAF Champions League with new signings ahead of a preliminary-round clash with TP Mazembe, while NSA boss Yaw Ampofo Ankrah insists Baba Yara Stadium will be ready for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season. Black Stars Coaching: The GFA begins the process to hire a new Black Stars coach after Carlos Queiroz’s extension talks collapsed over salary demands. Culture & Entertainment: Takyi Kay is highlighted for blending highlife roots with modern African sounds, and gospel acts Diana Hopeson and Paul Wambantem announce new releases and the 10th Azusa Praise concert. Public Safety: Ghana Police warn against religious incitement to violence after arrests tied to viral videos. Media & Film Buzz: A hand-drawn Spider-Man poster in a Canadian cinema goes viral, feeding demand for more creative movie marketing.

Religious Violence Crackdown: Ghana Police arrested an Imam and an “Apostle” over separate videos after alleged calls for violence and offensive comments about Prophet Mohammed, warning that freedom of religion/expression won’t shield incitement. Digital Accountability Push: Academic City, ICT professionals and the Cyber Security Authority released a white paper urging stronger public awareness and coordinated action after 2025 cybersecurity losses topped GHS19.3m. Healthcare Milestone: Rabito Clinic marked 50 years with a nationwide durbar, highlighting its growth from a dermatology-focused clinic into a 19-branch healthcare network. Sports Development: Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams urged corporate Ghana to invest in cycling, while the ministry also pledged support to integrate baseball and softball into Ghana’s sports framework. Youth & Agriculture: Netherlands urged Ghana to put youth at the centre of agricultural transformation for skills, finance and markets, as Ghana launched GAFET to fund agricultural education. Arts & Heritage: Government renewal efforts are upgrading heritage facilities, including a facelift at the National Theatre, boosting patronage. Entertainment Buzz: Van Vicker denied Lil Win’s movie snub claims, saying no role was confirmed before scheduling conflicts.

Upper East Airport Pressure: Upper East residents are fed up with repeated inspections of the proposed airport site and want government to move from visits to real action—contract awards, a sod-cutting ceremony, and construction. WAFCON & Women’s Football: WAFCON is delivering fresh shocks and a new champion is guaranteed after Nigeria’s absence at the semis; meanwhile, Malawi’s Scorchers celebrate their historic run and World Cup qualification ahead of the semis. Tourism After Dark: Cape Coast and Elmina Castles will now open until 10pm under the 24-hour economy push, following successful night tours. Creative Economy Push: Ghana will host AFESTACC (Dec 9–12, 2026), a pan-African festival spanning music, film, fashion, literature, gastronomy and more. Health Reminder: Ghana’s AIDS Commission says there’s still no cure for HIV, urging strict ARV adherence as coverage remains low. Road Safety & Media/Entertainment: DVLA says 75% of checked ride-hailing licences are fake; Samini’s London boat concert was cancelled after overcrowding. Local Business Skills: Takoradi retailers get training in digital finance, customer service and business management to boost resilience.

Cocoa Smuggling Crackdown: North East police arrested four suspects and seized 11.8 tonnes of cocoa beans hidden under plantain at Bunkpurugu, with the truck allegedly headed for Togo. Road Safety & Regulation: DVLA says 75% of ride-hailing drivers checked on its monitoring system had fake licences, naming Bolt, Uber and Yango among affected platforms. Entertainment in the UK: Police deny cancelling Samini’s London Boat Concert; organisers reportedly called it off after overcrowding concerns at the Thames event. Tourism & Culture: Ghana and the EU begin the three-year Sankofa II project to protect forts and castles and boost the cultural and creative industries. Arts, Media & Homes: Republic Bank becomes title sponsor of the JoyNews Habitat Fair, expanding the housing event to Accra, Kumasi and Ho. Sports & Talent: Ghana midfielder Daniel Kofi-Kyereh starts training at VfL Osnabrück after his free transfer, while Augustine Boakye earns Ligue 2 Team of the Week honours. Festivals: Asogli Teza 2026 is set to launch in Ho on August 12, running to October 4. Public Health Angle: Ghana’s HPV vaccination rollout gets context as HPV is linked to throat cancer too.

Parliament & Power: Ghana’s parliamentary reshuffle is sparking a fresh debate on House decorum after the NDC elevated Builsa North MP James Agalga to Majority Leader, reshaping front-bench dynamics and reigniting questions about how speech rules are enforced. Cocoa Finance: COCOBOD says it will raise cedi-denominated funds from the bond market this month, moving away from decades of syndicated loans to support cocoa operations. Film & Theatre: Government has allocated GH¢20m for a 2026 Film Development Fund and plans to revamp the National Theatre, with modalities now being worked through Parliament. Health: The Ghana AIDS Commission reiterates there is still no cure for HIV, urging consistent ARV treatment as coverage remains low amid stigma and treatment drop-offs. Digital Safety for Youth: Engage Now Africa and Ensign Global University sensitised 3,000 students on human trafficking and online exploitation, warning against fake jobs and scholarship scams. WAFCON Shock: Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren says missing automatic World Cup qualification was the “worst feeling” after Ghana lost to Malawi, with a playoff now the route forward. Tourism Figures: Tourism revenue hit GH¢4.34bn in 2025 as arrivals topped 1.3 million, alongside growth in domestic travel and key attractions. Music & Creative Craft: D-Cryme warns against “fast food music” and urges timeless songwriting, while Ofori Amponsah recalls early producer rejections in Accra. Sports Development: Ben Nunoo Mensah backs a strategic plan to revive Ghana sports beyond football, and Golden Arms begin camping for the World Armwrestling Championships in India.

Parliament & Politics: MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin insists he didn’t disrespect Nana Yaa Jantuah after NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” protest, saying he meant “only you” with “great respect” and rejecting calls to apologise. Traditional Authority: The Ada Traditional Council summons NDC leadership and the Ada MP over disputed Asafotufiami events, calling the durbar and thanksgiving a serious affront to the Paramount Chief. Film & Global Pop Culture: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” races past $1B abroad, becoming the second-fastest film to hit the mark internationally. Tourism & Heritage: Cape Coast and Elmina Castles will open until 10pm under Ghana’s 24-hour economy push, following successful night tours. Digital & Finance: MTN reiterates its push for digital inclusion in Ashanti, while BoG and SEC roll out Ashanti NaVALI to promote responsible virtual asset adoption. Arts & Culture: Ghana hosts AFESTACC from Dec 9–12, aiming to spotlight African music, dance, theatre, film, fashion and more. Sports & Talent: Ghana midfielder Daniel-Kofi Kyereh signs for VfL Osnabrück after injury recovery, and defender Mohammed Adams completes a move to Hapoel Afula in Israel. Health & Faith: A medical officer urges Christians to balance prayer with professional healthcare, and UNFPA calls for stronger domestic health investment to protect women and girls. Entertainment Spotlight: Jackie Appiah pays tribute to veteran Adwoa Smart as both honour late actress Beverly Afaglo.

Gospel & Music: Selina Boateng says Kofi Kinaata’s songwriting and messages move her, and she’d love to feature him despite his secular status. Awards & Recognition: Brother Ishmael wins Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2026 Ghana Music Awards USA, adding to his fast-rising gospel profile. Entertainment & Celebrity Culture: VDM steps back from the P-Square feud, saying he’s assigning 40% blame to Jude Okoye and urging others to let fans judge; Frank Artus and D’Banj also weigh in. Football & Women’s Sports: Malawi’s Scorchers stun Ghana 2-1 to reach the WAFCON semis and qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup—another historic first for the debutants. Local Football Business: Hearts of Oak settles a $146,000 debt to former technical director Rene Hiddink, raising hopes FIFA’s transfer ban could be lifted. Arts & Community: Ghana Jazz Orchestra announces its full debut concert for Sept. 5 in Accra, with a lineup built around education and big-band energy. Health & Lifestyle: GMA’s Ashanti Wellness Walk draws hundreds in Kumasi to push preventive healthcare and fight non-communicable diseases. Sports Development: Central Region Rugby Association begins talks with Ghana Prisons Service to start a rugby club at Ankaful Prison. Industry & Integrity: GoldBod faces fresh fraud allegations over large gold-purchase advances, while its CEO Sammy Gyamfi denies claims linking bodyguards to gold trading.

Skills for the future: Social Welfare Girls’ Technical Institute in Cape Coast graduated 94 students, urging them to pair fashion, hospitality, hair and beauty training with digital portfolios, social-media branding and data literacy to stay competitive. Parliament and peace: Former MP Alex K. Agyekum warned Parliament’s new Majority leadership to resist intolerance and social-media propaganda, calling for constitutional neutrality and calm proceedings. Youth unity through culture: Bassare Youth Association (BAYA) inaugurated its 2026 national congress, calling for “One People, One Heritage, One Culture” ahead of a September 18–21 gathering in Kpandai. School drama with purpose: Bono CNC launched STUDRAFEST, a Senior High Students drama festival tackling drug abuse, indiscipline, climate change, illegal mining and teenage pregnancy. Kente on the runway: Creative director Seyram Agbleze unveiled “Kente Means King,” a contemporary Kente collection honouring his father and grandfather. Health reminder: A Ghana-focused explainer warns against overhydration and water intoxication, highlighting hyponatremia risks during hot, active days. Beach club update: Pink Flamingo Beach Club says it remains open despite a 21-day REGSEC eviction directive for the Laboma buffer zone. Football spotlight: Coventry City completed a club-record signing of Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, while Ghana winger Antoine Semenyo shone as Manchester City beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 in Seoul. Reading rights: SLKY World acquired global publishing rights to Rwanda-based author Lamana Ali’s sci-fi fantasy novel The Celestial Ashes, reworking it for early 2027 release.