Newspaper Headlines, June 29, 2026
This is what the front pages of the papers say;
Daily Graphic
1. Main Headline: “Real test starts with Colombia” — Queiroz
Summary: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana’s FIFA World Cup run faces its real challenge against Colombia in the Round of 32. Even though Ghana advanced from the Group Stage, the 2-1 loss to Croatia in the final group match exposed defensive issues. Queiroz is quoted from Philadelphia, noting the road to Kansas City is “littered with defensive questions that demand urgent answers.”
2. Parliamentary Select Committee backs GTEC cleaning exercise
Summary: A Parliamentary Select Committee has expressed support for the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission’s [GTEC] ongoing “cleaning exercise.” The story is carried inside on Page 14.
The Ghanaian Times
1. “Ghana targets $1bn US export drive … as GEPA opens Trade House in Philadelphia”
Summary: Ghana is aiming to earn $1 billion annually from exports to the US market. The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has opened a Trade House in Philadelphia to support Ghanaian businesses. Officials, including Mr. Madjie, Dr. Awusi, and Mr. Arthur cut the tape at the official opening. The hub will help exporters with market access, certification, and buyer connections. Full story on Page 12.
2. “Pres Mahama cuts sod for 2nd phase of Sentuo Oil Refinery expansion”
Summary: President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for phase two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery expansion in Tema. The project is expected to boost Ghana’s local refining capacity, reduce fuel imports, create jobs, and support energy security. Details on Page 21.
3. “Include informal sector in labour laws — Veep”
Summary: The Vice President is calling for Ghana’s labour laws to be updated to cover workers in the informal sector. The move seeks to provide better protection, social security, and regulation for millions of informal workers. See Page 12.
4. “Dismiss students involved in drug use on campuses … Education Minister directs GES”
Summary: The Education Minister has directed the Ghana Education Service to dismiss students caught using drugs on campuses. The directive follows rising concerns about substance abuse among students, including cases of weed lacing food items. Full report on Page 22.
5. “Anona Royal Family blocks move to release late Ahanta King’s remains”
Summary: The Anona Royal Family has opposed efforts to release the remains of a late Ahanta King, halting the planned reburial or transfer process. The dispute is ongoing. More on Page 3.
Daily Guide
1. “U-17 Social Media Ban: MPs Back CRI Call”
Summary: Members of Parliament have backed the Child Rights International (CRI) call for a social media ban for persons under 17. The proposal is aimed at protecting minors from online risks, cyberbullying, and harmful content. MPs Matthew Nyindam and David Vondee are pictured backing the move. Full details on Page 3.
2. “Mahama Plans 5-Year Term For Prez, MPs, DCEs”
Summary: President John Dramani Mahama is proposing a 5-year term for the President, Members of Parliament, and District Chief Executives. The plan is expected to form part of broader constitutional or electoral reforms. See Page 3.
3. “High Court Nullifies Ga Traditional Council Judicial Committee Appointment”
Summary: The High Court has nullified an appointment to the Ga Traditional Council’s Judicial Committee. The ruling is expected to impact ongoing chieftaincy and customary legal matters in the Ga State. More on Page 3.
4. “Transfer Kwadwo Safo Trial To High Court – Adwoa Safo To AG”
Summary: Former MP Adwoa Safo has asked the Attorney-General to transfer the criminal case involving Kwadwo Safo from the Adenta Circuit Court to the High Court. The request is part of her ongoing legal proceedings. Details on Page 6.
5. “Rev. Wengam Urges Pastors To Remain Steadfast”
Summary: Rev. Stephen Wengam, with Mrs. Monica Wengam, has urged pastors to remain steadfast in their ministry despite challenges. The message was delivered at a recent church gathering. See Page 10.
6. “Jewellery Firm Drags Donewell Insurance To Court”
Summary: A jewellery firm has filed a lawsuit against Donewell Insurance Ltd. The nature of the dispute has not been disclosed, but it relates to an insurance claim. More on Page 5.
The Chronicle
1. “PLOT TO DISQUALIFY AFOKO FAILS …Council Of Elders Shoots Down Petition”
Summary: An attempt to disqualify Mr. Paul Afoko has failed after the Council of Elders dismissed the petition against him. The decision is being reported as a major political development. Full details on Pages 2 & 3.
2. “‘Big Push’ Projects: Value For Money Won’t Be Compromised – Mahama”
Summary: President John Dramani Mahama says government will ensure value for money on all ‘Big Push’ infrastructure projects. He made the comment during a site visit, pictured second from right with officials in yellow shirts. The administration says transparency and accountability will guide spending. More inside.
3. “Minority Warns: Ghana Spending On Outdated Railway Equipment”
Summary: The Minority in Parliament, led by Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli pictured speaking to the media, has raised concerns over government expenditure on outdated railway equipment. They are calling for modern, efficient procurement to avoid waste and improve rail transport.
The New Crusading Guide
1. “GHANA OPEN FOR BUSINESS, NOT AID – Kwamigah-Atokple”
Summary: Kwamigah-Atokple has declared that Ghana is positioning itself for investment and trade, not donor aid. Speaking at a forum pictured on the front page, he said the government’s focus is on creating a business-friendly environment to attract private sector capital. Full details on Pages 3, 9 & 10.
2. “NPP Demands Answers …Over ‘Margaret Thatcher-Era’ Trains Bought By Government”
Summary: The NPP is demanding explanations from government over the purchase of trains described as ‘Margaret Thatcher-Era’ models. The opposition says the equipment is outdated and questions the value for money and procurement process. More inside.
3. “Anti-Afoko Plot Explodes In Plotters’ Faces”
Summary: A reported plot to target Mr. Paul Afoko has backfired, according to the paper. The development is linked to recent NPP internal disputes and the Council of Elders’ decisions. Details inside.
4. “Chief, Stool Mother Convicted For Contempt In A Landmark Ruling”
Summary: A Chief and a Stool Mother have been convicted for contempt of court in what is being described as a landmark ruling. The case is expected to set a precedent for traditional authority accountability.
5. “WAJSIC Condemns Imprisonment of Larry Dogbey …Calls It Assault on Press Freedom”
Summary: The West African Journalists Safety and Information Centre (WAJSIC) has condemned the imprisonment of journalist Larry Dogbey. The group says the action is an assault on press freedom and free expression.
6. “Former GRIDCo CEO Urges Stronger Workplace Safety Laws”
Summary: A former CEO of GRIDCo, pictured at the Health, Environment, Safety & Security Awards ‘26, is calling for stronger workplace safety legislation in Ghana to protect workers.
The Ghanaian Publisher
1. “NPP Demands Full Disclosure …On Locomotive, Wagon Deal”
Summary: The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is demanding full disclosure on a locomotive and wagon procurement deal. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli is pictured leading the party’s call for transparency regarding the contract details, cost, and terms. Full story on Page 3.
2. “MyGhaLII Wins Parliamentary Backing”
Summary: The MyGhaLII project has received parliamentary support. Lawmakers are pictured backing the initiative, which is expected to advance Ghana’s digital and legal infrastructure agenda. See Page 2.
3. “Adwoa Safo To AG: Move My Brother’s Case To High Court”
Summary: Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo has petitioned the Attorney-General to transfer her brother Kwadwo Safo’s criminal case from the Adenta Circuit Court to the High Court. She says the case requires a higher court’s jurisdiction. Details on Page 3.
4. “Beware Of Agbogbloshie, Madina Market Cabbages – GSA”
Summary: The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is warning the public to be cautious of cabbages sold at Agbogbloshie and Madina Markets. The advisory follows a new study that found high levels of contaminants in produce from those markets. More on Page 10.
The Daily Gist
1. “Asante Akyem MP Troubles Deepen …Amsterdam Court Clears Way For US Trial”
Summary: The legal troubles of Asante Akyem MP, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, have worsened after an Amsterdam Court cleared the way for his trial in the United States. The case is expected to draw significant political and public attention. Read full story on page 3.
2. “NPP National Council Throws Out Petition Against Afoko”
Summary: The NPP National Council has dismissed a petition seeking action against former National Chairman, Paul Awentami Afoko. The decision is a major boost for Afoko amid ongoing internal party disputes. Read full story on page 2.
3. “I Killed 32 Cows For NDC Victory – Pastor Confesses”
Summary: Bishop Bediako has made a startling confession, claiming he killed 32 cows as a sacrifice for the NDC’s electoral victory. The statement has sparked debate and controversy. Read full story on page 3.
4. “Afenyo-Markin Blames Govt’s GoldBod Fixation For Agric Decline”
Summary: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the government of neglecting agriculture due to its focus on GoldBod. He says the fixation is contributing to a decline in the agric sector. Read full story on page 2.
The Daily Statesman
1. “NDC LOCOMOTIVE DEAL UNDER SERIOUS SCRUTINY …NPP raises questions about value for money”
Summary: The NPP is putting the NDC government’s locomotive and wagon procurement deal under serious scrutiny. Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, Chairman of the Minority Transport Policy Committee and MP for Gushegu, says the party is raising concerns over value for money, cost, and the age/condition of the equipment. See story on Page 7.
2. “Plot against Afoko’s NPP chairmanship ambition backfires”
Summary: A reported plot to block Mr. Paul Afoko’s bid for the NPP chairmanship has failed. The paper says the move has backfired on those behind it, following recent Council of Elders decisions. See story on Page 2.
3. “Kudekor calls for swift probe into attack on Obaatanpa FM”
Summary: Kudekor is demanding a swift investigation into an attack on Obaatanpa FM. The incident has raised concerns about media safety and press freedom. See Page 3.
4. “Adwoa Safo petitions A-G over shooting case”
Summary: Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo has petitioned the Attorney-General regarding a shooting case involving her brother, Kwadwo Safo. She is seeking the case be moved to a higher court. Details inside.
The New Publisher
1. “Machinations Against Afoko Hit Dead End …National Council Rejects Moves to Ban Former Chairman from Race”
Summary: Attempts to block former NPP Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko from contesting have failed. The NPP National Council has rejected moves to ban him from the race, ending what the paper calls ‘machinations’ against his chairmanship ambition. Full details inside.
2. “NPP Demands Full Disclosure on ‘Margaret Thatcher’ Locomotives”
Summary: The NPP is demanding full transparency from government over the purchase of locomotives described as ‘Margaret Thatcher-Era’ models. The party is questioning the age, cost, and value for money of the trains imported under the NDC. See Page 4.
3. “Adwoa Safo Demands High Court Trial in Shooting Case”
Summary: Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo has asked that her brother Kwadwo Safo’s shooting case be moved from the Adenta Circuit Court to the High Court. She says a higher court is needed to ensure a fair hearing. See Page 3.
4. “Captain Smart Vows to Rescue Crumbling Mumford Harbour”
Summary: Media personality Captain Smart has pledged to lead efforts to rescue the deteriorating Mumford Harbour. He says the fishing port’s collapse is hurting livelihoods and needs urgent government intervention. See Page 3.
Graphic Business
1. Main Story: Global banks lose grip: StanChart cede retail to Pan-African rivals” — By Kwame Larweh
Summary: Standard Chartered Bank is pulling back from retail banking in Ghana as Pan-African banks gain ground. The shift reflects a wider structural change in Ghana’s financial sector, not just one bank’s decision, according to consultant Dr. Richmond Atuahene. The article notes that global banks no longer dominate the way they used to. More on Page 06.
Standard Chartered Bank 2025 vs 2024 figures:
Profit After Tax: GH₵804.21m vs GH₵716.15m = +12.3%
Total Assets: GH₵16.51b vs GH₵14.3b = +15.4%
Earnings Per Share: GH₵5.96b vs GH₵5.3b = +12.2%
Net Interest Income: GH₵1.004b vs GH₵1.404b = -28.5%
Capital Adequacy Ratio: Improved to 27.45% from 24.01%
2. Ghana’s economic growth to slow to 4.7% in 2027 on debt, export pressures – Fitch Solutions
Summary: Fitch Solutions forecasts growth will drop to 4.7% in 2027 due to debt issues and weaker exports. See Page 02.
3. Building cost inflation climbs to 2.7% in May
Summary: Construction costs rose 2.7% year-on-year in May, putting more pressure on housing and infrastructure. See Pages 8/9.
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