Newspaper Headlines, August 19, 2026
This is what the front pages of the papers say:
Daily Graphic
1. LEAD STORY: Govt pays GH¢10.8bn to DDEP bondholders
Summary: Government has paid GH¢10.82 billion to bondholders under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
The Ministry of Finance says this is the 3rd DDEP coupon payment and it was made fully in cash at close of business yesterday.
Total payments to bondholders since 2025 now stands at GH¢41.36 billion.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson says the on-time payment shows government’s fiscal discipline and commitment to meet all debt obligations, and will “strengthen investor confidence, reduce sovereign default risk and reinforce Ghana’s financial credibility.”
2. More patients sue health facilities — Page 13
Summary: There is a growing trend of patients taking legal action against health facilities over alleged medical negligence and poor service delivery.
3. Minority demands answers to GH¢22bn GoldBod loss — Page 20
Summary: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and the Minority in Parliament are demanding accountability from government over a reported GH¢22 billion loss recorded by GoldBod (Ghana Gold Board).
4. BoG leverages digital transaction data to support SMEs — Page 13
Summary: The Bank of Ghana is using data from digital transactions to design better support systems and access to credit for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Ghanaian Times
1. LEAD STORY: Ban ‘aboboyas’ from highways – Stakeholders demand — Page 12
Summary: Stakeholders are calling for a ban on motorized tricycles, popularly known as ‘aboboyas’ / ‘Motorking’, from plying major highways. They say the tricycles carrying passengers and goods on highways are causing accidents and safety risks. Photo shows an aboboya overloaded with school children.
2. GoldBod GH¢22bn loss: Minority demands answers — Page 12
Summary: The Minority in Parliament, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is demanding full accountability from GoldBod over a reported GH¢22 billion loss from gold sales.
3. GIPA, GUTA agree measures to protect local traders — Page 14
Summary: The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA/GIPC) and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) have agreed on new measures aimed at protecting local traders and regulating retail trade.
4. Oil output rises after years of decline — Page 13
Summary: Ghana’s crude oil production has seen an increase after several years of declining output, signaling a recovery in the petroleum upstream sector.
Daily Guide
1. LEAD STORY: Over 50 Constituency Chairmen Back Agyarko – NPP Chairmanship Race
Summary: Over 50 NPP Constituency Chairmen have declared support for Boakye Agyarko in the NPP National Chairmanship race. Photo shows Stephen Kojo Arhin presenting nomination forms to Boakye Agyarko. See story on Page 3
2. ‘Treat Mining Communities As Devt Partners, Not Land Donors’ – Sammy Gyamfi
Summary: GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi is advocating that mining communities should be treated as development partners and stakeholders, not just as land donors for mining operations. See Page 6
3. Respond To Kwahu Kingmakers’ Petition – CHRAJ To Eugene Asante Boadi
Summary: CHRAJ has directed Eugene Asante Boadi to respond to a petition filed against him by the Kwahu Kingmakers. The petition is related to a chieftaincy / traditional authority dispute. See Page 6
4. Minority Calls GoldBod To Answer For GH¢22bn Gold Sales Loss
Summary: The Minority in Parliament, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is demanding answers from GoldBod over a reported GH¢22 billion loss from gold sales. They want full accountability on what caused the loss. See Page 3
The Chronicle
1. LEAD: GOLDBOD IMPOSES $1.7BN DEBT ON BOG -Minority — Pages 2&3
Summary: The Minority in Parliament led by Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin (pictured top right) says GoldBod has imposed a $1.7 billion (GH¢22bn) debt on the Bank of Ghana from gold trading losses.
2. Kingsley Agyemang Calls For Dedicated Fund To Tackle Africa’s Flood Risk
Summary: Abuakwa South MP Dr. Kingsley Agyemang (pictured bottom left, on BBC Focus on Africa) is calling for a dedicated fund to tackle Africa’s growing flood risk.
3. Bawumia Leads All NDC Hopefuls In 2028 Race -APL Poll
Summary: A new APL poll shows NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia leading all NDC hopefuls in the 2028 presidential race.
The Custodian
1. LEAD: GoldBod Must Explain $1.7Bn Loss In 2025 — Minority Questions Gold Trading Losses, Discounted Sales — Page 3
Summary: The Minority in Parliament, led by Afenyo-Markin, is demanding GoldBod explains a $1.7 billion (GH¢22bn equivalent) loss recorded in 2025 from gold trading and discounted sales.
2. Bawumia Tops All NDC Rivals — APL Survey Reveals Ahead of 2028 Election — Page 2
Summary: A new APL survey shows NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (pictured top right) leading all NDC contenders for the 2028 election. The paper lists NDC rivals pictured: Ato Forson, Julius Debrah, Eric Opoku, and former Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
3. Oti Region NPP New Executives Slam Govt Over Abandoned Projects — Page 12
Summary: Newly elected NPP executives in the Oti Region led by Dr. Frank Woyome have criticized government for abandoning projects in the region.
4. Over 50 NPP Chairpersons, Others Pick Forms For Agyarko — Page 10
Summary: Over 50 NPP constituency chairpersons and party members have picked nomination forms for Boakye Agyarko (Boakye Agyarko Agyemang) who is contesting the NPP National Chairmanship.
The New Crusading Guide
1. LEAD: PROBE THE GH¢ 22BN GOLD LOSS — Minority Demands From Parliament… — Pages 3, 9 & 10
Summary: The Minority in Parliament is demanding a full probe into a reported GH¢22 billion loss by GoldBod from gold trading. Alexander Afenyo-Markin is pictured leading the call.
2. 2028 Presidential Race: Bawumia Leads Every NDC Challenger – Survey Reveals
Summary: A new survey shows NPP Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (pictured) leading every NDC contender for the 2028 presidential election.
3. Nana Benyin Wins NPP Germany Chairmanship By Landslide …Pledges To Unite Branch For Bawumia Victory In 2028
Summary: Nana Benyin (pictured) has won the NPP Germany Branch Chairmanship by a landslide and has pledged to unite the branch to ensure victory for Bawumia in 2028.
4. Mahama Turns Gold Into Forex Game Changer – Edudzi Tamakloe
Summary: Edudzi Tamakloe says President Mahama is turning Ghana’s gold into a foreign exchange game changer to support the economy. Sammy Gyamfi / GoldBod context.
5. Dr. Agyemang Pushes For Fund To Fight Africa Floods — Page 10
Summary: Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, MP for Abuakwa South, is pushing for a dedicated fund to fight Africa’s growing flood risk.
6. Over 50 NPP Constituency Chairpersons, Key Stakeholder Groups Pick Nomination Forms For Boakye Agyarko
Summary: Over 50 NPP constituency chairpersons and stakeholder groups have picked nomination forms for Boakye Agyarko for the NPP National Chairmanship race.
Daily Analyst
1. LEAD: GoldBod moves to restore polluted water bodies — Funds rehabilitation of three water treatment plants
Summary: GoldBod under CEO Sammy Gyamfi has announced funding for the rehabilitation of three water treatment plants polluted by illegal mining (galamsey). The move is aimed at restoring water bodies affected by mining activities.
2. Minority fires GoldBod – Over alleged GH¢22bn loss
Summary: The Minority in Parliament led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin has taken on GoldBod over a reported GH¢22 billion loss from gold trading / sales, demanding accountability.
3. Mining Accountability: GJA to lead nationwide assessment of galamsey fight
Summary: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) under President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour will lead a nationwide assessment of Ghana’s fight against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). See Pages 3 & 4
4. GJA holds symposium today to mark 77th anniversary
Summary: The Ghana Journalists Association, founded August 15, 1948, is holding a symposium today to mark its 77th anniversary. The event includes a panel discussion on building on GJA’s legacy.
5. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang speaks to the BBC – Calls for dedicated fund to tackle Africa’s growing flood risk
Summary: Dr. Kingsley Agyemang (MP for Abuakwa South) in an interview with the BBC has called for a dedicated fund to address Africa’s increasing flood risks.
6. Former BoG Governor Ernest Addison appointed senior research fellow at Harvard
Summary: Former Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison has been appointed as a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard University.
Metro Lens
1. LEAD STORY: Bawumia Leads NDC Pack in 2028 – Poll — Page 5
Summary: A new poll claims NPP Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is leading ahead of NDC contenders for the 2028 general elections. The paper carries a photo of Dr. Bawumia as NPP 2028 Flagbearer.
2. GJA Holds Symposium Today To Mark 77th Anniversary — Page 10
Summary: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is holding a symposium today to celebrate its 77th anniversary. The story includes a poster of panelists for the event.
3. Prez. Mahama Turns Ghana’s Gold Wealth Into A New Forex Strategy – Edudzi Tamakloe — Page 5
Summary: Edudzi Tamakloe, CEO of the NPA, says President Mahama is turning Ghana’s gold wealth into a new foreign exchange strategy to stabilize the cedi and economy.
4. Africa Needs Flood Fund – Dr. Kingsley Agyemang Tells BBC — Page 3
Summary: MP for Abuakwa South, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, in an interview with the BBC, has called for a dedicated Flood Fund for Africa to tackle growing climate-related flood risks.
The Daily Statesman
1. LEAD: WE MUST PROBE GH¢22BN GOLDBOD LOSSES — Minority demands action from Parliament — Page 7
Summary: The Minority in Parliament is calling for a full probe into an alleged GH¢22 billion loss by GoldBod from gold sales/trading. They want Parliament to take action to ensure accountability.
2. Bawumia ahead of NDC contenders in 2028 poll – APL survey — Page 2
Summary: A new APL survey shows former Vice President and NPP Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia leading ahead of NDC contenders for the 2028 presidential election.
3. PCG calls for uncompromising fight against galamsey — See Page 4
Summary: The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) is calling on government and stakeholders to wage an uncompromising and sustained fight against illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).
4. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid to deliver DI 2026 Liberty Lecture on religious tolerance in Ghana — See Page 3
Summary: Former Minister Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has been named to deliver the Danquah Institute (DI) 2026 Liberty Lecture, which will focus on religious tolerance in Ghana.
The Inquisitor
1. LEAD: Aftermath Of Ashanti NPP Elections — DR. AYEW REPRESENTS HYPOCRISY – As His Call For Unity Sparks Anger
Summary: Fallout from the Ashanti Region NPP elections. The paper accuses Dr. Ayew Afriyie (pictured) of hypocrisy, saying his call for unity after the elections has sparked anger among party members. Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) also pictured.
2. Mahama Announces Strategy To Keep Galamseyers Out Of Reclaimed Forest Reserves — See Pages 3&4
Summary: President John Dramani Mahama has announced a new government strategy to prevent illegal miners (galamseyers) from returning to reclaimed forest reserves. Focus is on protecting and sustaining reclaimed lands.
3. GoldBod Makes XRF Mandatory For Gold Purchase From September 1, 2026
Summary: GoldBod has announced that X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing will be mandatory for all gold purchases effective September 1, 2026, to ensure quality and transparency in gold trade.
4. Sory Flays Dame Over Legal Vacation Remarks
Summary: Lawyer Thaddeus Sory has criticized former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame over his remarks on the legal vacation.
The NewsCenta
1. LEAD: BoG, GoldBod must explain GH¢22bn loss – Minority — Pages 6 & 7
Summary: The Minority in Parliament led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin (pictured) says the Bank of Ghana and GoldBod must explain a reported GH¢22 billion loss from gold trading.
2. Ghanaian miners lack capital to compete with foreign firms – Stakeholders — Page 2
Summary: Stakeholders in the mining sector say Ghanaian local miners lack the capital to compete with foreign mining firms.
3. Own More, Retain More – Gyamfi outlines new vision for ownership, value addition and transformation of mining communities — Page 10
Summary: GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi (pictured) has outlined a new vision for local ownership, value addition and transformation of mining communities. He says Ghana must move beyond extracting gold to owning more and retaining more of its value.
The New Publisher
1. LEAD: IT STINKS! IMF Report Reveals GH¢22bn GoldBod Loss • Minority Demands Probe
Summary: The front page says an IMF report has revealed a GH¢22 billion loss by GoldBod from gold trading. The Minority in Parliament, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is demanding a probe. Sammy Gyamfi (GoldBod CEO) and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson pictured.
2. Poll puts Bawumia ahead of NDC rivals
Summary: A new poll puts former Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (pictured) ahead of all NDC rivals for the 2028 election.
3. Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River
Summary: A man has drowned while helping travellers cross the Ghana-Togo border river.
The Ghanaian Publisher
1. LEAD: Minority Demands Answers …Over GH¢22bn Gold Programme Loss — Page 3
Summary: The Minority in Parliament led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin (pictured) is demanding answers over a reported GH¢22 billion loss from the Gold Programme / GoldBod gold trading.
2. GJA Holds 77th Anniversary Symposium Today — Page 2
Summary: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is holding its 77th Anniversary Symposium today.
3. APL Poll: Bawumia Leads NDC Hopefuls — Page 2
Summary: A new APL poll shows NPP presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (pictured) leading all NDC hopefuls for the 2028 elections.
4. Gold Must Transform Ghana’s Communities -GoldBod CEO — Page 8
Summary: GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi (pictured) says Ghana’s gold must be used to transform mining communities, stressing local ownership and value addition.
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