Newspaper Headlines, October 2, 2026

This is what the front pages say:

Daily Graphic

1. Who chairs NPP into 2028?

Summary: Over 7,000 delegates will meet at Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi tomorrow to elect new NPP national executives from 47 aspirants for nine positions, setting the party’s direction for the 2028 general election

2. Witchweed eats into crop harvests in northern Ghana

Summary: Witchweed is damaging crop yields and threatening harvests for farmers in northern Ghana

3. World Congress to drive spiritual revival, boost nation’s economy — Rev. Wengam

Summary: Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam says the upcoming World Congress will promote spiritual revival while also boosting Ghana’s economy

4. MT Asharami Ghana vessel arrives to enhance LPG supply capacity

Summary: The arrival of the MT Asharami Ghana vessel is expected to improve Ghana’s LPG supply and storage capacity

5. Dr Sylvia Adusu sworn in as first African woman on ITLOS

Summary: Dr Sylvia Adusu has been sworn in as the first African woman to serve on the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Ghanaian Times

1. Fire ravages Duraplast, Ashfoam

Summary: A massive fire at the North Industrial Area has ravaged Duraplast and Ashfoam factories with millions of cedis lost

2. Boankra Inland Port can’t be abandoned – Regional Minister

Summary: The Ashanti Regional Minister insists the Boankra Inland Port project cannot be abandoned and must be completed

3. NPP leadership battle takes centre stage tomorrow

Summary: The NPP’s national leadership contest takes centre stage tomorrow as delegates elect new executives

4. Online fraud tops cyber incidents in Ghana

Summary: Online fraud has been identified as the leading type of cyber incident recorded in Ghana

5. GMTF supports 9 hospitals with critical medical equipment

Summary: The Ghana Medical Trust Fund has supported nine hospitals with critical medical equipment

Daily Guide

1. Suspend Ghana-Colombia Shipping Deal – Minority

Summary: The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate suspension of Ghana’s maritime and port cooperation agreement with Colombia over concerns about links to major cocaine seizures, and wants the visa-waiver arrangement also suspended pending a national security review

2. NPP Chairmanship: Agyarko To Pull Surprise

Summary: Boakye Agyarko is tipped to cause an upset in the race for the NPP National Chairmanship ahead of the party’s delegates conference

3. Govt To Mobilise Funds For Boankra Inland Port

Summary: Government plans to mobilise funds to complete the Boankra Inland Port project, following an inspection tour by Ashanti REGSEC members

4. Fire Destroys Factories At North Industrial Area

Summary: A major fire has destroyed factories at the North Industrial Area, causing extensive damage to the area

5. AG Congress To Drive Church Expansion – Wengam

Summary: Rev. Yenusom Wengam says the upcoming Assemblies of God Congress will focus on driving church expansion

The Metro Lens

1. Military Accused! … of Illegally Aiding Chinese Takeover of NARAWA Mining Concession

The military, led by Chief of Defence Staff Lt Gen William Agyapong (pictured), has been accused of illegally aiding a Chinese takeover of the NARAWA mining concession. See page 11.

2. Mahama Calls For Lifelong Support For Mercy Ships Patients

President John Dramani Mahama has called for lifelong support for Mercy Ships patients, emphasizing the need for sustained post-treatment care. See page 3.

3. Carlos Queiroz Sacked After Humiliating Defeat

Football Black Stars Coach Carlos Queiroz has been sacked following a humiliating defeat. See page 8.

4. Go After Drug Kingpins …Not Political Opponents’ – Afenyo-Markin Tells EOCO as Manhyia South MP is caged

Alexander Afenyo-Markin has told EOCO to go after drug kingpins and not political opponents, following the detention of the Manhyia South MP. See page 5.

The Ghanaian Publisher

1. NPP Chairmanship: Agyarko Tipped To Win

Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko is projected as the frontrunner in the NPP National Chairmanship race. Over 7,000 delegates are expected to vote at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday to elect new national executives ahead of the 2028 elections.

2. Boankra Inland Port Cannot Be Abandoned – A/R Minister

Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene says government will mobilise funds to complete the stalled Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal. The contractor, JUSTMOH Construction, needs about $165 million to complete the operational phase, which is currently about 65% complete.

3. Boamah Credits Dame For Tullow Arbitration Victory

Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has credited former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame for laying the groundwork for Ghana’s victory in the Tullow Oil arbitration case, acknowledging his predecessor’s role in securing the legal win for the country.

4. GoldBod Targets $1.5b FX In October

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is targeting to generate $1.5 billion in foreign exchange in October through its gold purchase and export programme, as part of efforts to shore up reserves and stabilise the cedi.

The Custodian

1. I’ll Chair NPP To Victory 2028 – Boakye Agyarko Assures NPP Delegates

NPP National Chairman candidate Boakye Agyarko has assured delegates he will lead the party to victory in the 2028 general elections if elected. The story is tied to his campaign ad “Vote 4 Boakye Agyarko” ahead of Saturday’s delegates conference in Kumasi. See page 3.

2. GH¢111bn DDEP Maturity Wall In 2027/2028 – Insights From Charles Adu Boahen

Former Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, warns of a GH¢111 billion Domestic Debt Exchange Programme maturity wall due in 2027/2028, raising concerns about Ghana’s debt servicing obligations. See page 4.

3. Netherlands Seizes $500m Ghana Cocaine – Intercept Nearly 4,500kg Hidden In Timber Shipment

Dutch authorities have intercepted nearly 4,500kg of cocaine valued at about $500 million hidden in a timber shipment linked to Ghana, in one of the largest drug seizures connected to the country. See page 2.

4. Minority Wants Ghana-Colombia Shipping Deal Suspended – Over Drug Trafficking Shame

The Minority in Parliament, through Ranking Member Samuel A. Jinapor, is demanding the suspension of Ghana’s shipping deal with Colombia over drug trafficking concerns following repeated cocaine seizures. See page 2.

The Insight

1. Mahama Links Sovereignty To African Economic Capacity

President John Dramani Mahama, speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on September 25, linked Africa’s sovereignty to its economic capacity. The story highlights Ghana’s rejection of a proposed United States health compact as a stand for self-reliance.

2. SMG Calls For State Support For Hohoe Flood Disaster Victims

The Socialist Movement of Ghana (SMG) – Ho Collective has called on government to urgently deploy NADMO and other state agencies to Hohoe to provide relief to victims of recent flooding. The group wants temporary shelter, bedding, food, potable water and medical assistance for displaced families, especially women, children and the aged.

3. GMTF Extends Lifesaving Equipment Support To Nine More Hospitals

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund has extended lifesaving equipment support to nine additional hospitals across the country. See page 5.

4. “Democracy In Progress” Group To Demonstrate In Accra Today

The group “Democracy In Progress” is set to demonstrate in Accra today. See page 5.

5. Two Phones, One Troubling Question: Are We Creating Another Door To Corruption?

An investigative feature questioning a two-phones policy, raising concerns about potential corruption loopholes. See pages 6 & 7.

The Daily Searchlight

1. BLASPHEMY!! EOCO BREACHES LAWYER-CLIENT PRIVILEGE!

Former NPP MP Atta Akyea laments EOCO’s search of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s ex-law firm, Baffour Awuah’s firm. He says the action breaches lawyer-client privilege, described as one of the major pillars of the rule of law. See pages 2.

2. Blaze @ Industrial Area! – Firefighters Contain Avenor Industrial Area Blaze After Major Accra Inferno

Firefighters have contained the massive fire that swept through the North Industrial Area at Avenor, Accra, gutting the Duraplast factory. Thick smoke engulfed the area after the blaze started early Thursday. See page 9.

3. Minority Demands Suspension of Ghana Colombia Port and Visa Arrangements Over Cocaine Concerns

The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate suspension of Ghana’s maritime/port cooperation and visa-waiver arrangements with Colombia, citing national security concerns over repeated large-scale cocaine seizures linked to Ghana.

4. Police Announce Major Road Closures Around Baba Yara Stadium Ahead of NPP Conference

Police have announced major road closures and traffic diversions around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi ahead of Saturday’s NPP National Delegates Conference, where over 7,000 delegates will elect new national executives. See page 8.

5. Assemblies of God, Ghana host first-ever World Assemblies of God Congress in Africa

Assemblies of God, Ghana will host the first-ever World Assemblies of God Congress on African soil, with delegates from over 100 countries expected to attend. See page 13.

The Ghanaian Point

1. Police Announce Road Closures, Diversions For NPP Conference In Kumasi

Police have announced road closures and traffic diversions in Kumasi ahead of the NPP National Delegates Conference at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday. See page 3.

2. Mahama Calls For Post-Treatment Care For Mercy Ships Patients

President John Dramani Mahama has called for proper post-treatment care for patients treated by Mercy Ships, stressing the need for follow-up healthcare after the medical charity’s interventions. See page 2.

3. GMTF Equips Nine More Hospitals With Critical Medical Equipment

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has equipped nine more hospitals across the country with critical medical equipment to improve healthcare delivery. See page 4.

4. EOCO Escorts Manhyia South MP To Law Firm, Residence For Inspections

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) escorted the Manhyia South MP to his law firm and residence for inspections, in connection with ongoing investigations. See page 5.

5. Minority Demands Suspension Of Ghana-Colombia Maritime Deal Over Cocaine Concerns

The Minority in Parliament is demanding the suspension of Ghana’s maritime deal with Colombia over cocaine trafficking concerns, following major drug seizures linked to shipments from Ghana. See page 6.

The Inquisitor

1. NPP Executive Election Tomorrow: JFK, JB Tipped To Win As General Secretary, Chairman

Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK) and John Boadu (JB) are tipped to win as General Secretary and Chairman respectively in the NPP National Executive elections scheduled for tomorrow in Kumasi. See pages 2 & 4.

2. GoldBod Targets $1.5B Forex For October 2026

GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi says the Ghana Gold Board is targeting $1.5 billion in foreign exchange for October 2026 through its gold purchasing programme.

3. NPA Boss Assures Tanker Drivers Of Improved Working Condition

The NPA boss has assured petroleum tanker drivers of improved working conditions following engagements with stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector.

4. TCDA Explains ‘No Permit, No Export’ Policy At Wa

The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), led by Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has explained its ‘No Permit, No Export’ policy during an engagement at Wa, aimed at regulating tree crop exports.Plus: Petroleum Price Indicators (as of 30th September, 2026) published by the NPA.

The Chronicle

1. Mahama Furious Over Cocaine Cases

President John Dramani Mahama (pictured top right) is reportedly furious over the recent cocaine seizure cases linked to Ghana. See page 2.

2. NPP Chair Race: AGYARKO’s VICTORY PREDICTED TOMORROW …By Two Opinion Polls

NPP National Chairman aspirant Mr Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko (pictured) is predicted to win tomorrow’s NPP chairmanship election, according to two opinion polls. See page 3.

The Informer

1. GIMPA Bleeds! …Institution Swallowed by Financial, Administrative Irregularities; Rector Fingered

GIMPA is reported to be engulfed in financial and administrative irregularities, with the Rector, Prof. Samuel Bonsu Bonsu (pictured), fingered. Former President John Dramani Mahama and Prof. Yaw Agyemang Badu, Chairman of the Governing Council (pictured), are also featured. See page 3.

2. Afenyo-Markin Blasts Bagbin …For Blocking Narcotics Probe; Accuses Him of Weakening Parliament’s Oversight Powers

Alexander Afenyo-Markin blasts Speaker Alban Bagbin for blocking a narcotics probe, accusing him of weakening Parliament’s oversight powers. See page 4.

3. Court Empowers OSP to Smoke Out Ofori-Atta … SML case adjourned to October 29 as US service process continues

The court has empowered the Office of the Special Prosecutor to pursue former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, with the SML case adjourned to October 29 as US service of process continues. See page 4.

4. Govt, NPP Brawl Over Cocaine

The government and NPP are in a brawl over the cocaine seizures, featuring Dennis Miracles Aboagye and Felix Kwakye Ofosu (pictured). See page 3.

5. Jubilee House, Customs Petitioned …Over Transit Status of 4 Containers

Jubilee House and Customs have been petitioned over the transit status of 4 containers, featuring Mr. Asare Kason, Ag. Commissioner, Customs Division (pictured). See page 8.6. NPP Elects National Executives Tomorrow …Promises Peaceful Conference

The NPP will elect its National Executives tomorrow, with promises of a peaceful conference. See page 5.

The Daily Statesman

1. SUSPEND GHANA-COLOMBIA SHIPPING AGREEMENT – Minority charges at government

The Minority in Parliament, through Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Samuel Abu Jinapor (pictured), is demanding the suspension of the Ghana-Colombia shipping agreement over cocaine trafficking concerns. See page 2.

2. MAKING BAWUMIA PRESIDENT MY MISSION – Boakye Agyarko assures NPP

NPP National Chairman hopeful Boakye Agyarko (pictured) says making Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia President is his mission, as he campaigns ahead of Saturday’s NPP delegates conference. See page 3.

3. Record Dutch cocaine seizure from Ghana sparks row

A record cocaine seizure by Dutch authorities of drugs linked to Ghana has sparked political controversy, with the Minority blaming government over the shipping deal with Colombia. See page 2.

New Weekend Crusading Guide

1. BIG VICTORY FOR BOAKYE AGYARKO – D. Day For 2028 NPP National Chairman Contest

Boakye Agyarko is projected for a big victory in the NPP National Chairman contest. He implores delegates to “Elect Me Chairman Tomorrow, I’ll Lead Bawumia To Win 2028 Election”. See pages 3, 9 & 10.

2. GROUP PROTESTS IN ACCRA TODAY …Over Mismanagement Of Public Funds

A group is protesting in Accra today over alleged mismanagement of public funds. See page 10.

3. Retraction And Apology To Courage Kweku Makafui Nunekpeku, TDC

The paper publishes a retraction and apology to Courage Kweku Makafui Nunekpeku of TDC.

4. Dutch Authorities Seize Another Record 4.5-Tonne Cocaine From Ghana

Dutch authorities have seized another record 4.5-tonne cocaine shipment linked to Ghana.

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