Newspaper Headlines, October 19, 2026
This is what the front pages of the papers say:
Daily Graphic
1. MAIN HEADLINE: MIIF set to exceed GH¢9bn target
Records GH¢7.82bn mineral royalty receipts in first 9 months of 2026
Summary: The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) is on track to surpass its 2026 target of GH¢9 billion. According to Acting CEO Justina Nelson, the Fund has already mobilized GH¢7.82bn in mineral royalties between January and September 2026.
2. BRICS partnership will broaden devt cooperation, deepen South-South ties — President Mahama
Summary: President John Mahama says Ghana’s partnership with the BRICS bloc will help expand development cooperation and strengthen collaboration among countries in the Global South.
3. Salem Kalmouni crowned Marketing Man of the Year
Summary: Marketing executive Salem Kalmouni has been named Marketing Man of the Year at the CIMG Awards. Details on Page 13.
4. Africa must move from buying to building AI — Sir Sam Jonah
Summary: Businessman and statesman Sir Sam Jonah is urging Africa to shift from just consuming Artificial Intelligence technology to actually building and developing its own AI solutions. Details on Page 16.
Ghanaian Times
1. MAIN HEADLINE: 65% of Ghanaians cannot afford healthy diet
• Rural communities bear brunt of food insecurity — Expert
Summary: A report/expert reveals that more than half of Ghanaians are unable to afford a nutritious diet. Rural communities are the hardest hit by food insecurity and rising food costs.
2. Pres Mahama explains Ghana’s BRICS move
Summary: President John Mahama has given reasons for Ghana’s decision to engage/partnership with the BRICS bloc, explaining the strategic benefits for the country.
3. GRA rakes in extra GH¢1bn with AI
Summary: The Ghana Revenue Authority has generated an additional GH¢1 billion in revenue using Artificial Intelligence for tax collection. The GRA shared its AI-driven success at the 7th BRITACOF conference.
4. Assemblies of God World Congress ends in Accra
Summary: The global gathering of the Assemblies of God Church has concluded in Accra.
5. 1 dead, police officer injured in shooting at Manso Nseina
Summary: One person has been killed and a police officer injured following a shooting incident at Manso Nseina. Details on Page 3.
Daily Guide
1. MAIN HEADLINE: CDD, CODEO Call For Agbenyo’s Resignation
Summary: Two major governance think-tanks, CDD-Ghana and CODEO, are calling for the resignation of Emelia Afi Agbenyo. The call involves Dr. Fred Deegbe (pictured). Full story on Page 3.
2. Shatta Wale Slams Govt Over FBI Arrests
Summary: Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has criticized the government over arrests linked to the FBI. Related to comments by Nana Boatang Gymah.
3. World Cup Visa Scandal – Tribe Fest Challenges Minister Over $611k Refund
Summary: Event organizer Tribe Fest is challenging a Minister over a $611,000 refund demand connected to the World Cup visa scandal.
4. Narawa Demands Action Over Killings, Armed Takeover Of Mine
Summary: Former MP Dora Amador is calling for urgent action following killings and an armed takeover of a mining site at Narawa.
5. ‘Mahama Has No Appetite To Remove Jean Mensa’
Summary: The Presidency says President John Mahama has no intention of removing Electoral Commission Chairperson Jean Mensa from office.
Graphic Business
1. MAIN HEADLINE: $8.7bn Ghana-China trade gap puts focus on yuan
• Expert call for local value addition
Summary: Ghana recorded a US$8.71 billion trade deficit with China in 2025, importing over 4 times (4.2x) what it exported. China exported US$11.45bn worth of goods to Ghana but imported only US$2.74bn. Experts say Ghana must add value locally instead of exporting raw crude oil and minerals, and are calling for more use of the Yuan.
2. Newmont’s 20 years of commercial production in Ghana: From gold mine to economic ecosystem
Summary: Feature on Newmont Ghana’s 20-year anniversary of commercial gold mining and its contribution to Ghana’s economy. Full story on Pages 8/9.
3. Impact of BRICS membership on local SMEs
Summary: An analysis of how Ghana’s engagement with BRICS will affect small and medium enterprises. Page 12.
The Chronicle
1. MAIN HEADLINE: CUSTOMS SEIZES GH¢11.2M DRUGS AT AKATSI
Summary: The Customs Division of the GRA has seized drugs worth GH¢11.2 million at Akatsi. The story features Mr. Aaron Kavor, Head of Customs Division of GRA, with photos showing the vehicle used in smuggling and the alleged drugs concealed inside. Stories on pages 2, 3 & 8.
2. NPP Demands Probe Into GH¢49.7M SA Evacuation Cost
Summary: The NPP, through its Director of Communications Dennis Miracles Aboagye, is demanding a probe into the GH¢49.7 million cost incurred for the evacuation from South Africa.
The Ghanaian Publisher
1. MAIN HEADLINE: EXIM Bank Battles GH¢261m Loan Crisis
Summary: Ghana EXIM Bank is facing a GH¢261 million loan crisis. The story features the MD of the bank, Sylvester A. Mensah. See page 2 for full details.
2. NPP Gives Ablakwa 7 Days – Produce GH¢49.72m SA Evacuation Documents Or…
Summary: The NPP has given Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa a 7-day ultimatum to produce documents backing the GH¢49.72 million South Africa evacuation expenditure.
3. Your Stability, Our Suffering… Bawumia Fires At Mahama
Summary: NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has taken a swipe at President Mahama, contrasting what he calls Mahama’s stability with the suffering of Ghanaians.
4. Who Succeeds Chief Justice? Seniority, Experience Shape Supreme Court Race
Summary: The race to succeed the Chief Justice is heating up, with seniority and experience being key factors in the Supreme Court.
5. Agripah Opoku Wins Fierce NUGS Battle
Summary: Agripah Opoku has emerged winner of the keenly contested NUGS presidency and becomes the 60th President of the National Union of Ghana Students.
The New Crusading Guide
1. MAIN HEADLINE: “EXCELLENCE WITHOUT MORALITY PRODUCES CLEVER THIEVES” – SAM JONAH
Summary: Business mogul Sam Jonah has warned that excellence without morality only creates clever thieves. Story on pages 3, 9 & 10.
2. Account For GH¢650B Before Introducing New Economy – Oppong Nkrumah Challenges Mahama Gov’t
Summary: Former Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is challenging the Mahama government to account for GH¢650 billion before introducing a new economy.
3. Taifa Police Under Fire!
Summary: The Interior Minister has been petitioned to remove ASP Apindem and Chief Inspector Yentuami at Taifa over alleged malfeasance.
4. CODEO Calls For Resignation Of EC Deputy Chair Emelia Agbenyo Over NDC Links
Summary: CODEO is calling for the resignation of EC Deputy Chair Emelia Agbenyo over alleged links to the NDC.
5. Agripa Opoku Elected 60th NUGS President After Keenly Contested Congress
Summary: Agripa Opoku has been elected as the 60th President of NUGS after a keen contest.
The New Publisher
1. MAIN HEADLINE: Stability Done, Jobs Next – Ato Forson promises decent work, higher incomes
Summary: Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson says government has stabilized the economy and will now focus on job creation, promising decent work and higher incomes for Ghanaians.
2. Tribe Culture Denies $611,000 Claim, Dares Sports Minister
Summary: Tribe Culture Fest CEO Nana Boateng Gyimah has denied a $611,000 claim and dared Sports Minister Kofi Adams. Story on Page 6. This relates to the World Cup visa scandal refund.
3. Ablakwa Must Account for GHS49.7m in 7 Days – NPP Demands Original Invoices
Summary: The NPP is demanding that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa account for the GHS49.7m South Africa evacuation cost within 7 days, insisting on original invoices.
The Metro Lens
1. MAIN HEADLINE: $750K Per Flight! NPP Questions Charter Cost as Industry Rate Stands at $180K-$300K
Summary: The NPP, through its Communication Officer Miracles Aboagye, is questioning the $750,000 charter flight cost for the South Africa evacuation, saying the industry rate is $180K-$300K. The story involves Foreign Affairs Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa. Full story on Page 10.
2. Police Officer Dies on Way Home From SHATTAFEST Duty
Summary: Police officer Prince Kofi Adu has died on his way home after being on duty at SHATTAFEST. Details on Page 3.
3. Alfred Mahama Denies Role in NAWARA Licence Revocation
Summary: Alfred Mahama has denied any involvement in the revocation of the NAWARA mining licence. Page 9.
4. Falling Crucifix Kills Catholic Priest in Ecuador
Summary: A Catholic priest in Ecuador, Father Patricio Alfredo, has been killed after a crucifix fell on him. Page 4
The NewsCenta
1. MAIN HEADLINE: Dzata Cement unveils 3m tonnes expansion plan
Summary: Dzata Cement has unveiled a 3 million tonnes expansion plan. The story features CEO Ibrahim Mahama speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of the company. Full story on Page 9.
2. MoMo Expands To Over 45 Services – MMFL seeks feedback at customer forum to improve service delivery
Summary: MTN Mobile Money (MMFL) has expanded to over 45 services and is seeking customer feedback at a forum to improve service delivery. Story on Page 12.
3. EC Deputies: ‘We voted for reset, not equalisation’ – Hosi
Summary: Political analyst Senyo Hosi comments on the EC Deputies, saying Ghanaians voted for a reset, not equalisation. Story on Page 10.
4. Serene Insurance refurbishes Korle Bu Surgical Ward, donates 55 beds
Summary: Serene Insurance has refurbished the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Surgical Ward and donated 55 beds. Story on Page 7.
5. Man alleges state frustration in quest to recover €29,050
Summary: A man, Kwame Deffo Asmah Tabury, alleges frustration from the state in his attempt to recover €29,050. Story on Page 10.
The Daily Gist
1. MAIN HEADLINE: NDC Defends Obuasi ‘Sexy’ Headmaster For Juaben Chairmanship
Summary: The NDC is defending Zakaria Abdul, the suspended Obuasi SHTS Headmaster who was in the news over the ‘sexy’ saga, for the Juaben Chairmanship position. Read full story on Page 3.
2. First Sky Group Funds Free Kidney Transplants At At Korle Bu
Summary: First Sky Group is funding free kidney transplants at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Photo shows the Executive Chairman and others cutting tape for the refurbished facility. Read full story on Page 3.3. Account For GHc650bn Before Introducing New Economy – Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
Summary: Former Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has challenged government to account for GHc650 billion before introducing a new economy.
4. Bawumia Tears Into Mahama’s Unfulfilled Promises
Summary: Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has criticized President Mahama over unfulfilled promises. Read full story on Page 4.
5. Narawa Company Cries Out Over Chinese Takeover Of Sites, 3 Deaths
Summary: Narawa Company has cried out over an alleged Chinese takeover of its mining sites, which has reportedly led to 3 deaths. Read full story on Page 2.
6. NPP Queries $750,000 Chartered Flight For South Africa Evacuees
Summary: The NPP, through its Director of Communications Dennis Miracles Aboagye, is questioning the $750,000 chartered flight cost for South Africa evacuees. Read full story on Page 2.
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