Newspaper Headlines, October 20, 2026

This is what the front pages of the papers say:

Daily Graphic

1. MAIN HEADLINE: Ghana signs $28bn Petroleum Hub deal

Sub-head: Jomoro hosts 300,000bpd refinery, petrochemical plants

Summary: Ghana’s Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) has signed a landmark $28 billion Build-Own-Operate agreement with a Korea-Emirati-Mali consortium led by Global Sphere. The deal is for phase 2 of the Ghana Petroleum and Petrochemicals Hub in Jomoro, Western Region. The project includes a 300,000 barrels per stream day refinery, two petrochemical plants, 4 million cubic metres of storage infrastructure and a multi-berth jetty. Construction is expected to start in Q1 next year. Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor is pictured. Story by Kwame Larweh.

2. Investors must process Ghana’s mineral locally

Sub: President announces phased ban of raw minerals by 2030

Summary: President John Mahama (pictured at podium) has told investors that Ghana will no longer export raw minerals. He announced a phased ban on raw mineral exports by 2030 to force local value-addition, processing and refining. This is to boost industrial transformation and jobs. Full story on Page 13.

3. BoG urges Asian investors to partner Ghanaian businesses

Summary: The Bank of Ghana is calling on Asian investors to form partnerships and joint ventures with Ghanaian businesses rather than operating alone. The move is to promote technology transfer, local content and inclusive growth. Details on Page 13.

4. Mining company seeks govt’s intervention over destruction of assets

Sub: Due to pending court order

Summary: A mining company is appealing to government after its assets were destroyed despite a pending court order protecting them. The company says the action was illegal and wants intervention. Full story on Page 20.

5. Court of Appeal halts Hanan’s trial pending appeal

Summary: The Court of Appeal has put a hold on the trial of Hanan pending the determination of an appeal filed. The trial court cannot proceed until the appeal is decided. Details on Page 06.

Ghanaian Times

1. MAIN HEADLINE: Ghana to end raw ore exports by 2030 — Pres Mahama

Summary: President John Mahama has announced Ghana will stop exporting unprocessed mineral ores by 2030. The policy is to force local processing, value addition and refining to create jobs and boost industrialization. He was speaking at an event (pictured at podium). Full details on Page 12. This ties with Daily Graphic’s headline today.

2. Global climate policies must reflect developing countries’ needs — Veep

Summary: The Vice President says international climate change policies and financing frameworks should consider the realities and economic needs of developing nations like Ghana. She argued against one-size-fits-all emission cuts that hurt growth. Page 13.

3. Korle Lagoon clean-up gathers pace • 20% of waste removed as area gets facelift

Summary: The ongoing decongestion and clean-up exercise at the Korle Lagoon in Accra is progressing. Authorities say about 20% of solid waste and silt has been cleared so far as part of efforts to restore the lagoon, prevent flooding and improve sanitation. Page 12.

4. GHS begins nationwide HPV vaccination campaign in schools

Summary: The Ghana Health Service has launched a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive targeting schoolgirls to prevent cervical cancer. The exercise is being rolled out in basic schools across the country. Page 14.

5. High Court puts trial of former Buffer Stock CEO on hold

Summary: The High Court has suspended the criminal trial of the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). The court put the case on hold pending a related application/ruling. Details on Page 3.Interbank rates (top right) for Oct 16, 2026 also listed.

Daily Guide

1. MAIN HEADLINE: GaDangme Council Condemns La Pleasure Beach Demolition

Summary: The GaDangme Council has condemned the demolition exercise at the La Pleasure Beach in Accra. The Council says the exercise disregards GaDangme heritage and land interests. The man pictured is Ayiku Otoo. Full story on Page 3.

2. Economic Stability Useless If Citizens Still Suffer – Bawumia

Summary: Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says macro-economic stability means nothing if ordinary Ghanaians are still suffering high cost of living. He argues economic indicators must translate to relief for citizens. Page 3.

3. SA Evacuation: More Pressure Mounts On Ablakwa

Summary: Pressure is mounting on Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (pictured) over the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa. Critics are demanding faster action. Page 6.

4. Court Of Appeal Halts Ex-NAFCO Boss’ Trial

Summary: Same as Ghanaian Times – the Court of Appeal has halted the trial of the former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company. Page 8. This matches the High Court headline in Ghanaian Times.

5. Minerals Commission Denies Alfred Mahama’s Role In Narawa Licence Revocation

Summary: The Minerals Commission has denied claims that Alfred Mahama (brother of President Mahama) was involved in the revocation of the mining licence of Narawa. The Commission says the revocation followed due process at a mining site (pictured). Page 6.

The Chronicle

1. MAIN HEADLINE: IMF Projects Ghana’s GDP to Hit $128BN

Sub: …Up From $114.21bn Recorded In 2025; Set To Take Over From Ethiopia As 8th Largest Economy In Africa

Summary: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is projecting Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product to rise to $128 billion in 2026, up from $114.21bn in 2025. If achieved, Ghana will overtake Ethiopia to become the 8th largest economy in Africa. President John Mahama is pictured. Full story on Page 3.

2. NDC Organisation Is A Budget Line – Dee Mayor

Summary: David Selasie Anthony (Dee Mayor) says the organization of the ruling NDC is now treated as a budget line item, implying state resources are being used for party activities. He made the comment at an event (pictured holding mic). Details on Page 4.

Daily Searchlight

1. MAIN HEADLINE: DACF BOSS ‘ON THE RUN’?!

Sub: …Snubs Public Accounts Committee Twice In A Row

Summary: The Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is being described as on the run after failing to appear before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) twice in a row. The bottom photo shows the PAC hearing. Story on page 2.

2. C.I.D To Probe ‘Sex Addict’ Headmaster

Sub: Education Minister Refers Obuasi SHS Sexual Abuse Allegations To Police

Summary: The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) will investigate the headmaster of Obuasi SHS accused of sexual abuse. The Education Minister has referred the allegations to the Police. Page 3.

3. Adu Boahene’s Prosecutors Have Fabricated Evidence — Atta Akyea

Summary: Lawyer Atta Akyea says prosecutors in the Kwabena Adu Boahene case have fabricated evidence against his client. Page 4. Top photo is Adu Boahene.

4. GES Announces November 2026 Teachers’ Promotion Exams, Timetable and Nationwide Centres

Summary: The Ghana Education Service has released the timetable and centres for the November 2026 promotion exams for teachers nationwide. Page 6.

5. Court of Appeal Halts Hanan Aludiba’s Trial Over Disputed Charge Sheet

Summary: The Court of Appeal has halted the trial of Hanan Aludiba, same story trending in Graphic/Times today, here noting it was due to a disputed charge sheet. Page 7. The man in glasses at bottom right is related to this case.

The Business Analyst

1. MAIN HEADLINE: “By 2030, Raw Minerals Should No Longer Leave Our Shores”

Sub: Prez sets bold agenda for Africa’s Mineral Sovereignty

Summary: President John Dramani Mahama (pictured at podium) says Ghana is on an ambitious target to stop export of unprocessed mineral ores by 2030. Speaking at the Mining in Motion summit on the theme “The Accra Reset and Africa’s Mineral Sovereignty”, he said Africa can no longer afford to supply raw minerals to power the world while importing finished products. He challenged delegates to rethink how mineral agreements are negotiated and benefits shared. Cont. on page 3. This is the lead story across all papers today.

2. “Come and build with us” — Lands Minister urges investors to help Africa turn Mineral Wealth into Prosperity

Summary: Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (pictured top) has urged investors to partner with Africa to transform its mineral wealth into lasting prosperity for its people. Page 3.

3. Journalism is a calling, not just a Profession — GJA President tells Journalists

Summary: The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour (pictured top right), says journalism should be seen as a calling and service, not just a job. Page 3.

4. Nsuapemso Concession: Narawa failed to pay after 120-day notice — Minerals Commission

Summary: The Minerals Commission says Narawa mining company failed to pay after a 120-day notice, leading to action on its Nsuapemso Concession. This relates to the Narawa licence revocation story also in Daily Guide. Page 3. Frank Asoro, Commission’s Director of Title pictured.

5. Traders Caution Commercial Drivers Against Forcible Removal of Hawkers over Traffitech-GH

Summary: Market traders have warned commercial drivers against forcefully removing street hawkers as part of the Traffitech-GH enforcement. Traders pictured bottom right.

Day Break

1. MAIN HEADLINE: Narawa To Police: Arrest Mine Raid Killers

Sub: DCOP Mr. Charles Kofi Adu, Eastern South Regional Police Commander pictured

Summary: Management of Narawa mining company is calling on the Ghana Police Service to arrest those responsible for a deadly raid on its mine. The company wants justice for killings during the raid on its concession. This continues the Narawa concession saga that is also in Business Analyst, Daily Guide and Ghanaian Times today. Story on page 5.

2. GNFS Boss Daniella Sapong Lobbying For Tenure Extension

Summary: The Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, Daniella Mawusi Siaw Sapong (pictured), is allegedly lobbying for an extension of her tenure in office. Details on front.

3. ECOWAS, AES Reconnect In Fraternity Talks

Summary: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) have reopened dialogue in fraternity talks aimed at reconnecting after the AES breakaway. Military chiefs from the blocs pictured top right.

4. Okaikwei North MCE Assures Residents Of Completion Of Legacy Projects

Summary: The Municipal Chief Executive of Okaikwei North, Christian Tetteh Badger (pictured bottom right), has assured residents that all legacy projects started in the municipality will be completed.

The Dispatch

1. MAIN HEADLINE: Govt. Should Reform The NLA Act To Set Up National Lottery Fund To Retain 80% Of Any Proceeds From Operation Of Lottery In Ghana

Summary: The paper’s lead editorial argues the government should amend the National Lottery Authority Act to create a National Lottery Fund that retains 80% of all lottery proceeds in Ghana. The author says this will boost domestic revenue retention. Dr. Ato Forson, Finance Minister, pictured. Story on Pages 2, 11 & 12.

2. Cooking With Paracetamol; A Recipe For Liver Damage & Death

Summary: Health experts are warning against the dangerous practice of using paracetamol tablets to tenderize or cook meat and other foods. The paper says the practice can cause severe liver damage and even death. See Pages 6 & 7.

3. 135 Excavators & Nearly 200 Firearms Seized In Galamsey Fight – Prez Mahama

Summary: President John Mahama says security agencies have seized 135 excavators and close to 200 firearms in the ongoing fight against illegal mining (galamsey). He disclosed this at an event. See Page 2.

4. Traffitech-GH Pilot Reduces Road Crash Injuries & Fatalities – Police

Summary: The Ghana Police Service says its Traffitech-GH pilot system has led to a reduction in road crash injuries and deaths. M/C Christian Tetteh Yohuno, IGP, pictured. The same Traffitech story that appears in Business Analyst and Daily Guide today. See Page 11.

The Archives

1. MAIN HEADLINE: Running-Mate Slot Is Not Apprenticeship

Sub: …NPP Grassroots Question Dr. Ayew Afriye’s Suitability

Summary: NPP grassroots are questioning the suitability of Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye as running-mate. The headline argues the running-mate position is not for apprenticeship. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo) are also pictured top middle – this is about NPP internal politics ahead of flagbearer considerations. Stories on Pages 7 & 8.

2. Man Arrested Over Murder Of 2-Year-Old In Hohoe

Summary: Police have arrested a man over the murder of a 2-year-old child in Hohoe, Volta Region. This is the same case reported in Daily Guide today as a 26-year-old arrested. Top right picture.

3. Ghana Targets 2030 To End Raw Mineral Ore Exports

Summary: Same story as Ghanaian Times / Daily Graphic / Business Analyst today – President Mahama says Ghana will end export of raw mineral ores by 2030 to ensure local processing and value addition. Page referenced in box.

4. FC Taskforce ‘Joyfully’ Burns Vehicles Over Galamsey

Summary: The Forestry Commission Taskforce has been captured burning vehicles and motorbikes seized during an anti-galamsey operation. The paper puts “Joyfully” in quotes, suggesting criticism of the method. Bottom photos show burning vehicles.

5. KGL Foundation Takes Health Screening, Blood Donation To Techiman

Summary: The KGL Foundation has organized a health screening and blood donation exercise for residents of Techiman in the Bono East Region. Bottom right photo shows participants.

About The Author