Newspaper Headlines, August 18, 2026
This is what the front pages of the papers say:
Ghanaian Times
1. FDA flags chemical-ripened plantains
Summary: The Food and Drugs Authority is investigating a viral video from Madina Market showing plantains allegedly being ripened with chemicals. CEO Dr. Frimpong Boateng-Opanti said the FDA is probing the matter to protect public health and ensure food safety standards. See Page 12
2. Capital market players kick against 400% SEC levy hike
Summary: Stakeholders in the capital market have rejected a proposed 400% increase in Securities and Exchange Commission levies, arguing it will raise costs for investors and hurt market growth. See Page 13
3. Incite violence, face the law — Interior Minister warns
Summary: Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has warned individuals and groups against inciting violence, stating that anyone found culpable will face the full rigors of the law. See Page 12
4. 14 arrested over suspected narcotic cultivation at Daliga
Summary: Security agencies have arrested 14 people in Daliga in connection with suspected narcotic cultivation. Investigations are ongoing. See Page 3
Daily Guide
1. Court Halts Adu-Boahene, Ex-NAFCO Boss Trials Over SC Suit
Summary: A court has suspended the trials of Adu-Boahene and the former NAFCO boss following a Supreme Court suit. The development is expected to delay proceedings as the apex court addresses the legal challenge. See Page 3
Pictured: Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie
2. Anxiety Grips Young Cocoa Farmers – 2026/2027 Purchasing Season
Summary: Young cocoa farmers are expressing worry ahead of the 2026/2027 purchasing season over pricing, inputs, and payment delays. Stakeholders are calling for urgent measures to support them. See Page 3
Pictured: Randy Abbey
3. Bawumia Charges NPP Executives To Unite For Victory 2028
Summary: NPP Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged newly elected party executives to put aside differences and work together to secure victory in the 2028 elections. See Page 6
Pictured: Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
4. Spiritualist Nabbed For Attempted Murder Of Girl, 11
Summary: A spiritualist has been arrested for allegedly attempting to murder an 11-year-old girl. Police say the incident occurred at a shrine and investigations are ongoing. See Page 3
5. 2 Killed, Seven Injured In Assin Fosu Crash
Summary: Two people have died and seven others sustained injuries in a fatal accident at Assin Fosu. Photos show one of the wrecked vehicles involved in the crash. See Page 6
The Chronicle
1. Boakye Antwi Vows: I’LL RESTORE GH¢5K PER CONSTITUENCY STIPEND!
Summary: NPP National Chairman hopeful, Eugene Boakye Antwi, addressing delegates in Kumasi has vowed to restore a GH¢5,000 monthly stipend for every constituency if elected. He says the funding will strengthen grassroots operations ahead of 2028. See Pages 2&3
2. Galamseyers Are Operating With Impunity Under Mahama – Annoh-Dompreh
Summary: Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has accused illegal miners of operating with impunity under the current Mahama administration. He called for tougher enforcement to tackle galamsey.
3. NDC Youth Wing Calls For Stronger Action Against Illegal Mining
Summary: The NDC Youth Wing is also demanding stronger and more decisive action from government to clamp down on illegal mining activities across the country.
Day Break
1. COKA Talks Tough! …Pledges Inclusive NPP Administration In Ashanti
Summary: Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah “COKA”, has pledged to run an inclusive NPP administration in the Ashanti Region. He addressed party supporters and emphasized unity as key to winning 2028.
2. K’si Tanker Drivers Suspend Strike After BOST Agreement
Summary: Tanker drivers in Kumasi have suspended their strike action following an agreement reached with BOST. The suspension brings relief to fuel distribution in the Ashanti Region.
3. Jubilee House Shields MASLOC Boss
Summary: The Jubilee House has come to the defense of the MASLOC boss amid the ongoing NDC Women’s Organizer contest. An official letter from the Office of the President dated 27th July, 2026 confirming an appointment was also displayed on the front page.
4. Academic City, Partners Demand Stronger Digital Accountability …As Ghana Loses GH¢19.3m To Cybercrime
Summary: Academic City University and its partners at a cybersecurity roundtable have called for stronger digital accountability. Stakeholders revealed that Ghana lost GH¢19.3 million to cybercrime, urging better systems to fight fraud.
The Daily Searchlight
1. GOLDBOD, THE SCANDAL IN WAITING! …Afenyo Markin Questions GoldBod Losses and Challenges Commercial Strategy
Summary: Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin has raised concerns over losses at GoldBod and questioned its commercial strategy. He says the current operations could lead to a major scandal if not addressed. See Page 2
2. Drama @ Adbul Wahab, Adu Boahen Trials! …Godfred Dame Refuses Invitations To Work During Vacation as Boahen Trial is halted by Application to Supreme Court!
Summary: There was drama in court as the trial of Adu Boahen was halted following an application to the Supreme Court. Former Attorney General Godfred Dame also reportedly refused invitations to work during vacation. See Pages 3&4
3. Tanker Drivers Kick Off Three Day Strike Over Fuel Measurement Dispute at Kumasi BOST Depot
Summary: Tanker drivers in Kumasi have begun a 3-day strike over a dispute on fuel measurement at the BOST depot. The action is expected to affect fuel distribution. See Page 5
4. Young Cocoa Farmers Demand Urgent Answers From Mahama Before New Cocoa Season
Summary: Young cocoa farmers are calling on President Mahama to address their concerns on pricing, inputs and payments before the start of the 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season. See Page 6
5. Okoe Boye Says Greater Accra Chairmanship Is Preparation for a Bigger Political Assignment
Summary: Former Health Minister and NPP stalwart, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, says his bid for Greater Accra Regional Chairman is part of preparation for a bigger political assignment ahead. See Page 7
Daily Post
1. President Mahama Announces $10bn New Economy Investment Programme
Summary: President John Mahama has announced a $10 billion “New Economy Investment Programme” aimed at powering Ghana’s economic renaissance. The President says the programme will attract major investments to transform key sectors. See Pages 3 & 6
Caption: President John Mahama : powering Ghana’s economic renaissance
2. Cedi long overdue for security refresh – Mahama
Summary: President Mahama has stated that the Ghana Cedi is long overdue for a security refresh. He noted the need to upgrade currency features to combat counterfeiting and improve public confidence.
3. Ashanti cocoa farmers welcome new COCOBOD Bill, back key reforms
Summary: Cocoa farmers in the Ashanti Region have welcomed the new COCOBOD Bill and expressed support for key reforms in the cocoa sector. They believe the changes will benefit producers ahead of the new season.
The Dispatch
1. IGP YOHUNU URGES RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO USE SERMONS TO PROMOTE PEACE, NOT CONFLICT
Summary: Inspector General of Police, IGP Yohunu, has called on religious leaders to use their pulpits and sermons to promote peace and national unity instead of messages that incite conflict. See Page 12
2. THE POSITIVE IBRAHIM MAHAMA EFFECT ON MINING IN GHANA
Summary: The paper highlights the impact of businessman Ibrahim Mahama on Ghana’s mining sector, noting his contributions and influence on jobs, investments and local mining operations. See Pages
3. JULIUS DEBRAH’S BEHIND THE SCENES LEADERSHIP POWERING THE EXECUTIVE MACHINERY
Summary: Chief of Staff Julius Debrah is credited for his behind-the-scenes leadership which is said to be powering the smooth running of the executive machinery of government. See Page 12
4. GHANA’S BEST NUMBERS IN YEARS HIDE IT’S COSTLIEST HABIT
Summary: Economist Dr. Sam Ankrah says while Ghana is recording its best economic numbers in years, the country’s costliest habit is still undermining growth and fiscal gains. He calls for urgent reforms. See Pages 3 & 11
Business & Financial Times
1. Bull run is GSE’s demutualisation window — market says
Summary: Market analysts say the current bull run on the Ghana Stock Exchange presents the best opportunity for the GSE to complete its demutualisation process and attract more listings. See Page 3
2. Tax Justice Coalition demands tax exemptions regime reform
Summary: The Tax Justice Coalition is calling on government to reform Ghana’s tax exemptions regime. They say the current system creates an 81% corporate tax gap and urged government to bridge it for more revenue. See Page 2
3. Juaben Community Bank delivers impressive growth
Summary: Under Community Banking, Juaben Community Bank has reported impressive growth. The bank says it has strengthened its capital base and increased its impact in the communities it serves. See Page 7
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