Newspaper Headlines, September 14, 2026
This is what the papers say:
Daily Graphic
1. LEAD STORY: Govt commits special funding to Free SHS
Sub-headline: Double track to end 2027 — President Mahama
Summary: President John Dramani Mahama says government has created dedicated funding for Free SHS to address delays in release of funds to schools. He says the arrangement has improved food supply and reduced complaints from SHS heads. The government is also working with the World Bank to mobilize a $300 million facility to end the double-track system in SHSs by the end of 2027. Scrapping the double-track will allow all students to attend school at the same time and increase contact hours. He disclosed this at a town hall meeting in Wa, Upper West Region last Saturday.
2. Collective action needed to tackle plastic menace — Page 16
Summary: The story on page 16 calls for a joint effort from government, private sector, and citizens to fight plastic pollution in Ghana.
3. Stakeholders agree to decongest Tema Port — Page 13
Summary: Shipping and port stakeholders have agreed on measures to reduce congestion at Tema Port and improve efficiency.
4. President assures Upper West of improved roads by 2027 — Page 13
Summary: President Mahama has assured residents of the Upper West Region that major roads in the region will see significant improvement by 2027.
Ghanaian Times
1. MAIN STORY: Flood control measures: Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone cleared: Over 20 structures demolished at Laboma – Page 12
Summary: As part of government flood control measures, authorities have cleared the buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon at Laboma. Authorities demolished over 20 illegal structures built on the waterway to allow free water flow and prevent flooding in Accra.
2. GRA proposes new tax policy under MTS
Summary: The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has proposed a new tax policy under its Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) to improve revenue mobilization.
3. 583 adolescents treated for suicide-related cases in 2 yrs: Academic pressure, bullying among key triggers — GHS — Page 13
Summary: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) reveals 583 adolescents have been treated for suicide-related cases in the last two years. Key causes cited are academic pressure and bullying in schools.
4. 110 children receive lifesaving heart care: As Medical Trust Fund transforms cardiac treatment — Page 3
Summary: 110 children have received life-saving heart surgeries/care under the Medical Trust Fund, which is transforming access to cardiac treatment in Ghana.
5. No Cabinet approval for Chinese, Arabic in schools — Pres Mahama — Page 15
Summary: President John Mahama says Cabinet has not approved the introduction of Chinese and Arabic languages as subjects in basic schools, dismissing reports.
Graphic Business
1. MAIN STORY: GH¢225bn in, GH¢234bn out
Sub: Taxes funded 86% of revenue as wages, transfers and debt interest absorbed 80% of spending
Summary: Ghana’s 2025 public finances in detail. Source: Ministry of Finance.
- MONEY COMING IN – GH¢224.88bn total:
Direct taxes GH¢95.24bn, Indirect taxes GH¢74.20bn, International trade taxes GH¢23.30bn, Non-tax revenue GH¢27.87bn, Grants GH¢1.82bn, Others GH¢2.44bn.
Key takeaway: Taxes fund 85% of all income.
- MONEY GOING OUT – GH¢233.78bn total:
Compensation of employees GH¢78.97bn, Grants to other gov’t units GH¢57.72bn, Interest payments GH¢49.89bn, Capital expenditure GH¢20.24bn, Other expenditure GH¢17.87bn, Use of goods and services GH¢6.09bn, Social benefits GH¢2.91bn, Subsidies GH¢0.09bn.
Key takeaway: Debt interest = GH¢22 of every GH¢100 earned. Investment in capex = only 9% of spending.
- SHORTFALL: GH¢8.90bn deficit – Spent GH¢8.98bn more than earned (about 4 pesewas short for every cedi earned).
The story by Suleiman Mustapha says Ghana’s economy is still operating under tight fiscal constraints, with tax revenue carrying most of the burden.
2. Financial sector steps up fight as cyber fraud rises 48% — Page 2
Summary: Banks and financial institutions are intensifying security measures as cyber fraud cases in the financial sector have jumped by 48%.
3. How Ghana’s ageing stadiums keep swallowing money — Back Page
Summary: Investigative piece on how old national stadiums continue to consume huge maintenance funds without generating enough revenue.
Graphic Sports
1. LEAD STORY: £10m Ghana Sunderland deal in limbo
Summary: Ghana’s proposed £10 million (about GH¢153 million) “Visit Ghana” front-of-shirt partnership with Sunderland AFC is in danger of collapse. After six months of negotiations with Visit Ghana and Government of Ghana reps, Sunderland is now proceeding on the assumption that the sponsorship will not happen because they have not received formal approval from Accra. The deal was supposed to give Ghana massive global tourism visibility in the Premier League and included a planned friendly between 2026 Democracy Cup champions Asante Kotoko and Sunderland.
The initiative was spearheaded by Speaker of Parliament Alban S.K. Bagbin — pictured (2nd right) in talks with Sunderland officials in England. Inset shows Justice Baffoe-Bonnie displaying Sunderland jersey with ‘Visit Ghana’.Story by Prince Dornu-Leiku – Continued on back page.
2. Spurs coach to convert Kudus to striker — Page 7
Summary: Tottenham Hotspur coach is planning to convert Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus [pictured in Spurs kit] from a winger/attacking midfielder to a main striker. Full details on page 7.
3. Osagyefo Fight Night: Allotey, Takyi face defining tests — Page 4
Summary: Ghanaian boxers Allotey and Samuel Takyi [pictured with blue mouthguard] are set for crucial bouts on Saturday at the Osagyefo Fight Night. The fights are described as career-defining tests for both.
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