Newspaper Headlines, September 15, 2026

This is what the front pages of the papers say:

Daily Graphic

1. MAIN HEADLINE: Expressway project set to start

Sub-headline: Armed Forces to be major sub-contractors

Summary: The ambitious Accra-Kumasi Expressway project is moving to execution. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) yesterday handed over the 175.6-kilometre cleared right-of-way to the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the start of actual construction. President John Mahama was pictured interacting with members of the Engineer Regiment of GAF who worked on the clearance. Full story on page 3.

2. Legal Practitioners’ Standards Board Bill in the offing — Deputy Attorney-General

Summary: Government is preparing a new Legal Practitioners’ Standards Board Bill to regulate standards in the legal profession. Deputy AG disclosed this. Details on Page 13.

3. NACOC seeks drug seizure details from France

Summary: The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has requested detailed information from French authorities concerning a recent drug seizure linked to Ghana. Details on Page 13.

4. Forty Under 40 Ghana Awards 10th anniversary: MAB International Hospital’s Akuamah-Boateng tops them all

Summary: At the 10th anniversary of the Forty Under 40 Ghana Awards, the CEO/Founder of MAB International Hospital, Akuamah-Boateng, emerged as the top winner. Story on Page 20.

5. 97 Students to be trained agriculture specialists in Russia

Summary: 97 Ghanaian students are set to be trained as specialist agriculturists in Russia under a scholarship/training programme. Details on Pages 16 & 17.

Ghanaian Times

1. MAIN HEADLINE: GAF hands over Expressway right-of-way – No borrowing for $2bn project – Pres Mahama assures – Page 12

Summary: The lead story. This is the official version of the story you sent me earlier to rewrite. The Ghana Armed Forces has handed over the cleared Right-of-Way for the 198.7km, 6-lane Accra-Kumasi Expressway. President Mahama assures no borrowing will be done for the $2bn project. Photo shows military engineers and officials at the site. This confirms the project was completed in 19 weeks, one week ahead of schedule.

2. Deputy Chief of Staff orders restoration of Kpeshie Lagoon – Page 10

Summary: Follows up on yesterday’s demolition of over 20 structures at Laboma. Deputy Chief of Staff orders restoration of Kpeshie Lagoon. Small photo inset.

3. Africa must strengthen public financial systems – Minister of Foreign Affairs

Summary: Middle teaser. Minister of Foreign Affairs calls for Africa to strengthen public financial systems.

4. Selective silence will hurt GBA – Chief Justice – Page 13

Summary: Chief Justice says selective silence will hurt the Ghana Bar Association. Page 13.

5. 3 arrested in ‘Bolle Jos’ drug case

Summary: Bottom red strip. 3 arrested in the ‘Bolle Jos’ cocaine network case – ties to the €225m shipment and NACOC arrests reported by other papers.

Daily Guide

1. MAIN HEADLINE: €225m Cocaine Shipment – NACOC Arrests 3 Linked To Dutch Fugitive

Summary: The lead story. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested 3 persons in connection with a massive €225 million cocaine shipment. The suspects are linked to a Dutch fugitive. The paper shows a photo of the intercepted cocaine blocks. The case relates to the recent drug bust where NACOC is seeking details from France. Full story on Page 3.

2. La Pleasure Beach Mgt. Fights ‘Forceful’ Takeover

Summary: Management of La Pleasure Beach is resisting what it describes as a forceful takeover of the facility. Spokesperson Abdul Rahman Ashitey is pictured addressing the press. See Page 6.

3. Oyarifa Agbawe Family Seeks Govt Help To Reclaim Land

Summary: The Agbawe Family of Oyarifa is appealing to government to help them reclaim their lands allegedly encroached upon. Christopher Sowah Okpoti is pictured speaking. See Page 6.

4. Minority Slams Public Assets Demolition For Markets

Summary: The Minority in Parliament has criticized government over the demolition of public assets to make way for markets. Francis Asenso-Boakye (L) is pictured with other MPs addressing the press. See Page 6.

5. GBA Fires CJ Over ‘Political’ Comment

Summary: The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has taken on the Chief Justice over a comment it describes as political. GBA President Efua Ghartey is pictured. See Page 3.

The Dispatch

1. MAIN HEADLINE: MAHAMA’S HISTORIC COMEBACK IN HIS 14-YEAR POLITICAL JOURNEY

Summary: The lead story is a special feature on President John Mahama, celebrating his political journey and comeback. The paper shows President Mahama in white smock holding up a staff. Full story on Pages 2, 11 & 12.

2. WE HAVE NOT APPROVED ANY POLICY TO INTRODUCE ARABIC & CHINESE IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS – MAHAMA

Summary: President Mahama has debunked claims that government has approved a policy to introduce Arabic and Chinese languages in all public schools. The Presidency says no such policy has been approved. Full story on Page 2.3. IGP TETTEH YOHUNO – FIGHTING CRIME & ENSURING CITIZENS ARE SAFE & SECURED

Summary: A feature on the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, highlighting his efforts in fighting crime and ensuring safety and security for citizens. Full story on Page 11.

The Catalyst

1. MAIN HEADLINE: MILITARY SECURES BIG ROLE IN ACCRA-KUMASI EXPRESSWAY CONSTRUCTION – ENGINEERS REGIMENT TO BECOME MAJOR SUBCONTRACTOR

Summary: The lead story. President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Roads and Highways to include the Ghana Armed Forces Engineers Regiment as a major subcontractor in the construction of the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway. This follows the successful completion of the clearing of the 175.6km right-of-way in 19 weeks, one week ahead of the 20-week deadline set by government. Photo shows President Mahama shaking hands with military engineers. Full story on Page 2.

2. $2BN IN BANK FOR ACCRA-KUMASI EXPRESSWAY – MAHAMA: MONEY WILL NOT BE A PROBLEM WHEN PROJECT STARTS

Summary: Sub-headline to the main story. President Mahama says $2 billion has been secured to finance the 6-lane, 198.7km expressway project. Story on Page 3.

3. SOPHIA AKUFFO FIGHTS HER OWN SUPREME COURT RULING – FORMER CJ NOW CHALLENGES COUNCIL OF STATE’S PRIMA FACIE ROLE DESPITE PRESIDING OVER AGYEBI TWUM JUDGMENT THAT ESTABLISHED IT

Summary: Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo is now challenging the Council of State’s prima facie role in removal processes, despite presiding over the Agyebi Twum judgment that established that role. Full story on Page 11.

4. 110 CHILDREN GIVEN A FIGHTING CHANCE – CARDIO CENTRE BOSS HAILS GHANA MEDICAL TRUST FUND AT ONE

Summary: 110 children have benefited from heart surgeries under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. The boss of the Cardio Centre is commending the fund as it marks one year. Story inside.

5. NACOC ARRESTS 3 OVER ‘BOLLE JOS’ NETWORK – SUSPECTS ALLEGEDLY FACILITATED ACTIVITIES THAT ENDED WITH COCAINE IN GHANA

Summary: The Narcotics Control Commission has arrested 3 persons over the ‘Bolle Jos’ drug network. The suspects allegedly facilitated activities that led to cocaine ending up in Ghana. This ties to the €225m shipment story. See Page 3.

The Daily Searchlight

1. MAIN HEADLINE: MAHAMA PANICS @ NEW ‘COCAINE COAST’ SCANDAL! …Summons Security And Port Chiefs As Ghana Faces Growing Pressure Over Drug Trafficking

Summary: The lead story. President John Mahama has summoned security and port chiefs to an emergency meeting at the Presidency over a fresh cocaine trafficking scandal that has put Ghana under international pressure as a ‘Cocaine Coast’. The meeting follows NACOC’s arrest of 3 persons linked to the €225m ‘Bolle Jos’ network and reports that Ghana is seeking seizure details from France. Photo shows President Mahama at the Presidency podium. Story on pages 2.

2. GBA DESCENDS ON CHIEF JUSTICE! …Questions CJ’s Remarks on State Enterprises and Demands Constitutional Restraint

Summary: The Ghana Bar Association has descended heavily on the Chief Justice over comments made on State Enterprises, questioning the remarks and demanding constitutional restraint. GBA President Efua Ghartey pictured. Page 2.

3. Deputy Attorney General Accuses GBA of Selective Criticism and Questions Its Political Neutrality

Summary: The Deputy Attorney General has accused the GBA of selective criticism and questioned its political neutrality following its attack on the CJ. Page 13.

4. Police Rescue Man After Five Days of Alleged Kidnapping and Torture as Four Suspects Arrested

Summary: The Ghana Police Service has rescued a man after 5 days of alleged kidnapping and torture, with 4 suspects arrested. Photo shows police at the scene. Page 9.

5. September 21 Confirmed as Founder’s Day Public Holiday Across Ghana

Summary: Government has confirmed September 21 as Founder’s Day and a public holiday across Ghana. Photo shows Nkrumah celebration. Page 8.

The Business Analyst

1. MAIN HEADLINE: Mahama Summons Emergency Meeting On Border Security, Narcotics

Summary: The lead story. President John Dramani Mahama has summoned a high-level emergency meeting of key security, maritime, ports and revenue agencies to strengthen border security and prevent trafficking of narcotic drugs through Ghana’s ports, airports and land borders. Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 12:30pm at Jubilee House. It will review vulnerabilities in border-control systems, intelligence-sharing, cargo/passenger screening, inter-agency coordination and deployment of technology. Invitation is dated September 14, 2026 from Office of the President. Photo of President Mahama. Cont. on Page 3.

2. $2bn Secured For Accra-Kumasi Expressway – Pg 3

Summary: Top teaser. $2 billion secured for the 6-lane 198.7km Accra-Kumasi Expressway project. Artist impression of the expressway shown. Full story on Page 3.

3. GBA Fires Chief Justice Over SOE comments – Pg 3

Summary: Ghana Bar Association President Efua Ghartey pictured. GBA has fired the Chief Justice over comments on State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Page 3.

4. Minority Decries Demolition Of Public Infrastructure For 24-Hour Markets – Pg 3

Summary: Ranking Member on Local Government Committee Francis Asenso Boakye pictured at presser. Minority in Parliament decries demolition of public infrastructure to make way for 24-hour markets. Page 3.

5. UTAG Gives Gov’t One Week To Pay 2026 Research Allowance

Summary: Bottom teaser. University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) gives government one-week ultimatum to pay 2026 research allowance.

The Insight

1. MAIN HEADLINE: ANTI-CORRUPTION – GACC Says Progress Made Under Mahama, Demands More

Summary: The lead story by Christian Kpesese. Stakeholders at a National Anti-Corruption Dialogue organized by Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in Accra acknowledge progress in Mahama Administration’s fight against corruption in its first 18 months, but caution that much more needs to be done to turn policy commitments and investigations into concrete accountability outcomes. Photo of President John Dramani Mahama. Cont. on page 3.

2. FROM GHANA TO PALESTINE – A Steadfast Voice For Freedom And Justice

Summary: Major feature by Ahmed Abu Dalfa, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Ghana pictured. Talks about Ghana-Palestine relationship built on shared values, struggle for freedom, independence and dignity. Cont. on Page 5.

3. African Mauritius: Our Struggle For Recognition And Reparations – Pages 6&7

Summary: Bottom blue banner feature on African Mauritius struggle.

4. Ghana Risks Losing Import Trade To Neighbouring Ports Over Congestion – IEAG – Page 3

Summary: Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana warns Ghana risks losing import trade to neighbouring ports due to congestion.

5. “Any Installation Of Rival Chief In Bortianor Will Be Illegal – Nii Koi Aku V – Page 8

Summary: Nii Koi Aku V says installation of rival chief in Bortianor will be illegal.

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