Newspaper Headlines, September 17, 2026

This is what the front pages of the papers say:

Daily Graphic

1. Who wins NPP chairmanship? 4 Aspirants aim at party reorganisation for 2028

The NPP will elect new national executives on Oct 3 in Kumasi. 47 aspirants cleared for 9 positions. The chairmanship is a 4-way contest between Boakye Agyarko (former Energy Minister), John Boadu (former General Secretary), Paul Afoko (former National Chairman seeking a comeback), and Sammy Crabbe. The aim is to reorganise the party after the 2024 defeat to prepare for 2028.

2. Cost of capital for businesses coming down — Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says the cost of borrowing for Ghanaian businesses is falling, with Treasury bill rates driven down deliberately. He says Ghana has regained economic stability, improved its credit rating, and is targeting investment-grade status by 2030 to borrow cheaper.

3. Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast meeting to discuss cross-border payments

Notice for the business forum on Page 16. Focus is on cross-border payments, specifically paying Chinese suppliers in Yuan via CIPS instead of carrying physical cash.

4. GRA appeals GH¢79.65m judgment debt awarded Servestar

GRA has appealed a High Court order asking the Bank of Ghana to pay GH¢79.65m from the Tax Refund Account to Servestar Minwax. The case started from less than GH¢1m overpaid import duty in 2009, but grew with compound interest. The company director, Henry Manly-Spain, himself rejected the huge amount, saying his real claim is only about GH¢8.95m to GH¢10m. GRA commended him for his honesty and is asking for a forensic audit of the amount.

5. Four remanded over cocaine shipment seized in France

Four Ghanaians remanded in custody to reappear Oct 13 over a 3.9 tonnes cocaine shipment seized by French customs at Dunkirk on Sept 10, worth €225m. The drugs were hidden in a plastic waste container from Ghana. The four are Desmond Koranteng Curiel, Musah Attah, Kweku Otchere, and Jessica Hartog. A 5th suspect, a Dutch man, is at large.

Ghanaian Times

1. End to tomato imports – Govt rolls out plan to produce 400,000 tonnes yearly

Main story. Government has launched the Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI) with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and FarmMate Ltd at Anloga. Ghana spends over $400m annually importing fresh tomatoes and paste, mainly because of the Dec-July off-season deficit. The plan targets 400,000 tonnes yearly at full rollout, starting with 100,000 tonnes from 10,000+ acres across 35 districts in 2026/27. Farmers will get inputs, irrigation, insurance, financing of about GH¢20,000 per acre, and a guaranteed market.

2. Gas restored corridors in 30 days

GRIDCo has given 30 days to encroachers occupying gas and power transmission corridors nationwide to vacate. The move is to secure pipelines and ensure uninterrupted gas supply.

3. Maize prices rise despite improved supply

Maize production has improved, but prices on the market are still increasing. Caused by high transport costs, storage challenges, and middlemen.

4. Ghana on course to meet gender equity target — Gender Minister

The Gender Minister says Ghana is progressing well to meet its gender equity targets with more women inclusion in governance and economy.

Daily Guide

1. 4 Caged Over €225m Cocaine Shipment – Main Headline

Four Ghanaians have been remanded over the 3.9 tonnes of cocaine worth €225m seized by French Customs at Dunkirk port on Sept 10. The drugs were hidden in a container of plastic waste shipped from Ghana. The intercepted packs are pictured on the front. They will reappear in court on Oct 13. A 5th suspect, a Dutch man known as Bolle Jos, is at large.

2. 7 African Countries Study GoldBod Trading Model – Top Left

Seven African countries are understudying Ghana’s GoldBod (Ghana Gold Board) trading model. CEO Sammy Gyamfi hosted a delegation to learn how GoldBod is handling gold buying, trading and export to improve foreign exchange and curb smuggling. Full story on page 6.

3. SA Evacuation Cost: Minority Boycotts Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting – Top Right

The Minority in Parliament boycotted a Foreign Affairs Committee meeting over the cost of evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa. MP Samuel Abu Jinapor is pictured. Details on page 6.

4. Omanhene Flays Lands Minister Over Chieftaincy Dispute – Bottom Left

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Lands Minister, has been criticized by an Omanhene over a chieftaincy dispute. The chief says the Minister is interfering in traditional matters.

5. Arabic/Chinese Curriculum: Apologise Or Sack Haruna – NPP To Mahama – Bottom Right

NPP is demanding President John Mahama should either make Haruna apologise or sack him over the introduction of Arabic/Chinese curriculum. The party says the curriculum move is not in Ghana’s interest.

The Dispatch

1. NDC’s 2028 FLAGBEARER SLOT – HARUNA LIKELY TO BE VEEP’s RUNNING MATE; DEBRAH & NKETIA LIKELY TO PICK RUNNING MATES FROM VOLTA – Main Headline

The paper is projecting permutations for NDC’s 2028 ticket. According to the story on page 13:

• Haruna Iddrisu is likely to be picked as Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s running mate if she becomes the flagbearer
• Julius Debrah and Asiedu Nketia are also considering picking their running mates from the Volta Region if they lead the ticket.
• Prof. Opoku Agyemang is pictured top left, Mr. Julius Debrah middle left, Mr. Asiedu Nketia bottom left.

2. OVER 3m PUPILS IN 13 REGIONS LEARN UNDER TREES – AG’s REPORT – Bottom Left

Auditor-General’s report reveals over 3 million pupils across 13 regions are still learning under trees due to lack of classroom infrastructure. Picture shows children under a tree. Full details on page 11.

3. IGP ENGAGES OKADA RIDERS ON ROAD SAFETY & POLICE TO ROLL OUT AUTOMATED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT FROM OCT 1st – Bottom Right

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Yohuno (pictured), has engaged Okada riders on road safety. The Police will also start automated traffic enforcement from October 1st, using cameras and electronic systems to catch traffic offenders. Full story on page 2.

Daily Democrat

1. Fanteakwa South Gets 24-Hour Economy Model Market – Main Headline

A sod-cutting ceremony has been held for a new 24-Hour Economy Model Market in Fanteakwa South. The project is to create jobs and expand business opportunities in line with government’s 24-hour economy policy. Picture shows traditional leaders and officials cutting sod. Full stories on pages 3, 7, 10, 11 and 12.

2. Emmanuel Okai Mintah Sends Goodwill Message To All NDC Constituency Youth Aspirants – Top Right

NDC youth figure Emmanuel Okai Mintah has sent a goodwill message to all NDC constituency youth aspirants contesting in the party’s internal elections.

3. Real Intelligence Can Help Prevent Global Shutdown – Pro. Ato Duncan – Middle Right

Professor Ato Duncan says real intelligence can help prevent global shutdown. Small photo shows a group.

Daily Searchlight

1. GBA DEFENDS FREE SPEECH! …Expresses Alarm Over Arrests of Social Media Commentators – Main Headline

The Ghana Bar Association has defended free speech and expressed alarm over the recent arrests of social media commentators. The GBA President is pictured speaking at a podium. Full story on page 2. The Association says the arrests threaten freedom of expression.

2. GH¢49.7m South Africa Evacuation Hearing Postponed …As Minority Demands Full Records – Top Right

The parliamentary hearing on the GH¢49.7m cost of evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa has been postponed. The Minority is demanding full records of the expenditure before the hearing continues. Details on page 9. Samuel Abu Jinapor is pictured top right.

3. Ghana’s ‘Leaking’ Intelligence Set-up Jeopardising International Cooperation – Muntaka – Middle Right

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak says Ghana’s leaking intelligence setup is jeopardising international security cooperation. He warns that intelligence leaks are affecting trust with foreign partners. Full story on page 9.

4. NPP Goes after Haruna’s Head Over Arabic and Chinese Curriculum Dispute – Lower Right

The NPP is going after Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu’s position over the Arabic and Chinese curriculum dispute. The party is demanding action over the introduction of foreign languages in the basic school curriculum. Page 7.

The National Voice

1. SACK INCOMPETENT EDUCATION MINISTER – NPP Demands – Main Headline

The NPP is demanding the sacking of Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu over the Arabic and Chinese curriculum dispute. The NPP calls him incompetent. Full stories on pages 3 & 10. Haruna Iddrisu is pictured in blue suit top left.

2. GJA To Host High-Level FAJ Steering Committee Meeting From September 17-18 – Middle Banner

The Ghana Journalists Association will host a high-level Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) Steering Committee meeting in Ghana from September 17 to 18. The GJA President is pictured bottom right.

3. Why Is Ghana Becoming a ‘Cocaine Coast’? – Bottom Left

The paper questions why Ghana is becoming a transit point for cocaine, following the recent €225m cocaine shipment seized in France that originated from Ghana. Former President John Mahama?

4. If Jema Can Do It, Why Can’t Other Communities Do Likewise? – Top Right

A community development story – Jema has done something that other communities should emulate. Small group photo at top right. Details on page 19.

The Business Analyst

1. GJA Hosts High-Level FAJ Steering Committee Today – Main Headline

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is hosting a two-day Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) Steering Committee Meeting at Fiesta Royal Hotel in Accra today. It brings together media and journalists’ association leaders from across Africa to discuss press freedom, journalists’ safety and welfare, professional development, media sustainability, freedom of expression and ethical journalism. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, GJA President, is pictured. Story on page 3.

2. Okuapeman Stan Dogbe Ctte Petitioned Over ‘Death Trap’ Building – Top Left

The Okuapeman and a committee led by Stan Dogbe have been petitioned over a building described as a ‘death trap’. An uncompleted building is pictured. Full story on page 3.

3. GoldBod Model Draws Interest from 7 African Countries – Top Right

Seven African countries are studying Ghana’s GoldBod model for gold trading. GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi is pictured. Page 3.

4. Ghana targeting investment-grade ‘in shortest possible time’ – Ato Forson – Middle Right

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson says Ghana is targeting to achieve investment-grade status in the shortest possible time. Page 3.

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