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Officials Raise Alarm Over Rising Drug Abuse in High Schools, Ghanaian Wins US Congress Primary, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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Welcome to our carefully curated stories from across news platforms in Ghana. Happy reading!

1. NACOC Raises Alarm Over Rising Drug Abuse Among SHS Students, Links Trend to Indiscipline

The Ashanti Regional Office of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has expressed serious concern over the increasing rate of illicit drug abuse among Senior High School (SHS) students, warning that it is fuelling indiscipline in schools. NACOC’s Regional Commander, Samuel Yebua, noted that substance use is negatively affecting student behaviour and creating significant challenges for teachers and counsellors.

Ahead of World Drug Day, NACOC organised a seminar for guidance counsellors and teachers in the Ashanti Region to equip them with skills to identify, manage, and support students struggling with addiction. Participants highlighted the role of social media, especially TikTok, in promoting drug use among youth. Read the full story here

2. Muntaka: Sedina Tamakloe is in Prison Custody, Not a Private Facility

Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has firmly stated that convicted former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is in lawful prison custody under the Ghana Prisons Service and not in any private facility. He dismissed allegations of special treatment, emphasising that she is serving her sentence like any other inmate.

The minister cited security reasons for not disclosing her exact location publicly and urged the public to follow formal procedures through the Prisons Service for any legitimate inquiries or visits. Read the full story here

3. Ghanaian British Airways Pilot Jailed for Raping 12-Year-Old Girl

A 30-year-old Ghanaian-British Airways pilot, Kwame Yeboah, has been sentenced to eight years and four months in prison in the UK for raping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl he met on Instagram. Yeboah, who worked as a First Officer, groomed the victim after she initially claimed to be 17, before travelling to meet her and committing the offences.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of rape of a girl under 13 and one count of sexual assault. The court imposed a 15-year restraining order. The case has shocked many in the Ghanaian diaspora. Read the full story here

4. Ghana’s Adrian Boafo Wins Democratic Primary, Set to Join US Congress

32-year-old Ghanaian-American Adrian Boafo has won the Democratic Party primary for Maryland’s 5th Congressional District, positioning him to become a member of the US House of Representatives. Born in Maryland to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Boafo defeated competitors with strong backing from prominent Democrats including retiring Congressman Steny Hoyer and Governor Wes Moore.

Boafo, a former Bowie City Council member and Maryland State Delegate, vowed to fight for working families, mental health services, and economic opportunities. He will face the general election in November. Read the full story here

5. Interior Ministry Moves to Disarm Private Security Guards Using Personal Gun Permits

The Interior Ministry is taking steps to disarm private security guards who carry firearms obtained through personal gun permits, describing the practice as an abuse of the licensing regime. Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak revealed that many private security companies exploit outdated laws by having staff acquire guns individually for “personal protection” and then using them on duty.

He stressed that private security firms have no legal mandate to bear arms and announced measures to identify and correct such cases. Only police are authorised to carry firearms in such roles. Read the full story here

6. GHS Sets Up Probe Committee as Search Continues for Missing Baby in Salaga

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in the Savannah Region has established a seven-member committee to investigate the disappearance of a newborn at the East Gonja Municipal Hospital in Salaga. The committee will examine procedural lapses and recommend measures to prevent recurrence.

Staff involved have been interdicted and are facing criminal prosecution. The GHS appealed to the public for information while directing health facilities to remain vigilant. Read the full story here

7. GUTA Calls on PURC to Suspend New Tariff Increases Immediately

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has urged the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to immediately suspend the new electricity (3.49%) and water (0.85%) tariff increases scheduled for July 1, 2026. GUTA described the justifications — exchange rate, inflation, and fuel costs — as insufficient and untenable.

The association argued that recent fuel price drops and minimal cedi depreciation do not warrant the hikes and called for broader stakeholder consultation. Read the full story here

Ghana News

American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

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With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.

The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.

“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”

Why This Outreach Matters

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .

While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .

Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .

How to Participate

For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.

Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .

For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.

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Ghana News

Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026

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Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.

1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.

  • “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
  • The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
  • The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
  • NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”

2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.

  • Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
  • The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
  • The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”

3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.

  • Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
  • The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
  • In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
  • Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”

4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health

  • Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
  • The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
  • On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”

5. Economy, Banking, and Tax

  • Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
  • B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
  • Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.

6. Judicial and Political Fallout

  • Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
  • The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”

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Ghana News

Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation

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In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.

The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).

The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.

While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.

It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.

“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.

The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.

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