From Cocoa Reforms to Tax Changes: 12 major bills passed by Parliament

The Parliament of Ghana has passed twelve bills covering various sectors of the economy, bringing the Second Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament to a close.

The bills address reforms in the cocoa sector, local governance, justice, defence, maritime security, taxation, investment promotion, and energy financing.

The legislative measures form part of government’s efforts to strengthen public institutions, revive key economic sectors, improve revenue mobilisation, and support national development.

Parliament removes excise duty on locally produced fruit juices

See the list of 12 Bills Passed (with dates of passage)

1. Human Sexual Rights and Family Bill, 2025 (May 29, 2026)

The bill seeks to criminalise LGBTQ activities while providing exemptions for legal practitioners, journalists, and media organisations acting in their professional capacities.

2. Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Bill, 2025 (June 25, 2026)

The bill provides a modern and flexible framework for investment promotion, facilitation, and regulation in Ghana.

3. Maritime and Related Offences Bill, 2026 (June 30, 2026)

The bill strengthens Ghana’s legal framework against piracy, armed robbery at sea, and other maritime crimes in line with international conventions.

4. Community Service Bill, 2026 (July 8, 2026)

The bill introduces community service as an alternative sentencing option for minor and non-violent offences.

5. National Defence University, Ghana Bill, 2026 (July 17, 2026)

The bill establishes a National Defence University to serve as a centre of excellence for defence and security education, research, and policy development.

6. Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (July 29, 2026)

The bill reforms Ghana’s VAT regime by scrapping the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy and simplifying tax administration.

7. Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (July 29, 2026)

The bill exempts the National Daily Minimum Wage from taxation and eases compliance requirements for micro and small businesses.

8. Tribunals Bill, 2026 (July 20, 2026)

The bill provides a framework for establishing tribunals to enhance access to justice and safeguard due process.

9. Customs Bill, 2026 (July 30, 2026)

The bill prohibits the importation of salvaged vehicles and vehicles older than ten years while introducing incentives for local automotive manufacturers.

10. Excise Bill, 2026 (July 30, 2026)

The bill introduces zero excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices and establishes guidelines for excise tax collection on selected products.

11. Ghana Cocoa Bill, 2026 (July 31, 2026)

The bill establishes COCOBOD as the statutory regulator of the cocoa value chain and introduces a new funding model to support local cocoa processors.

12. Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2026 (July 31, 2026)

The bill increases levies on fuel oil to address subsidy loopholes and prevent tax avoidance in the petroleum sector.

SB/MA

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