Parliament has adjourned sine die, ending the second meeting of the second session of the Ninth Parliament after approving several significant pieces of legislation, while leaving the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2026 unresolved.
The House concluded its business without reconsidering the controversial anti-LGBTQ bill, despite earlier indications from Speaker Alban Bagbin that Parliament would likely rescind its previous decision to allow amendments to three key clauses intended to strengthen the bill’s sentencing provisions.
A motion to rescind the earlier passage of the bill had been listed on the Order Paper for Friday, July 31, 2026. However, lawmakers were unable to adopt the motion before the House adjourned for recess, effectively delaying further action on the legislation.
While the anti-LGBTQ bill remained pending, Parliament completed work on a number of major legislative measures aimed at reforming key sectors of the economy, justice system and public administration.
Among the most significant was the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, which guarantees cocoa farmers a minimum of 70 per cent of the Free on Board (FOB) export price, a move expected to improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen COCOBOD’s regulatory framework.
Lawmakers also passed the Excise Bill, 2026, which removes excise taxes on locally manufactured fruit juices in an effort to reduce consumer prices, encourage healthier beverage consumption and promote domestic agro-processing industries.
The Customs Bill, 2026 was also approved, introducing a modern legal framework for customs administration aimed at facilitating international trade, enhancing border security and improving revenue mobilisation.
In the justice sector, Parliament passed the Tribunals Bill, providing for the establishment of Regional and District Tribunals to help reduce the backlog of cases within the judicial system.
Other notable legislation passed during the session includes the National Defence University Ghana Bill and the Community Service Bill, which introduces community service as an alternative to custodial sentences for persons convicted of specified categories of offences.
The House adjourned after concluding debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, marking the end of parliamentary business for the meeting.
The adjournment means that any reconsideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will now have to await the next meeting of Parliament.
