Parliament adjourns without reconsidering anti-LGBTQ bill

Parliament has adjourned sine die, bringing the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament to a close without reconsidering the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2026, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

The adjournment means lawmakers will head into recess without acting on an earlier proposal to rescind the House's previous decision on the bill to allow amendments to specific provisions before its re-passage.

The development comes despite earlier indications by Speaker Alban Bagbin that Parliament was likely to revisit the legislation to strengthen certain aspects of the proposed law.

A motion seeking to rescind the House's earlier decision on the passage of the bill appeared on the Order Paper for Friday, July 31, 2026. However, Parliament was unable to adopt the motion before concluding its business and adjourning.

The proposed reconsideration was intended to facilitate a review of three key clauses, particularly those relating to sentencing, before the legislation could be passed again.

As a result, the bill remains unresolved pending Parliament's return from recess.

Although the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was not revisited, Parliament approved several significant pieces of legislation covering agriculture, taxation, customs administration, justice and national security.

Among the most notable laws passed was the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, which introduces wide-ranging reforms to Ghana's cocoa sector.

A major provision of the legislation guarantees cocoa farmers not less than 70 percent of the Free on Board (FOB) export price through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), a move aimed at improving farmer incomes and strengthening the industry's legal framework.

The law also supports local cocoa processing, promotes value addition and formally places COCOBOD under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance.

Parliament also approved the Excise Bill, 2026, which abolishes excise duties on locally manufactured fruit juices.

Government expects the measure to reduce retail prices, encourage healthier consumer choices, stimulate demand for locally produced beverages and support Ghana's agro-processing sector.

Lawmakers further passed the Customs Bill, 2026, creating a modern legal framework for customs administration.

The legislation seeks to harmonise existing customs laws, facilitate international trade, strengthen border security and improve domestic revenue mobilisation through more efficient customs operations.

Another important piece of legislation approved by Parliament was the Tribunals Bill, which establishes Regional and District Tribunals.

The new tribunals are expected to help reduce the growing backlog of court cases by expanding access to justice and improving the efficiency of Ghana's judicial system.

Parliament also passed the National Defence University Ghana Bill, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated institution to strengthen higher education, research and professional military training.

The legislation is expected to support national security capacity building while promoting academic excellence in defence studies.

The House further approved the Community Service Bill, introducing community service as an alternative punishment for persons convicted of specified categories of offences.

The new legal framework is designed to reduce reliance on custodial sentences for minor offences while promoting rehabilitation, restorative justice and community development.

Parliament concluded its business after debating the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

The adjournment marks the end of legislative activities for the current meeting, with Members of Parliament expected to return after the parliamentary recess to continue work on pending bills and other national matters.