Parliament adjourns without reconsidering anti — LGBTQ bills

Ghana's 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, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

The adjournment followed weeks of intense legislative activity that saw lawmakers pass 12 major bills covering taxation, customs administration, cocoa sector reforms, the judiciary, national defence and community service, among others.

The decision to adjourn means Parliament did not fulfil an earlier indication that the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill would be revisited before the House rose for recess.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin had assured the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, that Parliament would reconsider and pass the legislation before adjournment.

Although a motion seeking to rescind the House's earlier decision on the bill appeared on the Order Paper on Friday, lawmakers were unable to adopt it before Parliament adjourned indefinitely.

The development means the bill remains pending until Parliament reconvenes for its next meeting.

On its final sitting before adjournment, Parliament also ratified six mining lease agreements between the Government of Ghana and six mining companies.

The agreements are expected to generate additional government revenue while supporting economic development, employment creation and infrastructure projects in mining communities.

However, the Minority Caucus strongly opposed the ratification, raising concerns during the parliamentary debate before the agreements were approved by the Majority.

Despite the delay in reconsidering the anti-LGBTQ bill, Parliament approved several landmark pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening governance, improving revenue mobilisation and supporting economic growth.

Among the major laws passed was the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, which guarantees cocoa farmers not less than 70 percent of the Free on Board (FOB) export price through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

Lawmakers also passed the Excise Bill, 2026, which abolishes excise duties on locally manufactured fruit juices to encourage healthier consumption, reduce prices and promote Ghana's agro-processing industry.

The Customs Bill, 2026 was also approved, establishing a modern legal framework for customs administration to facilitate international trade, strengthen border security and improve domestic revenue collection.

Parliament further passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, which creates Regional and District Tribunals to help reduce the growing backlog of court cases across the country.

Other significant legislation included the National Defence University Ghana Bill, 2026, aimed at strengthening military education and research, and the Community Service Bill, 2026, which introduces community service as an alternative sentencing option for individuals convicted of specified offences.

The House concluded its work after completing debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

The budget review assessed Ghana's economic performance during the first half of the year and outlined government measures aimed at sustaining economic recovery, improving fiscal discipline and supporting long-term development.

Following the completion of the debate, Parliament adjourned for its scheduled recess.

During the Second Meeting, Parliament approved the following 12 bills:

1. Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025 – Passed on May 29, 2026
2. Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Bill, 2025 – Passed on June 25, 2026
3. Community Service Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 8, 2026
4. Maritime and Related Offences Bill – Passed on June 30, 2026
5. National Defence University Ghana Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 17, 2026
6. Tribunals Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 30, 2026
7. Customs Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 30, 2026
8. Excise Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 30, 2026
9. Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 29, 2026
10. Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 29, 2026
11. Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 30, 2026
12. Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – Passed on July 31, 2026

The passage of these bills represents one of the most productive legislative periods of the current parliamentary session, with reforms spanning taxation, agriculture, investment, justice, customs administration and the energy sector.