The second sitting of the second session of the Ninth Parliament was adjourned sine die, meaning that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2026, also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill, was not reconsidered.
This is in spite of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s earlier promise that the House would probably reverse its vote to pass the measure so that three crucial provisions aimed at bolstering the punishment regime could be reviewed before it was passed again.
The House was unable to adopt a move to overturn the previous ruling prior to adjournment, despite it being posted on the Order Paper for Friday, July 31, 2026.
Parliament enacted a number of significant pieces of legislation during the meeting, despite the setback on the anti-LGBTQ measure.
Among these is the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, which ensures that cocoa growers would get at least 70% of the Free on Board (FOB) export price via the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
In order to reduce consumer costs, promote healthier consumption, and assist regional agro-processing businesses, parliament also passed the Excise Bill, 2026, which eliminates excise duties on fruit juices produced locally.
The Customs Bill, 2026, which established a contemporary legislative framework for customs administration to unify current customs laws, promote international trade, bolster border security, and enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, was also approved by the House.
In order to lessen the backlog of cases in the courts, Parliament also passed the Tribunals Bill, which calls for the creation of Regional and District Tribunals.
The National Defence University Ghana Bill and the Community Service Bill, which offers community service as an alternative to jail time for those found guilty of certain types of offences, are two other significant pieces of legislation that have been enacted.
The House concluded its business for the meeting prior to the parliamentary recess by adjourning following the conclusion of debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, which was delivered by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Source: newsthemegh.com