Anti-LGBTQ bill remains in limbo as Parliament adjourns

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 referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

This is despite an earlier assurance by Speaker Alban Bagbin that the House would likely rescind its decision on the passage of the bill to allow for the review of three key clauses aimed at strengthening the sentencing regime before its re-passage.

Although a motion to rescind the earlier decision was listed on the Order Paper for Friday, July 31, 2026, the House was unable to adopt it before adjournment.

Despite the setback on the anti-LGBTQ bill, Parliament passed several major pieces of legislation during the meeting.

These include the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, which guarantees cocoa farmers not less than 70 per cent of the Free on Board (FOB) export price through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

Lawmakers also passed the Excise Bill, 2026, abolishing excise taxes on locally manufactured fruit juices to lower consumer prices, encourage healthier consumption and support local agro-processing industries.

The House further approved the Customs Bill, 2026, establishing a modern legal framework for customs administration to consolidate existing customs laws, facilitate international trade, strengthen border security and improve domestic revenue mobilisation.

Parliament also passed the Tribunals Bill, which provides for the establishment of Regional and District Tribunals to help reduce the backlog of cases in the courts.

Other key legislation approved 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 the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, marking the end of its business for the meeting before the parliamentary recess.