Parliament has gone on recess without revisiting the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2026, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ Bill, despite expectations that it would be reconsidered before adjournment.
The development comes despite Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s assurance to the National Chief Imam, Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, that the House would revisit and pass the Bill before the meeting ended.
Although a motion to rescind an earlier decision on the Bill appeared on Friday, July 31, 2026, on the Order Paper, it was not adopted before Parliament adjourned.
Despite the setback, lawmakers passed several major pieces of legislation before going on recess.
Among them was the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, which guarantees cocoa farmers at least 70 per cent of the Free on Board (FOB) export price through COCOBOD.
Parliament also approved the Excise Bill, 2026, removing excise taxes on locally produced fruit juices to support local industries and reduce consumer prices.
The House further passed the Customs Bill, 2026, to modernise customs administration and strengthen revenue collection, as well as the Tribunals Bill, 2026, which establishes regional and district tribunals to help reduce court case backlogs.
Other key laws include the National Defence University Ghana Bill, 2026, and the Community Service Bill, 2026, introducing community service as an alternative sentence for certain offences.
On its final sitting, Parliament also ratified six mining lease agreements, despite strong opposition from the Minority.
The House adjourned after concluding debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, bringing its May-to-July meeting to a close after approving 12 Bills, including amendments to the VAT, Income Tax and Energy Sector Levies Acts.
