By Aaron Hammond 
Parliament has packed up and gone home sine die (meaning no set date to return) without taking a final look at the anti-LGBTQ bill. This means the bill, which has been the talk of the town, is on hold for now. It’s a hot topic, but our MPs decided to focus on other things before taking their break. They didn’t just chill, though; they actually pushed through some big new laws that are going to affect the economy.
Read Also: Why Ghana’s 2025 Food Import Bill Reached a Staggering GH¢36.5 Billion
New Tax Laws Pass Before Recess
So, what did they actually do? Well, they passed four major tax-related bills. The big ones to watch out for are the Excise Bill, 2026 and the Customs Bill, 2026. These aren’t just fancy names; they bring real changes to how taxes are collected on things we buy every day, both imported and made right here in Ghana. The goal is to strengthen the country’s tax system, according to the Finance Committee. It’s all about the money, folks!
A Win for Local Fruit Juice Makers
Here’s a sweet piece of news: the new Excise Bill removes excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices. That’s right! If you’re buying juice made in Ghana, it shouldn’t have that extra tax on it anymore. The Deputy Minister of Finance said this move is meant to help both consumers like you and me, and the local businesses making the juice. Plus, there are new tax rates for beer and other drinks that depend on how much local stuff they use to make them.
The Cocoa Board Bill and More
Wait, there’s more. The Ghana Cocoa Board Bill was also on the agenda, and it’s a big deal for our farmers. There’s a push to get this passed quickly to help cocoa farmers, with talk of guaranteeing them a better share of the international price. The Tribunals Bill also made it through. While the anti-LGBTQ bill is taking a nap, these new financial laws are wide awake and ready to shake things up.