Parliament

Also known as: Parliament of Ghana · House · the full House · the House · Minority side · Parliamentary Caucus on Population and Development · Parliamentary Select Committee on Health · Health Select Committee · the Legislature · House of Parliament · Chamber of Parliament · this House

Ghana's legislative body where bills are reviewed and passed, as referenced across coverage of legal reforms, budget matters, and parliamentary scrutiny.

2026-04-242026-09-16

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

September 2026
3 SeptJoy Online
… The discovery came to public attention after the Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Ghana Languages, Ebenezer Ahiator, told Parliament’s Committee on Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affairs that Ghana should not adopt one indigenous language as a national language. …
When English became the safest Ghanaian language
3 SeptJoy Online
… Parliament subsequently approved his nomination by 163 votes to 69 in November 2025, following a contentious process during which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority raised objections and boycotted his vetting. …
Chief Justice should avoid partisan political arena – Prof Kwaku Asare
3 SeptThe Chronicle
… According to him, Parliament had already recognised non-interest banking services as a permissible banking activity under Section 18(1)(r) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930). …
Non-Interest Banking Will Not Create Religious Banking System –Dr Asiama
2 SeptJoy Online
… He noted that NaCCA had been empowered by Parliament to enforce compliance and sanction schools found to be using textbooks that had not received approval from the Council. …
Education Ministry warns private schools against use of unapproved textbooks
2 SeptJoy Online
… Parliament approved his nomination in November by 163 votes to 69, after a contentious process in which the NPP Minority raised objections and ultimately boycotted his vetting. …
Chief Justice praises MIIF, other SOEs, questions what Ghana was doing in past 8 years
2 SeptJoy Online
… It has consequently petitioned Parliament, calling for an urgent review of the current tariff regime and stronger enforcement at the ports. …
Ghana leather manufacturers demand lower tariffs, threaten demonstration over high costs
2 SeptJoy Online
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has described proposals by the government and the Constitution Review Committee to improve the representation of women and other marginalised groups in Parliament as “grossly insufficient”. …
IEA describes gov’t proposals on women, marginalised groups in Parliament ‘grossly insufficient’
2 SeptJoy Online
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has proposed wide-ranging changes to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution aimed at reducing presidential powers, strengthening Parliament and the Judiciary, deepening local democracy and improving accountability in public institutions. …
Check out IEA’s 18-point position on key Constitutional review proposals
2 SeptJoy Online
… The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has made a number of allegations about GoldBod, particularly, singling out its CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, for criticism. …
GoldBod, the microphone and the media’s duty beyond ‘He said’ and ‘She said’
2 SeptJoy Online
… Dr Jinapor said the reforms are currently before Cabinet and, once approved, will be transmitted to Parliament, with government targeting passage before the end of 2026. …
Government to push major reforms to make Ghana’s upstream oil sector more competitive

Politics

Dafeamekpor urges forensic audit of COVID-19 spending

The News

Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has called for a forensic audit of Ghana's COVID-19 expenditure, citing evidence that more than GH¢600 million in fumigation spending may have been omitted from the Auditor-General's special audit. He contends the alleged gap indicates the original COVID-19 audit was incomplete and that members of the Public Accounts Committee had already raised concerns that it was hastily conducted and left some expenditure lines uncovered.

5 hours ago · Joy Online →

Yesterday

Dafeamekpor urges forensic audit of COVID-19 spending
Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has called for a forensic audit of Ghana's COVID-19 expenditure, citing evidence that more than GH¢600 million in fumigation spending may have been omitted from the Auditor-General's special audit. He contends the alleged gap indicates the original COVID-19 audit was incomplete and that members of the Public Accounts Committee had already raised concerns that it was hastily conducted and left some expenditure lines uncovered.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
Minority demands itemised evacuation records from Foreign Ministry
The Minority in Parliament says the Foreign Affairs Ministry has failed to release detailed expenditure records on nearly GH¢50 million spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa, and will boycott a Wednesday closed-door meeting unless the Ministry provides itemised accounts and supporting documents requested under the Right to Information Act.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
GRA to implement Fiscal and Accounting Devices in Q4 2026
The Ghana Revenue Authority will roll out government-approved Fiscal and Accounting Devices in the last quarter of 2026 to improve VAT compliance and transaction monitoring. The move is part of broader GRA reforms to strengthen tax compliance and create a fairer tax environment.
6 hours ago · Joy Online →
PAC demands Audit Service explain GH¢600m fumigation spending gap
The Public Accounts Committee will demand answers from the Audit Service over evidence that the Auditor-General's COVID-19 audit understated fumigation expenditure by more than GH¢600 million. An investigation found Ghana may have spent at least GH¢720 million on COVID-19 fumigation, while the special audit recorded only GH¢96 million.
6 hours ago · Joy Online →
Government revises border security meeting invitations after MP criticism
The government has adjusted the invitation list for a high-level meeting on border security and narcotics after Minority MP Sammi Awuku raised concerns about the absence of sector ministers from the original invitations. Awuku welcomed the adjustment, saying his advocacy was intended to promote accountability and ensure officials with direct political responsibility participate in addressing drug trafficking.
10 hours ago · Joy Online →
Vehicle assemblers to meet local content threshold for VAT exemption
President Mahama announced that vehicle assemblers in Ghana will be required to meet a specified local assembly threshold to qualify for VAT exemptions under new incentives being developed for the automotive sector. The move aims to ensure companies make meaningful contributions to local manufacturing rather than importing almost-complete vehicles and performing only minor assembly work.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →
Okudzeto criticises AG for not consulting Bar on bill
Former Ghana Bar Association president Sam Okudzeto has faulted Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine for presenting a proposed Legal Practitioners' Standard Board Bill to Cabinet without first consulting the Bar, saying the government cannot make decisions affecting the legal profession without consulting lawyers.
12 hours ago · Joy Online →
Finance Minister plans 2027 Budget for November, infrastructure, jobs
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson indicated the 2027 Budget will be presented to Parliament in the first week of November 2026, with plans for major infrastructure projects and new business incentives. He said the government intends to invest about US$10 billion under a new economy programme to stimulate economic activity and growth.
19 hours ago · Joy Online →

Monday 14 September

Attorney-General plans bill to strengthen lawyer discipline framework
Ghana's Attorney-General has announced plans to introduce the Legal Profession (Practitioners Standards Board) Bill to strengthen the regulatory framework for disciplining lawyers. The proposed law, headed to Cabinet for review before Parliament, will establish an independent Disciplinary Committee with clear procedural rules and timelines, and aims to resolve conflicts of interest in the current framework where Superior Court judges both investigate and adjudicate complaints.
14 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Deputy AG urges ADR council to involve chiefs in dispute resolution
Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has called on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Council to integrate traditional chiefs into Ghana's formal dispute-resolution process, with the aim of decentralizing resolution to regional and district levels and preventing cases from overwhelming the courts.
14 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Accra-Kumasi Expressway to be maintained via tolls for 50 years
A government-owned company established in 2025 will operate and maintain the Accra-Kumasi Expressway for 50 years, using toll revenue to recover construction and maintenance costs over the concession period, according to the company's CEO.
14 September 2026 · Joy Online →
LGA holds conference, AGM; elects new leadership
The Legal Green Association held a landmark programme bringing together law students, legal professionals and public officials for a conference, annual general meeting and election of new executives for 2026/2027. The event featured speakers including Ghana's Deputy Chief of Staff, Foreign Affairs Minister and Chief Whip of Parliament.
14 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Attorney General to introduce bill regulating lawyer discipline
Ghana's Attorney General announced a new Legal Profession (Practitioners Standards Board) Bill aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for disciplining lawyers. The bill, headed to Cabinet for review before Parliament, will establish an independent Disciplinary Committee with clear procedural rules and proportionate sanctions, separating investigation from adjudication functions.
14 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Minority criticizes demolition of public assets for 24-Hour Economy Programme
The Minority in Parliament has criticized the government's demolition of existing public and community infrastructure including schools, markets and other facilities to make way for projects under the 24-Hour Economy Market Programme, raising concerns about planning, consultation and value for money.
14 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana has domestic violence laws, but victims face financial barriers
Commentary examines Ghana's Domestic Violence Act and related support structures, questioning whether survivors can afford to access the legal protections and services available to them, including DOVVSU, courts, and the One-Stop Centre in Accra.
14 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 13 September

Minority demands inquiry into MV Sankofa release before drug arrest
Ghana's parliamentary Minority is calling for an independent inquiry into the Ghana Maritime Authority's release of the MV Sankofa after it was found sailing under a forged flag in July 2025. The vessel was subsequently arrested in Senegal carrying narcotics, prompting questions about who authorized a reduced fine and the decision to allow it to sail without full cargo inspection.
13 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama declines to continue Akufo-Addo's National Cathedral project
President John Mahama says the National Cathedral was a personal pledge by former President Akufo-Addo to God, not government policy, and his administration will not continue it using taxpayers' money. Mahama said Christians in Ghana should mobilize resources themselves for the project.
13 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama declines National Cathedral as not inherited policy
President John Mahama said the National Cathedral was former President Akufo-Addo's personal religious pledge rather than a government policy his administration must continue, and that Christians should privately fund it rather than use taxpayer money.
13 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama lists three concerns about National Cathedral project
President John Mahama outlined concerns over the National Cathedral project's financing using taxpayer money, its location amid major public facilities, and the demolition of public and private properties, while clarifying he is not opposed to the idea of a national cathedral.
13 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama says Christians can self-fund National Cathedral project
President John Mahama says the Christian community has the capacity to finance the National Cathedral without taxpayers' money, suggesting that if Christians each contributed GH¢1,000, sufficient resources could be raised. He also raised concerns about the project's location, citing proximity to Parliament, the International Conference Centre, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and the National Theatre.
13 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 12 September

Mahama says taxpayers should not fund National Cathedral project
President Mahama reiterated that taxpayers' money should not be used for the National Cathedral construction, arguing Christians should mobilise resources instead. He also cited concerns about the cathedral's location, given the concentration of major public facilities in the area and property demolitions required.
12 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Mahama's anti-corruption record shows progress but warrants caution
Civil society leaders and anti-corruption advocates credit the Mahama administration after 18 months for ongoing investigations, contract terminations, and procurement reforms, but express caution that the true test of the government's commitment lies ahead.
12 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 11 September

Big Push roads to be tolled after completion—Agbodza
Ghana's Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza announced that major roads built under the government's Big Push initiative will be tolled after completion, including the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, using a multi-lane electronic tolling system. The government has re-enacted the Road Fund for sustainable road maintenance financing and obtained Parliament's approval for a 20-year public-private partnership concession in July 2026.
11 September 2026 · Daily Guide →
Minority demands documentary evidence for GH¢49m evacuation costs
Parliament's Minority has questioned the government's reported GH¢49 million expenditure for evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, requesting detailed records to verify the spending despite supporting the evacuation itself.
11 September 2026 · Daily Guide →
Mahama swears in three new Supreme Court justices
President John Mahama swore in three new Supreme Court justices—Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jnr.—bringing the total number appointed by him since January 7, 2025 to 10. The three were approved by Parliament on August 27, 2026, despite opposition from the Minority who objected to the expedited vetting timeline.
11 September 2026 · Daily Guide →
GIMPA receives no regular government funding, operates autonomously
GIMPA's Rector disclosed that the public institution receives no regular financial support from government, operating instead under financial autonomy that requires it to generate and manage its own funds, though it occasionally receives government support for specific projects.
11 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana abolishes 20% excise duty on locally made fruit juice
The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana has welcomed the abolition of the 20% excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices, which is expected to take effect from October 1, 2026, following Parliament's passage of a new Excise Duty Act and presidential assent. The Association said the reform would support local value addition, manufacturing, employment creation and economic growth.
11 September 2026 · Joy Online →
WHO reports 3.8% of Ghanaian adults considered suicide
The World Health Organisation says 3.8 per cent of adults in Ghana have considered suicide and 2.3 per cent have attempted suicide, with suicidal thoughts particularly common among young people. The WHO has called for intensified prevention efforts and stronger support systems, commending Ghana's 2023 decriminalisation of attempted suicide as a shift from punishment to care.
11 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Newly sworn Supreme Court Judges assure independence from President
Three newly inaugurated Supreme Court Judges—Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Edward Amoako Asante, and Tony Forson—were sworn in by President Mahama at the Presidency. Justice Essah assured on behalf of the judges that they would be independent enough to decide according to law, interpreting and applying it faithfully, impartially, and courageously.
11 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana's youth commit to active climate action monitoring
Ghana's youth have pledged to take an active role in the country's climate response by monitoring climate spending, translating climate policies into local languages, and appointing climate advocates across all 16 regions. The article argues that youth participation in climate monitoring and decision-making is essential given climate change's direct impact on their livelihoods, jobs, food security, and environment.
11 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →