President Mahama signs ten Bills into Law to plug revenue leakages, reform justice and support local industry

President John Dramani Mahama has signed ten pieces of legislation into law, addressing crucial areas of governance such as customs administration, the justice system, taxation, energy, cocoa production, maritime offenses, and excise duties. The President asserts that these new laws aim to curb revenue leakages, enhance efficiency, and fulfill key government policy commitments.

The Customs Act, 2026, consolidates amendments to Ghana's customs laws into one comprehensive piece of legislation. This simplification will streamline customs administration, boost efficiency, and plug loopholes that have led to revenue losses. The Community Service Act, 2026, introduces non-custodial sentences for minor offences, allowing offenders to perform community service instead of serving time in prison. This measure aims to reduce pressure on Ghana's prisons and cut the cost of housing inmates.

The Tribunals Act, 2026, brings into effect the constitutional provision for setting up regional tribunals. The law empowers the Chief Justice to establish specialized tribunals to handle specific categories of offenses. The Maritime and Related Offences Act, 2026, lays down the legal framework for addressing crimes at sea. It also gives effect to Ghana's commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The National Defence University Act, 2026, establishes the National Defence University, granting it legal status and outlining the accreditation of its programs and courses. The Income Tax (Amendment) Act, 2026, exempts individuals earning the national minimum wage or less from income tax. The Energy Sector Levies Amendment Act, 2026 targets loopholes in the use of fuel oil by factories and maritime vessels, requiring beneficiaries of the previous exemption to pay applicable taxes and demonstrate reinvestment.

The Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026, integrates important reforms in the cocoa sector. It mandates that at least fifty percent of Ghana's cocoa beans be processed locally, and cocoa farmers will receive seventy percent of the world market price for their beans. The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2026, introduces VAT exemptions for gold surrendered to the Bank of Ghana under the government's gold-for-reserves initiative.

Lastly, the Excise Act, 2026, consolidates existing excise laws and introduces an exemption for locally manufactured fruit juices, encouraging domestic production.