Accra: The First Meeting of the Second Session of the 9th Parliament has concluded after nearly two months of legislative activity. The session, which commenced on February 3, 2026, was characterised by key policy debates and the passage of some important bills.
According to Ghana Web, the State of the Nation Address (SONA) was presented by President John Dramani Mahama on February 27, 2026. The Minority Caucus wore black attire and sashes with the inscription 'Cocoa Akuafo Y?y? M?b? Dodo' to express their dissatisfaction with the challenges facing Ghana's cocoa sector. They later presented cocoa pods to President Mahama and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, prompting extensive debate and setting the legislative agenda.
Parliament ratified a mining lease agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited for lithium extraction in the Central Region. The 15-year lease, renewable under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006, grants the government a 13 percent free carried interest in mineral operations. The royalty rate for lithium mining will align with the Minerals and Mining Royalty Regulations, 2025.
The Education Regulatory (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was also passed, allowing more flexible pathways for private tertiary institutions to charter in Ghana. This amends the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020, removing the six-year requirement for affiliated institutions seeking a charter.
Another significant bill, the Value for Money Office Bill 2026, was passed to create an independent body for overseeing public spending and procurement. It aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in government expenditure.
The 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, a government flagship initiative, was passed to establish an authority overseeing the 24-Hour Economy Programme, targeting increased productivity and economic growth. President Mahama has assented to the bill, emphasizing its role in economic transformation.
Finally, the Legal Education Reform Bill, 2025, passed to expand access to professional legal education. It establishes the Council for Legal Education and Training to regulate and standardize legal education in Ghana, ending the Ghana School of Law's monopoly over professional legal education and entrance exams.