Parliament Returns for Critical Economic Session

Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has confirmed Ghana's Parliament will reconvene on February 3, 2026. The session begins at 1200 hours in Parliament House, Accra. This marks the start of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

Lawmakers face a crowded legislative agenda. Several economic bills await debate and passage. The government's 2026 budget implementation requires parliamentary oversight. Key committees must review spending and revenue collection.

Why It Matters for Ghana's Economy

Parliament's work directly impacts Ghana's business climate. Delayed legislation creates uncertainty for investors. The Ghana Stock Exchange Composite Index fell 2.3% in January 2026. This followed parliamentary delays on tax reform bills.

Ghana's economy grew 3.8% in 2025 according to the Ghana Statistical Service. The government targets 4.5% growth for 2026. Achieving this requires timely passage of economic legislation. The Bank of Ghana maintains its policy rate at 29.0% to combat inflation.

Three specific bills dominate the agenda. The digital Services Tax Bill proposes a 1.5% levy on electronic transactions. The Minerals Development Fund Amendment seeks to increase local content requirements. The Export Promotion Bill aims to boost non-traditional exports by 15% annually.

What Businesses Should Watch

Companies should monitor committee hearings on tax legislation. The Finance Committee will review the Digital Services Tax Bill first. Public hearings begin February 10, 2026. Businesses can submit written testimony until February 7.

The Trade and Industry Committee examines the Export Promotion Bill. This legislation offers tax incentives for companies exporting processed goods. Eligible businesses could receive corporate tax reductions from 25% to 15%.

Energy sector companies face new regulations. The Minerals Development Fund Amendment requires mining firms to increase local procurement to 60% by 2027. Current requirements stand at 40%. Gold Fields Ghana and AngloGold Ashanti must adjust supply chains.

Regulatory Changes and Compliance Deadlines

Businesses must prepare for new reporting requirements. The Ghana Revenue Authority will implement electronic invoicing for VAT-registered companies. The system launches July 1, 2026. Companies need to upgrade accounting software by June.

The Environmental Protection Agency tightens emissions standards. New regulations take effect January 1, 2027. Cement producers like Ghacem and Diamond Cement must install filtration systems. Compliance costs average ₵5 million ($415,000) per facility.

Exporters face revised documentation rules. The Ghana Export Promotion Authority requires digital certificates of origin starting March 2026. Companies must register through the Ghana National Single Window portal.

Market Implications and Investor Sentiment

Parliament's productivity affects investor confidence. Delayed legislation could pressure the Ghana cedi. The currency depreciated 8.2% against the dollar in 2025. Timely bill passage might stabilize exchange rates.

Stock market performance hinges on economic policies. Listed companies like MTN Ghana and Unilever Ghana benefit from stable regulations. The Ghana Stock Exchange plans to launch a derivatives market in late 2026. This requires parliamentary approval of the Securities Industry Amendment.

Foreign direct investment reached $2.3 billion in 2025 according to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. The 2026 target is $2.8 billion. Legislative certainty supports this goal.

Next Steps for Businesses

Companies should engage with parliamentary committees. The Public Accounts Committee reviews government procurement contracts. Businesses can highlight implementation challenges during hearings.

Trade associations play a crucial role. The Association of Ghana Industries represents manufacturers' interests. The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce advocates for small businesses. Both organizations submit position papers to relevant committees.

Businesses must track legislative timelines. The Digital Services Tax Bill requires three readings over approximately six weeks. Final passage could occur by mid-March 2026. Companies should model potential tax impacts now.

Economic Outlook and Legislative Priorities

Ghana's economic recovery depends on parliamentary action. The International Monetary Fund approved a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility in 2023. Program reviews require parliamentary cooperation on revenue measures.

Infrastructure projects need funding approvals. The $1.5 billion Accra Sky Train project awaits parliamentary guarantee. The China Railway Construction Corporation leads the consortium. Construction could begin in late 2026 with timely approvals.

Agriculture sector reforms advance through Parliament. The Ghana Commodity Exchange Bill establishes a regulated trading platform. This helps cocoa farmers secure better prices. The Ghana Cocoa Board supports the legislation.

Parliament's February session sets the tone for Ghana's economic year. Businesses should prepare for regulatory changes. Proactive engagement with lawmakers can shape favorable outcomes.