Parliament has passed the Customs Bill, 2026, paving the way for a modern legal framework to strengthen customs administration, improve domestic revenue mobilisation and facilitate international trade.
The new legislation consolidates existing customs laws into a single legal framework designed to enhance the efficiency of customs operations, strengthen border security and align Ghana’s customs regime with international best practices.
It is also expected to bolster efforts to combat smuggling, illicit trade and other customs-related offences while simplifying customs procedures for legitimate importers and exporters.
The bill was introduced in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026, by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, acting on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in accordance with Article 106(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
It was read for the first time on the same day before being referred to Parliament’s Finance Committee for detailed scrutiny, in line with Article 106(4) of the Constitution and Order 226(2) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
Following its examination of the proposed legislation, the Finance Committee presented its report to the House, recommending its approval.
Parliament subsequently adopted the committee’s report and passed the bill, establishing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate customs administration in Ghana.
The legislation is expected to improve compliance among importers and exporters through clearer customs procedures and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
It is also anticipated to facilitate legitimate trade by reducing administrative bottlenecks while enhancing border controls to prevent revenue leakages arising from smuggling and other illegal trading activities.
Government expects the new law to play a key role in strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation by improving customs compliance, enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring more effective collection of import and export duties.
The Customs Bill forms part of broader efforts to modernise Ghana’s tax and customs administration, improve trade facilitation and strengthen the country’s fiscal position through more efficient revenue collection.
With parliamentary approval secured, the bill now awaits presidential assent before coming into force.
Source: businesspostonline
