ACCRA, Ghana, 31 March: President John Dramani Mahama has assented to five new bills passed by Parliament, covering important areas such as national security, education, and economic policy.
The newly signed laws are expected to introduce changes that will impact governance structures, improve access to education, and strengthen financial systems in the country.
Changes to National Security Structure
One of the key legislations is the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026. The law removes the Office of the Minister of National Security and gives the President the authority to assign oversight of security agencies to any designated minister.
The Act also restores the name of the National Intelligence Bureau to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI), a move aimed at addressing public confusion and bringing back its widely recognized identity.
New University Established
President Mahama also signed the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Act, 2026, which establishes a new public university in the Eastern Region.
The institution will operate across three campuses: Bunso as the main campus, Ohawu as the second campus, and Akyirensua in the Ahafo Region as the third campus. The university is expected to expand access to higher education, particularly in engineering and agricultural sciences.
Reduction in Mining Levy
Another key amendment is to the Growth and Sustainability Levy Act, which reduces the levy on mining companies from 3 percent to 1 percent.
This change follows the introduction of a sliding scale for royalties and is expected to create a more balanced approach to revenue generation while supporting the mining sector.
Changes to University Regulation
The Ghana Education Regulatory Bodies Amendment Act was also assented to. The amendment removes the requirement for universities to obtain charters under the previous regulatory framework.
This is expected to simplify processes within the higher education sector and allow institutions to operate more efficiently.
Stronger Protection for Bank Deposits
The fifth law, the Ghana Deposit Protection Amendment Act, strengthens the system for protecting deposits held by the public in banks and other financial institutions.
The amendment aims to improve confidence in the financial sector by ensuring better safeguards for depositors.
Overall, the five new laws form part of ongoing efforts to improve governance, expand educational opportunities, and maintain economic stability.
LISTEN TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭