Parliament has approved the Customs Bill, 2026, putting in place an updated legal structure for customs management designed to bring together existing customs rules, ease cross-border trade, tighten border protection and boost local revenue collection.
The law is set to simplify customs processes, bring Ghana’s customs system in line with global standards and step up the fight against smuggling, illegal trade and other customs violations.
The bill was laid before Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026, by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, standing in for the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, under Article 106(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
It had its first reading that same day.After the first reading, the bill was sent to Parliament’s Finance Committee for review and a report, in line with Article 106(4) of the Constitution and Order 226(2) of Parliament’s Standing Orders.
Following consideration of the committee’s report, Parliament gave the bill its approval, clearing the path for a single, unified law to regulate customs operations in Ghana. The new legislation is expected to encourage better compliance from importers and exporters, support lawful trade, reinforce border checks and improve the state’s ability to generate revenue through more effective customs management.
The Customs Bill, 2026 will now go to the President for assent before it takes effect.
