President John Dramani Mahama has signed five bills passed by Parliament into law, including three amendment bills, marking a significant step in strengthening Ghana’s legal framework, higher education system, financial protections, and public sector oversight.
The bills signed into law are the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025, the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Bill, 2025, the Ghana Deposit Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Education Regulatory Bodies (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Speaking after assenting to the bills, President Mahama highlighted that the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026 abolishes the Office of Minister of National Security, allowing the President the discretion to appoint any Minister to supervise security agencies. He also noted that the law restores the original name of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI), addressing previous confusion with the National Investment Bank.
The President also spoke on the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Act, 2026, which establishes a new university in the Eastern Region at Bonsu with three campuses: the main campus at Bonsu, a second campus at Ohawu in the Oti Region, and a third campus at Acherensua in the Ahafo Region. This expansion, he said, will enhance access to quality tertiary education in engineering and agricultural sciences across the country.
Touching on the Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Act, 2026, President Mahama explained that the amendment reduces the levy on mining companies from 3% back to 1%, following the introduction of a sliding scale of royalties. On the Education Regulatory Bodies (Amendment) Act, 2026, he said the law provides private tertiary institutions with greater flexibility, including the option to receive a charter.
Regarding the Ghana Deposit Protection (Amendment) Act, 2025, President Mahama emphasized that the amendment expands financial protections beyond commercial banks to include mobile money wallets and other digital platforms, ensuring wider security for digital financial assets.
The signing ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Clerk of Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama; Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Akrutinga Ayine; Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah; Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to the President, Joyce Bawa Mogtari; Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson; and Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
President Mahama described the passage and assent of the bills as a major milestone for Ghana, stating that they will help improve governance, strengthen financial security, expand educational opportunities, and ensure more effective oversight across key sectors.
