President John Dramani Mahama has signed five bills into law, marking a significant legislative milestone touching on national security, higher education, digital finance and the extractive sector.
The bills were assented to on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and include the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Bill, the Ghana Deposit Protection (Amendment) Bill, the Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Bill, and the Education Regulatory Bodies (Amendment) Bill.
The latest move signals government’s effort to reshape institutional frameworks across critical sectors while aligning legislation with current policy priorities.
Security law abolishes ministerial office, restores BNI name
Speaking briefly after the signing ceremony, President Mahama said the new Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026, abolishes the Office of the Minister for National Security and instead gives the President flexibility to assign oversight of security agencies to any minister.
He also announced that the National Intelligence Bureau will revert to its former name, the Bureau of National Intelligence.
According to the President, the change was necessary to clear up public confusion surrounding the acronym NIB.
He said the move would address “the confusion between that security agency and a well-known Ghanaian financial institution,” referring to the National Investment Bank.
The President also highlighted the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Act, 2026, which establishes a new public university with a multi-campus structure.
The institution’s main campus will be located at Bonsu in the Eastern Region, while additional campuses will be sited at Ohawu in the Oti Region and Acherensua in the Ahafo Region.
Government expects the new university to expand access to specialised training in engineering and agricultural sciences while supporting regional development.
Mining levy reduced as digital deposits gain legal cover
On the Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Act, President Mahama said the levy imposed on mining companies has been reduced from 3 percent back to 1 percent.
“As you’re aware, the act was amended to increase it from 1% to 3%, and so this act reduces it again,” he said, explaining that the reduction follows the introduction of a sliding scale royalty regime.
He also said the Ghana Deposit Protection Amendment Act expands legal protection beyond traditional bank deposits to include mobile money wallets and other digital financial platforms.
President Mahama further noted that the Education Regulatory Bodies (Amendment) Act gives greater flexibility to private tertiary institutions, including the opportunity to pursue charter status under revised rules.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior government officials, including the Vice President, the Attorney General, the Finance Minister, the Chief of Staff and the Clerk of Parliament.
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