Parliament adjourned sine die on July 30, 2024, after a productive third meeting of the fourth session.

During this session, several significant bills were approved, shaping the legislative landscape of the nation.

The approved bills include:

National Roads Authority Bill, 2023:

The bill, passed in June 2024, establishes the National Roads Authority as the unified body responsible for the planning, development, maintenance, and management of the national road network in Ghana.

This new authority will integrate three key agencies: the Ghana Highway Authority, the Department of Urban Roads, and the Department of Feeder Roads.

This integration aims to streamline operations, enhance coordination, and maximize the impact of investments in the road sector, serving both urban and rural areas.

The bill was moved by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and is awaiting presidential assent.

National Service Authority Bill, 2024:

The National Service Authority Bill, 2024, aims to establish the National Service Authority to mobilize and post individuals qualified for National Service in areas of national priority.

The bill promotes civic responsibility, discipline, patriotism, national cohesion, and voluntarism among national service personnel.

It was introduced under a certificate of urgency by the Minister of Education on June 14, 2024, and was passed after being deemed urgent by the Committee on Education.

Ghana Civil Aviation Bill, 2024:

This new legislation aims to establish the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as an autonomous entity responsible for aviation safety and security.

The bill repeals and replaces the existing Ghana Civil Aviation Act, 2004, and its amendments.

It provides a legal framework for the GCAA to offer air navigation services in the Accra Flight Information Region until the new Ghana Air Navigation Services Agency is established.

The bill also introduces new safety and security regulations and enhances the GCAA's ability to protect sensitive data.

Ghana Shippers' Authority Bill, 2024

Passed on July 29, 2024, this bill empowers the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) to address issues such as unfair charges, lack of transparency, and ineffective regulation in the blue economy.

The new legislation replaces the 50-year-old establishment law of the GSA, ensuring alignment with global best practices.

The bill aims to protect traders from unfair treatment by multinational shipping service providers and addresses gaps in the previous law and existing Legislative Instruments.

Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Bill, 2024

This bill aims to address social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances in Ghana, stemming from historical discrimination against women and persistent patriarchal norms.

The bill seeks to ensure gender equity in both the public and private sectors.

In addition to the legislative approvals, the meeting featured some key presentations.

One of them was the appearance of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, to present the 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review.

Furthermore, Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, was in the House to provide an update on the commission's preparations for the upcoming 2024 elections.

NAY/AE