Ghana: Withhold Assent to Tribunals Bill - Dr Bawumia Appeals to Pres Mahama

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a Ghanaian Times report from Accra dated 21 July 2026, says former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged President John Dramani Mahama not to assent to the Tribunals Bill, 2026 yet. Bawumia, now flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party, called for wider consultations before the measure becomes law, arguing that it could significantly reshape Ghana’s justice system and affect public confidence in the courts.

According to the report, Bawumia made the appeal in a live television address, criticizing the speed of the Bill’s passage through Parliament. He said lawmakers waived the usual one-day gap between the Consideration Stage and Third Reading, despite objections from the Minority and organised labour. He also cited the Trades Union Congress’ public opposition to the Bill, including concerns that it could be used to politicize or weaponize justice delivery.

Bawumia further questioned why the government was moving ahead before publishing the Constitution Review Committee’s report, which he said recommended removing Regional Tribunals from the 1992 Constitution because the High Court had taken over their jurisdiction. He argued that court delays should be addressed by appointing more judges, improving court infrastructure and digitising processes, rather than creating what he characterized as a parallel justice structure.

The report says Bawumia asked Mahama to publish the committee report and convene dialogue with legal bodies, organised labour, civil society, political parties and the Judiciary. He also urged use of constitutional procedures involving the Council of State before any final decision. The issue matters because it touches on the structure, legitimacy and independence of Ghana’s justice system.