Bawumia Urges Mahama Not to Assent to Tribunals Bill
Former Vice President warns proposed legislation could undermine judicial independence and Ghana’s democratic gains.
By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku | GhanaianNewsCanada | Accra, Ghana | July 20,2026
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has launched a strong attack on the recently passed Tribunals Bill, 2026, describing it as a dangerous step that could reverse Ghana’s democratic progress and weaken confidence in the country’s justice system.
In a national address, Dr. Bawumia urged President John Dramani Mahama to withhold assent to the legislation, arguing that the reintroduction of public tribunals risks reviving painful memories of a period many Ghanaians associate with injustice and fear.
The former Vice President maintained that Ghana’s democracy has matured beyond the need for tribunals, insisting that government should instead invest in strengthening the existing court system by improving infrastructure, appointing more judges and speeding up the delivery of justice.
Calls for Judicial Reform Instead
Dr. Bawumia said while every country must strive for an efficient justice system, creating parallel adjudicating bodies is not the solution.
According to him, resources should be directed toward reducing case backlogs, digitising court processes and enhancing the independence of the judiciary rather than establishing new tribunals.
He also warned that public confidence in the administration of justice could be undermined if tribunals are perceived as politically influenced or lacking sufficient constitutional safeguards.
Democracy Must Be Protected
The former Vice President stressed that Ghana’s democratic gains have been built on the rule of law, constitutional governance and respect for fundamental human rights.
He cautioned against reforms that could create uncertainty within the justice system, saying the country should continue strengthening institutions rather than introducing structures that may generate public mistrust.
Dr. Bawumia called on civil society organisations, religious bodies, legal professionals and ordinary citizens to remain vigilant in protecting Ghana’s democratic institutions and constitutional order.
Government Defends the Bill
The Mahama administration has rejected concerns surrounding the legislation, insisting that the new tribunals will operate strictly within the framework of the 1992 Constitution.
Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine has repeatedly stated that the Bill includes stronger oversight mechanisms, guarantees due process and is intended to improve access to justice by reducing delays in the courts rather than replacing the existing judicial system.
Parliament passed the Tribunals Bill after a heated debate that saw the Minority stage a walkout in protest. The legislation now awaits presidential assent before it can become law.
Debate Continues
Dr. Bawumia’s address has intensified the national conversation over the future of Ghana’s justice system, with supporters of the Bill arguing that it will improve efficiency while opponents fear it could alter the balance of judicial independence.
The debate is expected to continue as stakeholders await President Mahama’s decision on whether to sign the Bill into law.
