Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged caution regarding the proposed Tribunals Bill, warning it could establish a separate justice structure alongside Ghana’s existing constitutional courts. Dr. Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 presidential candidate, made these remarks on July 19, 2026, emphasizing the need to learn from Ghana’s past experiences with tribunals.
He specifically raised concerns about provisions that might allow panels including non-lawyers to preside over criminal matters. Dr. Bawumia argued that criminal adjudication demands robust legal expertise and safeguards to ensure fairness and due process. He believes Ghana’s judicial challenges, particularly court congestion, should be tackled by investing in and reforming the current justice system.
This stance aligns with ongoing discussions about judicial efficiency and access to justice in Ghana. The country’s legal system often faces criticism for case backlogs and slow proceedings, which impact economic activity and investor confidence. Strengthening the existing framework, rather than creating new ones, is seen by some as a more stable approach to judicial reform.
Dr. Bawumia stated, “Ghanaians remember tribunals, and we remember what was done in their name.” He stressed that any changes to Ghana’s justice system must be carefully assessed to bolster public confidence in the rule of law. The introduction of new structures outside the traditional courts could raise questions about consistency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental legal rights.
He acknowledged that Ghana’s courts are congested, but rejected the idea that creating tribunals is the best solution. “The answer to congested courts is to strengthen the courts: more judges, more courtrooms and digitised processes,” Dr. Bawumia asserted. He maintained that increasing the number of judges, expanding court infrastructure, and adopting modern digital systems would provide a more effective response to judicial delays.
Investment in the judiciary would improve access to justice while preserving the constitutional framework already established for the administration of justice. Dr. Bawumia concluded that judicial reforms should aim to reinforce existing courts, improve efficiency, and protect the independence of the judiciary. This approach seeks to avoid the historical pitfalls associated with parallel justice systems in Ghana’s past.
The debate surrounding the Tribunals Bill highlights a critical juncture for Ghana’s legal and governance landscape. Stakeholders, including legal professionals and civil society organizations, are closely monitoring the legislative process. The outcome will significantly influence the future direction of criminal justice administration and the rule of law in the country.