A new bill seeking to establish regional and district tribunals is expected to strengthen Ghana’s justice delivery system by improving access to justice and supporting faster resolution of cases, according to the government.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dominic Ayine made the case in Parliament during the second reading of the Tribunal Bill, 2026, assuring lawmakers that the proposed tribunal system would operate within the safeguards of the 1992 Constitution.
He dismissed concerns that the new tribunals would revive the abuses associated with the PNDC era, insisting that the proposed framework protects the rights of citizens while complementing the existing judiciary.
Government Pushes Tribunal Reform
Mr. Ayine explained that the bill seeks to establish the legal framework for the creation, jurisdiction, composition and operation of regional and district tribunals.
According to him, the proposal also includes the establishment of a Tribunal Oversight Committee to monitor and evaluate the work of the tribunals.
He said the reforms are intended to strengthen Ghana’s justice system rather than replace the courts.
Constitutional Safeguards
The Attorney-General assured Parliament that each tribunal would be chaired by a lawyer qualified to serve as a High Court or Circuit Court judge and appointed by the Chief Justice.
Two additional members would serve alongside the chairperson, while all tribunal proceedings would operate within the constitutional framework.
Mr. Ayine stressed that the tribunals are not intended to be instruments for political prosecution.
Read Also: Some 1D1F Factories Now Used as Churches
Opposition Raises Concerns
Despite the government’s assurances, Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, opposed the bill.
He argued that Ghana’s existing court system has served the country effectively under the Fourth Republic and questioned the need for regional tribunals.
Mr. Jinapor urged government to strengthen and adequately resource the existing courts instead of creating additional judicial structures.
Speaker Calls for Open Debate
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin encouraged lawmakers to examine the bill on its merits rather than allowing historical perceptions of tribunals to influence their judgment.
He noted that tribunal systems exist in different forms internationally and within traditional governance structures, adding that Parliament should focus on ensuring adequate safeguards against abuse.
Improving Justice Delivery
Government believes the proposed legislation will improve access to justice while enhancing the efficiency of Ghana’s judicial system.
Debate on the Tribunal Bill is expected to continue as Parliament considers the proposed reforms and their potential impact on justice administration across the country.
