The Parliament of Ghana has approved the Tribunals Bill 2026 following its third reading, advancing the government’s plan to re-establish regional tribunals within the country’s judicial framework.
The bill was introduced in June by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine. It was subsequently referred to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee for detailed examination before returning to the full House for debate and final approval.
According to the Attorney General, the legislation aims to enhance access to justice and alleviate the growing backlog of cases in the regular courts.
He cited Article 142 of the Constitution, which provides for the integration of regional tribunals into the judicial structure.
The bill, however, faced significant opposition mainly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and theTrades Union Congress (TUC).
The critics had called for its immediate withdrawal, arguing that it was not in the national interest.
During the third and final reading, Minority members raised concerns over specific provisions, particularly demanding the deletion of Clause 4 but Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga countered that the bill would proceed regardless of the duration of deliberations.
Following a voice vote, the Minority boycotted the remainder of the proceedings, stating they would not be part of a decision establishing what they described as an “analogous system.”
The House ultimately passed the bill, marking a significant step in the government’s judicial reform agenda.
The legislation will now be transmitted to President John Dramani Mahama for presidential assent before it can become law.
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