Former Vice-President and 2028 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama not to assent to the recently passed Public Tribunals Bill, 2026, until broader national consultations are held.
In a national address on Sunday, July 19, Dr Bawumia described the legislation as a major reform with implications for Ghana’s justice delivery system, judicial independence and democratic governance. He urged the President to suspend the assent process and engage key stakeholders, including the Judiciary, Ghana Bar Association, organised labour, civil society groups and political parties.
“I have one respectful request of President Mahama. Mr President – Do not sign this Bill. Pause, and let the nation talk,” he stated.
Dr Bawumia criticised the process through which Parliament passed the Bill, arguing that it was rushed despite concerns raised by the Minority and organised labour.
He also questioned why the legislation was passed before the publication of the report of the Constitution Review Committee, which he said recommended the removal of Regional Tribunals from the Constitution.
He further expressed concerns about provisions allowing non-lawyers to serve on tribunal panels handling criminal matters, warning that the move could revive negative memories associated with past tribunal systems. According to him, challenges with court congestion should instead be addressed through investments in the existing judicial system.
Parliament passed the Public Tribunals Bill, 2026, last week after approving a waiver of the mandatory one-day interval between the consideration stage and third reading. The government has defended the legislation, arguing that the tribunals will help reduce case backlogs, improve access to justice and complement the existing courts.
The Bill will only come into force after presidential assent. The Minority and organised labour have opposed aspects of the legislation, while government maintains that adequate constitutional safeguards are in place to prevent abuse.