Division over tribunals bill.

The Tribunals bill 2026 laid before Parliament by the Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine which seeks to revive District and Regional Tribunals led to a sharp division among members of the House. Parliament was divided on Thursday during the second reading of the Tribunals Bill, 2026, with the Majority and Minority caucus taking opposing positions on the proposed legislation aimed at establishing tribunals to complement Ghana’s judicial system.The debate centred on whether the creation of new tribunals is necessary to address the growing backlog of cases in the country’s courts.

Presenting the report of the Joint Committee on Constitution, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Judiciary, Committee Chairperson Hon. Shaibu Mahama justified the Bill, arguing that the increasing caseload in the traditional courts has placed significant pressure on the judicial system and necessitates urgent intervention. According to the committee’s report, the backlog of cases in the traditional courts continues to grow by approximately 3,360 cases annually, leading to prolonged delays in the adjudication of disputes and limiting timely access to justice.

Hon. Mahama explained that the proposed tribunals are intended to complement the work of the existing courts by handling specific categories of cases more efficiently, thereby easing the burden on the judiciary and improving the overall administration of justice. He indicated that the committee found merit in the Bill, noting that the establishment of specialized tribunals would contribute to reducing delays and enhancing the speed with which cases are resolved.

However, the Minority Caucus strongly opposed the rationale behind the legislation, insisting that the justification advanced by government does not sufficiently support the establishment of additional tribunals.

Members of the Minority argued that the claim that tribunals are needed to address the backlog of cases in the traditional courts is unconvincing. They maintained that rather than creating new adjudicatory bodies, efforts should be directed at strengthening the capacity of the existing courts through improved infrastructure, increased staffing, and enhanced logistical support.

The Minority further questioned whether the proposed tribunals would effectively resolve the challenges confronting the judiciary or merely create another layer within the justice delivery system.

The Majority Caucus, on the other hand, defended the Bill, contending that the proposed tribunals are not intended to replace the traditional courts but rather to augment the existing judicial framework. According to the Majority, the establishment of the tribunals would expand the country’s justice delivery system, improve efficiency, and ensure quicker determination of cases, particularly in areas where delays have become persistent.

Majority members maintained that the Bill forms part of broader efforts to modernize Ghana’s justice system and provide citizens with faster access to justice while reducing the burden on the conventional courts.

The differing positions of both sides resulted in a spirited debate on the floor of Parliament, highlighting contrasting views on the most effective approach to addressing case backlogs and strengthening the country’s judicial institutions.

The Tribunals Bill remains before Parliament for further consideration as lawmakers continue deliberations on its provisions before a final decision is taken on its passage.

By: Joyce Owusu
Howedey.com reporter