Parliament has passed the Public Tribunal Bill, 2026, establishing a legal framework for the creation and operation of tribunals in Ghana despite opposition from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and a boycott by the Minority Caucus during the final stages of its consideration.
The legislation provides for the establishment, jurisdiction, composition and operation of tribunals in accordance with the 1992 Constitution and creates a Tribunal Oversight Committee.
It is intended to improve access to justice, safeguard due process, protect citizens’ rights and facilitate the speedy determination of specialised cases.
The bill was laid before Parliament on June 26, 2026, by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on behalf of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, before being referred to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee.
Presenting the rationale for the bill, Dr Ayine said the measure was needed to address the growing backlog of cases in the courts, which he said increases by about 3,360 cases each year.
He added that while Article 142 of the Constitution incorporates Regional Tribunals into Ghana’s judicial structure, the tribunals have become inactive in practice, creating a gap the legislation seeks to address.
During the clause-by-clause consideration, the Minority unsuccessfully sought the deletion of Clause 4, arguing that it would create a parallel judicial system.
A headcount following a challenge to the Speaker’s ruling recorded 16 votes in favour of the amendment and 135 against. The Minority subsequently withdrew from the proceedings before the bill was passed.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin maintained that existing courts should instead be strengthened through reforms and better resourcing.
He also cited concerns raised by organised labour and some civil society groups, including the TUC, which have opposed the reintroduction of tribunals, arguing that Ghana no longer requires such a system.
