President John Dramani Mahama has signed Ghana’s Tribunals Bill, 2026 into law, completing a controversial legislative process that faced strong resistance from the Minority in Parliament, organised labour and sections of civil society.
The Tribunals legislation was among 10 bills assented to by President Mahama on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, formally bringing the measures into force following their passage by Parliament.
The new law establishes a modern framework for the creation, jurisdiction, composition and operation of tribunals in Ghana. Government argues that the system will improve access to justice, reduce pressure on traditional courts and speed up the determination of certain cases.
Its passage, however, triggered heated political debate.
The NPP Minority strongly opposed the legislation and eventually staged a walkout during its consideration, accusing the Majority of pushing through a system that could create what it described as a parallel structure of justice.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that Ghana should instead invest in strengthening existing District, Circuit and High Courts rather than introducing another adjudicatory structure. During debate over a controversial provision, the Minority’s attempt to have Clause 4 removed was defeated by 135 votes to 16.
Former Vice President and NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia had also publicly appealed to President Mahama not to sign the bill, calling for broader national consultations involving the judiciary, organised labour, lawyers and civil society.
The Trades Union Congress also raised concerns about the legislation, while government representatives maintained that safeguards had been incorporated to prevent abuse and protect citizens’ constitutional rights. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga previously insisted that concerns raised by stakeholders had been considered before Parliament approved the measure.
Supporters of the law say tribunals could help tackle Ghana’s growing court backlog and ensure faster justice in appropriate cases.
With President Mahama’s signature now secured, the debate shifts from whether the tribunal system should return to how it will operate and whether the safeguards promised by government will address fears raised by its critics.
