The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has cautioned President John Dramani Mahama against assenting to the Tribunals Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation has far-reaching implications for Ghana’s justice system, judicial independence and democratic future.

Dr Bawumia made the appeal following Parliament’s passage of the Bill, despite objections from the Minority Caucus and organised labour, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which called for its withdrawal.

In a statement, the former Vice-President urged President Mahama to withhold his assent and allow broader national discussions on the proposed reintroduction of tribunals into Ghana’s judicial architecture.

“Mr President — do not sign this Bill. Pause, and let the nation talk,” Dr Bawumia stated.

He stressed that his appeal was not driven by partisan considerations but by concerns shared by various stakeholders over the potential impact of the legislation on public confidence in the justice system.

TUC concerns cannot be ignored

Dr Bawumia said the concerns raised by organised labour should be taken seriously, arguing that the opposition to the Bill goes beyond political party lines.

He referenced the position of the TUC, which has warned that the Bill, in its current form, could become a tool for the “weaponisation of justice delivery”.

“The Trades Union Congress, the voice of millions of Ghanaian workers, has called for the Bill to be withdrawn altogether, warning that in its current form it could become a potent tool for weaponising justice delivery,” he said.

According to Dr Bawumia, the concerns of workers represented a significant national interest that required careful consideration before any final decision was taken.

Publish Constitution Review Committee report

The NPP presidential candidate also questioned the decision to proceed with the legislation before the full report of the Constitution Review Committee had been made available to the public.

He recalled that President Mahama established the committee, which submitted its report in December 2025, but the full document has not yet been published.

Dr Bawumia said the committee recommended the removal of Regional Tribunals from the Constitution because the High Court had effectively absorbed their responsibilities.

He argued that passing legislation to reintroduce tribunals before citizens had access to the review committee’s findings undermined transparency and public participation.

“Before the nation has even read it, Parliament has rushed through and legislated in the opposite direction. Mr President, publish the report first,” he urged.

History of tribunals raises concerns

Dr Bawumia further cautioned against reviving a tribunal system without addressing historical concerns associated with such institutions.

He expressed concern over provisions in the Bill that would allow panels involving non-lawyers to adjudicate criminal matters.

He said Ghanaians still remember previous experiences with tribunals and warned that the country must avoid creating structures that could weaken confidence in justice delivery.

While acknowledging challenges caused by delays and congestion within the courts, Dr Bawumia argued that the solution was to strengthen existing judicial institutions.

“Our courts are congested, yes. But the answer to congested courts is to strengthen the courts: more judges, more courtrooms and digitised processes. It is not to build a second system of justice beside the one the Constitution already gives us,” he stated.

Majority power requires restraint

Dr Bawumia acknowledged that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) enjoys one of the largest parliamentary majorities in the history of the Fourth Republic, giving it the ability to pass legislation.

However, he cautioned that parliamentary numbers alone should not determine decisions on matters affecting national institutions.

“With such numbers, Parliament can pass almost any bill it wishes. Not everything that can be passed should be passed,” he said.

He added that history would not judge laws only by the number of votes behind them, but by whether they reflected the broader interests and aspirations of Ghanaians.

“The larger the majority, the greater the duty of restraint,” he stressed.

Calls for national dialogue

Dr Bawumia called on President Mahama to initiate broad consultations involving key stakeholders, including the Ghana Bar Association, other legal bodies, organised labour, civil society organisations, political parties and the Judiciary.

He said reforms affecting the justice system must be built through consensus rather than parliamentary dominance.

“Justice belongs to no government and no party. It belongs to the Ghanaian people, and a law that reshapes the architecture of justice should rest on national consensus, not on a headcount,” he stated.

He urged President Mahama to use his constitutional authority to facilitate dialogue through the appropriate channels, including consultation with the Council of State in accordance with Articles 90 and 106 of the 1992 Constitution.

“Mr President, the pen is in your hand. Use it, not to sign this Bill, but to write an invitation to the nation,” Dr Bawumia concluded.