Ghana Minority Urges President to Reject Tribunals Bill Over Rights Concerns

Ghana's Minority Caucus has called on President John Dramani Mahama to withhold his assent from the recently passed Tribunals Bill. Parliament adjourned sine die with the Minority expressing strong reservations about the legislation, which seeks to establish a clear constitutional and statutory basis for tribunals within Ghana's legal system.

While the bill intends to address gaps in the legal framework and remove the historical stigma associated with public tribunals, the Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, highlighted significant concerns. He acknowledged that the Constitution permits public tribunals but warned that the system evokes memories of alleged excesses during the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) era. A key point of contention is the provision allowing individuals without legal qualifications to serve on tribunal panels and adjudicate serious cases, which the Minority fears could undermine justice administration.

"Mr Speaker, we have walked this dangerous road before. In the 1990s, public and community tribunals were accused of grave human rights abuses," Afenyo-Markin stated, urging the President to reject the bill. The Minority's position aligns with that of their flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. They also support the recommendation of the Constitutional Review Committee, chaired by Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, to abolish the tribunal system entirely and transfer its functions to regular courts.

In contrast, the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr. Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, highlighted the government's economic progress, referencing the Mid-Year Budget Review. He commended Parliament's productivity during the session, noting that eight out of sixteen introduced bills were passed. The Minority Caucus also indicated they would review the government's position paper on proposed constitutional amendments. Notably, Parliament adjourned without revisiting the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, despite prior assurances.

“

Mr Speaker, we have walked this dangerous road before. In the 1990s, public and community tribunals were accused of grave human rights abuses