Bawumia Urges President Mahama to Withhold Assent to Tribunals Bill

NPP Flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged President John Dramani Mahama not to sign the recently-passed Tribunals Bill into law, and is instead calling for wider national consultation on the legislation. Addressing the issue, Dr Bawumia said: "Mr President, do not assent to this Bill. Pause and let the nation ponder and deliberate on this very important matter."

He argued that the Bill is not the solution to Ghana’s congested judicial system. "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."

The former Vice President also cautioned against using Parliament’s large majority to fast-track legislation.
_"Your government commands one of the largest majorities in the 4th Republic. With such numbers, Parliament can pass almost any Bill it wishes, not everything that can be passed should be passed."

Dr Bawumia further urged the President to engage key stakeholders before making a decision, specifically naming the Ghana Bar Association, civil society organizations, and political parties including the NPP. The Tribunals Bill, 2026 has sparked debate in recent weeks, with groups including the TUC calling for it to be suspended pending the ongoing constitutional review process.

By: Anita Oppong Yeboah