2028 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged President John Dramani Mahama not to assent to the recently passed Tribunal Bill, describing the legislation as one that could undermine Ghana’s democratic governance and judicial independence.
His comment comes after Parliament on Thursday, July 16, passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, after the legislation went through its third reading and received approval from lawmakers.
The passage of the Bill paves the way for the reintroduction of tribunals under a revised legal framework designed to strengthen the administration of justice and improve access to legal remedies.
The legislation is expected to be transmitted to President John Dramani Mahama for his assent before it becomes law.
Addressing Ghanaians on Sunday, July 19, Dr. Bawumia indicated that the bill raises serious constitutional and legal concerns, arguing that its provisions have the potential to erode public confidence in the country’s justice system.
He maintained that laws affecting the judiciary must be subjected to broad national consultation to ensure they strengthen, rather than weaken, democratic institutions.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that President Mahama has a constitutional duty to protect the integrity of Ghana’s democracy by withholding his assent until all concerns raised by legal experts, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders have been adequately addressed.
He stressed that the presidency should act in the national interest rather than along partisan lines.
Dr. Bawumia further called on Parliament to reconsider aspects of the bill, insisting that legislation of such national importance should reflect consensus and uphold the principles of fairness, accountability, and the rule of law adding that Ghana’s democratic gains must not be compromised through laws that could create uncertainty within the justice delivery system.
He also appealed to Ghanaians to remain vigilant and actively engage in discussions on governance and constitutional reforms.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated that his appeal is aimed at safeguarding the country’s democratic credentials and ensuring that future generations inherit strong and independent institutions and expressed hope that President Mahama would carefully consider the concerns raised and decline to assent to the Tribunal Bill in its current form.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Vincent Kwofie