The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama not to assent to the recently passed Tribunals Bill, calling for broader national consultations before the legislation becomes law.
Speaking in a national address on Sunday, July 19, the former Vice President said the bill carries significant implications for Ghana’s justice system and should not be passed without input from key stakeholders, including legal professionals, civil society groups, labour organisations and political parties.
“Mr President, do not assent to this bill. Pause and let the nation ponder and deliberate on this very important matter,” Dr Bawumia said, stressing that partisan interests did not drive his appeal.
He argued that laws affecting the country’s judicial architecture must be built on consensus rather than determined solely by a parliamentary majority.
Dr Bawumia cited concerns raised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which has called for the withdrawal of the bill, warning that its current form could potentially be used to undermine the fairness of justice delivery.
“The TUC, the voice of millions of Ghanaian workers, has called for the bill to be withdrawn altogether, warning that in its current form it could become a potent tool for weaponising justice delivery,” he said.
The NPP leader maintained that involving a wider range of stakeholders would strengthen public confidence in the legislation and ensure that any reforms serve the broader interests of Ghanaians.
He further explained that the judiciary remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s democracy and urged caution, transparency and inclusiveness in any effort to reform the system.
