The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama not to give presidential assent to the recently passed Tribunals Bill.
Speaking during a national address on Sunday, July 19, the former Vice President said the bill could have significant implications for Ghana’s justice system and therefore deserves broader public engagement beyond its passage in Parliament.
Dr. Bawumia maintained that reforms affecting the country’s judicial framework should be developed through consensus rather than relying solely on a parliamentary majority.
He called on the President to halt the assent process and open discussions with key stakeholders, including the Ghana Bar Association, other legal professional bodies, organized labor, civil society organizations, political parties, and the judiciary.
“I have one respectful request of President Mahama. Mr. President, do not assent to this bill. Pause and let the nation talk,” he said.
According to Dr. Bawumia, his appeal is not politically motivated but is intended to ensure that any changes to the country’s justice delivery system command broad public support.
He referenced concerns raised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which has called for the withdrawal of the bill, warning that in its current form it could be used to undermine the impartial administration of justice.
“The Trades Union Congress, the voice of millions of Ghanaian workers, has called for the bill to be withdrawn altogether, warning that in its current form, it could become a potent tool for weaponizing justice delivery; those are the words of Ghanaian workers, not of any political party,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia also pointed to recommendations made by the Constitution Review Committee, established by the current administration, which proposed removing regional tribunals from the Constitution on the grounds that the High Court already performs those functions.
The NPP flagbearer concluded by stressing that the justice system belongs to all Ghanaians and that any legislation reshaping its structure should emerge from national consensus.
“Justice belongs to no government and no party; it belongs to the Ghanaian people. A law that reshapes the architecture of justice should rest on national consensus and not a headcount. Mr. President, the pen is in your hand; use it not to assent to this bill but to write an invitation to the nation,” he maintained.
