Public tribunals set for comeback as A-G tables new Bill in Parliament

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has presented the Tribunal Bill, 2026 to the Parliament of Ghana, with the goal of reviving public tribunals to enhance the administration of justice and improve access to the courts.

The proposed legislation, which has undergone its first reading in Parliament, seeks to establish a reformed public tribunal system with constitutional backing, oversight mechanisms, and safeguards to ensure due process and protect fundamental human rights.

According to the Attorney-General, the Bill aims to operationalize provisions under Article 126 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which provides for the establishment of tribunals within Ghana's judicial system, but has largely remained dormant over the years.

The proposed reforms are intended to address gaps in the legal framework, reduce the growing backlog of cases in the courts, and expand access to justice, while promoting citizen participation in the adjudication process.

Under the Bill, a two-tier tribunal structure comprising Regional Tribunals and District Tribunals will be established as part of the judiciary, operating under the supervision of the Judicial Council and a proposed Tribunal Oversight Committee.

Regional Tribunals will have concurrent original jurisdiction with the High Court over selected criminal matters, including economic crimes, narcotics offences, tax-related offences, customs violations and cases involving the loss of state funds or property.

District Tribunals will also exercise concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Courts in specified criminal matters, excluding offences such as treason, capital offences and cases triable on indictment.

The Bill, however, excludes matters relating to constitutional interpretation under Article 130 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, human rights violations and any cases expressly excluded by law.

It further outlines guiding principles for the operation of tribunals, including fairness, transparency, efficiency, independence and respect for fundamental human rights, with all decisions subject to appellate review.

The proposed legislation also establishes governance arrangements covering the appointment, discipline, retirement and removal of tribunal members, alongside a code of conduct to regulate their operations.

According to Dr Ayine, the reforms are intended to address historical concerns surrounding public tribunals by creating a modern system anchored in constitutional safeguards, due process and judicial accountability.

The Bill has been referred to Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Judiciary Committees for consideration. The Attorney-General last week met with the joint committee to deliberate on the proposals.