Bawumia To Mahama: “Don’t Sign Tribunals Bill” - Call For National Dialogue

NPP Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged President John Dramani Mahama not to assent to the newly passed Public Tribunals Bill, 2026, saying such a major law needs wider national consultation first.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, July 19, Dr. Bawumia asked the President to pause the assent process and open the bill up for broader engagement with key stakeholders in Ghana’s justice system.

According to him, legislation that affects the country’s judicial structure should be built on consensus, not just parliamentary majority.

“Laws with far-reaching implications for our judicial architecture must be shaped through consensus rather than relying solely on parliamentary numbers,” he said.

Dr. Bawumia argued that professional bodies, civil society, labour groups and political parties should all be involved to build public trust and ensure the reforms reflect the interests of Ghanaians.

He described the judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy and warned that any changes to how justice is administered must be handled with caution, openness and inclusivity.

*Key parts of his appeal:*

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“The bill will soon be transmitted to the president for his assent, and I have one respectful request of President Mahama. Mr. President, do not assent to this bill. Pause and let the nation ponder and deliberate on this very important matter.

“This is not a partisan request. The Trades Union Congress and the voice of millions of Ghanaian workers have called for the bill to be withdrawn, warning that in its current form, it could become a potent tool for weaponising justice delivery.”

The former Vice President also referenced the Constitution Review Committee set up by government, which he said recommended removing regional tribunals because the High Court already handles those cases.

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“My call is simple and constructive, withhold your assent. Convene genuine national engagement. Invite the Ghana Bar Association and other lawyer groups, Organised Labour, CSOs and the political parties including my own and we will come in good faith and consult the judiciary itself.

“Justice belongs to no government and no party, it belongs to the Ghanaian people and a law that reshapes the architecture of justice should rest on national consensus and not a headcount.