Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has suggested that a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) government would reverse the tribunal system being introduced by the Mahama administration, arguing that the framework could disrupt Ghana’s existing judicial structure.
The Effutu Member of Parliament said the NPP does not support establishing regional tribunals and believes the government should instead focus on strengthening the existing court system.
“The NPP’s position is very clear. We don’t need these regional tribunals,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
He argued that resources should be directed towards improving the capacity of Ghana’s courts through better infrastructure, training and the appointment of judges with the required integrity to administer justice.
“What we need to do is to strengthen our court system, invest in retooling, train our judges and get those with the necessary integrity to man our courts and dispense justice without fear or favour,” he added.
The Minority Leader further stated that any system that interferes with Ghana’s established judicial arrangements would have to be removed.
“Anything that will disturb the existing judicial infrastructure would have to go,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin was more explicit in indicating that an NPP government could reverse the tribunal framework if the party returns to power.
“If the NPP returns to power, we will reverse the tribunal system because it has become susceptible to abuse and political manipulation,” he stated.
He explained that implementing such major reforms would require both executive backing and parliamentary support.
“You need executive powers to support your legislative powers in Parliament to effect major reforms, transformations and changes,” he said.
The comments follow Parliament’s passage of the Tribunals Bill, 2026, on July 17, after Minority MPs staged a walkout during proceedings in protest against the legislation.
The Minority has opposed the bill, arguing that the creation of regional tribunals could undermine due process and fair trial guarantees, while raising concerns about possible political interference in the justice system.
Government, however, has defended the legislation, explaining that the tribunals are intended to improve justice delivery, reduce delays and help address the growing backlog of cases before Ghana’s courts.
The bill is currently awaiting presidential assent before it becomes law.
