Parliament has passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, paving the way for the re-establishment of tribunals in Ghana under a new legal framework designed to improve access to justice and strengthen the country’s judicial system.
The Bill was passed on Thursday, July 16, after Members of Parliament approved it at the third reading, completing the legislative process in Parliament.
It will now be sent to President John Dramani Mahama for his assent before it becomes law.
Before the final vote, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, requested Parliament’s approval to suspend the Standing Orders that require a one-day gap between the consideration stage and the third reading of a Bill.
Lawmakers accepted the request, allowing the legislation to move directly to its final stage, where it received unanimous approval.
The Tribunals Bill forms part of the government’s broader judicial reform agenda aimed at making the justice system more effective, accessible and efficient.
Dr Ayine, who introduced the Bill earlier this year, explained that the proposed legislation seeks to reduce delays in the hearing and determination of cases while ensuring stronger constitutional safeguards for the operation of tribunals.
According to the Attorney-General, the reintroduction of tribunals is expected to help ease the growing workload on the regular courts, speed up the resolution of disputes and improve the delivery of justice across the country.
Before reaching the floor of Parliament for debate, the Bill underwent detailed examination by the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee.
The committees reviewed its provisions and submitted their recommendations to the House before lawmakers considered and approved the legislation.
Once the President signs the Bill into law, it will provide the legal foundation for establishing a new tribunal system as part of ongoing efforts to modernise Ghana’s justice sector.
