Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has suggested that a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) government would reverse the tribunals system being introduced by the Mahama administration, arguing that the move disrupts Ghana’s existing judicial structure.
Speaking exclusively on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, the Effutu Member of Parliament said the NPP’s position is that regional tribunals are unnecessary and that government should instead focus on improving the existing court system.
“The NPP’s position is very clear. We don’t need these regional tribunals,” he said.
“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.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further stated that any system that interferes with what he described as Ghana’s existing judicial infrastructure would have to be removed.
“Anything that will disturb the existing judicial infrastructure would have to go,” he said.
His comments suggest that an NPP administration could seek to reverse the tribunals framework if the party returns to government. However, he did not specifically state that the legislation would be repealed.
Explaining the process required to make such changes, the Minority Leader said a future government would need both executive authority and parliamentary support to implement major reforms.
“You need executive powers to support your legislative powers in Parliament to effect major reforms, transformations and changes,” he said.
The comments come after Parliament passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026 on July 17, 2026, following a walkout by Minority MPs led by Mr Afenyo-Markin a day earlier.
The Minority has opposed the legislation, arguing that the proposed tribunals could undermine due process and fair trial guarantees.
The government, however, has maintained that the tribunals are intended to improve justice delivery by reducing delays and helping to address the growing backlog of cases before Ghana’s courts.
The bill is currently awaiting transmission to President John Dramani Mahama for assent before it can become law.
Credit: Myjoyonline