Bawumia Challenges Mahama to Publish Constitution Review Committee Report

Key Takeaways

• Former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has challenged President John Dramani Mahama to publish the report of the Constitution Review Committee.
• The committee, established by the President, recommended removing Regional Tribunals from Ghana's Constitution.
• Bawumia has urged President Mahama to withhold assent to the Tribunals Bill 2026 until the report is published.

The Constitution Review Committee, established by President Mahama in 2025, submitted its report in December 2025. The committee's recommendations have been a subject of interest among Ghanaians, particularly with regards to the proposed Tribunals Bill 2026.

Dr. Bawumia, in his address to Ghanaians on July 19, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. He argued that publishing the report would allow for informed national debate and ensure that the Constitution is reviewed in a manner that reflects the will of the people.

Background & Context

The Constitution Review Committee was established to review and make recommendations on the Constitution of Ghana. The committee's terms of reference included examining the structure and functions of the Judiciary, as well as the role of Regional Tribunals in the country.

Regional Tribunals were introduced in Ghana in 2010 to provide a lower court system for petty offenses. However, their role and jurisdiction have been a subject of controversy, with some arguing that they undermine the authority of the High Court.

Key Findings

According to sources, the Constitution Review Committee recommended that Regional Tribunals be removed from the Constitution. The committee argued that the tribunals have not lived up to expectations and have instead caused confusion and delay in the administration of justice.

Bawumia's challenge to President Mahama is seen as an attempt to force the government to be transparent about its intentions regarding the Tribunals Bill 2026. The bill, if passed, would establish a new framework for the tribunals, but critics argue that it would only serve to entrench their existence.

Broad Implications

The outcome of this debate has significant implications for the rule of law in Ghana. If the Tribunals Bill 2026 is passed without the report being published, it would be seen as a betrayal of the trust reposed in the Constitution Review Committee.

On the other hand, if the report is published and the tribunals are removed from the Constitution, it would be a significant step towards strengthening the Judiciary and ensuring that justice is served in a fair and impartial manner.

Looking Ahead

The fate of the Tribunals Bill 2026 remains uncertain, with President Mahama facing pressure from both the opposition and civil society groups to publish the report. The government has yet to respond to Bawumia's challenge, but it is expected to make a statement soon.

The debate on the tribunals and the Constitution Review Committee's report is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with Ghanaians holding their breath as they await the outcome. One thing is certain, however: the future of the Judiciary and the rule of law in Ghana hangs in the balance.