Bawumia Urges President Mahama to Suspend Assent to Tribunals Bill

Key Takeaways

• The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to suspend assent to the Tribunals Bill.
• The bill, which has far-reaching consequences, should be subjected to extensive national consultation before becoming law, according to Dr Bawumia.
• The former vice president has requested that key stakeholders, including the judiciary, legal professionals, and civil society organisations, deliberate on the bill's implications.
• The bill will soon be transmitted to the president for his assent after its passage in parliament.

The recent passage of the Tribunals Bill in Ghana's parliament has sparked intense debate over its implications for the country's justice system. The bill, which seeks to establish tribunals to try certain categories of cases, has raised concerns among stakeholders about its potential impact on the judiciary and the rule of law.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has joined the chorus of critics, urging President John Dramani Mahama to suspend assent to the bill pending national consultation. In a televised address to the nation on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Dr Bawumia argued that legislation with such far-reaching consequences should not be rushed through without thorough deliberation by key stakeholders.

Background & Context

The Tribunals Bill is one of several contentious pieces of legislation that have been passed by parliament in recent months. The bill, which was introduced by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), aims to establish tribunals to try cases related to corruption, economic sabotage, and other serious crimes. However, critics argue that the bill undermines the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.

The passage of the bill has been met with opposition from various quarters, including the Ghana Bar Association, the Judiciary, and civil society organisations. They argue that the bill is unconstitutional and that its implementation will undermine the country's justice system.

Key Findings

Dr Bawumia's appeal to President Mahama to suspend assent to the bill is the latest in a series of developments that have highlighted the controversy surrounding the legislation. The bill's passage has been widely condemned by opposition parties, with the NPP and the Progressive People's Party (PPP) vowing to challenge its constitutionality in court.

The bill's implications for the judiciary and the rule of law have also been a subject of intense debate. Critics argue that the bill undermines the independence of the judiciary and creates a parallel justice system that is prone to abuse.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of Dr Bawumia's appeal to President Mahama will be closely watched by stakeholders and the general public. If the president heeds Dr Bawumia's call, it could lead to a national consultation on the bill's implications and potentially delay its implementation.

However, if the president declines to suspend assent to the bill, it could lead to a constitutional crisis and further polarise the country's already fractious politics.