The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to refrain from assenting to the recently passed Tribunals Bill, arguing that such a significant piece of legislation should only become law after broad national consultations with key stakeholders.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, July 19, Dr. Bawumia expressed concern over the passage of the bill and appealed to the President to suspend the assent process to allow for wider engagement with groups that have a direct interest in Ghana’s justice system.
According to the former Vice President, laws that have far-reaching implications for the country’s judicial architecture must be shaped through consensus rather than relying solely on parliamentary numbers.
He maintained that involving relevant professional bodies, civil society organisations, labour groups and political parties would help build public confidence in the legislation and ensure that any reforms reflect the collective interests of Ghanaians.
Dr. Bawumia stressed that the judiciary is a vital pillar of Ghana’s democracy and that any attempt to alter the framework within which justice is administered should be approached with caution, openness and inclusivity.
He therefore urged President Mahama to initiate a comprehensive national dialogue before taking any further steps on the bill.
“The bill will soon be transmitted to the president for his assent, and I have one respectful request of President Mahama. Mr. President, do not assent to this bill. Pause and let the nation ponder and deliberate on this very important matter.
“This is not a partisan request. The Trades Union Congress and the voice of millions of Ghanaian workers have called for the bill to be withdrawn, warning that in its current form, it could become a potent tool for weaponising justice delivery
“Those are the words of Ghanaian workers, not of any political party. Consider also the government’s own process. The president established the Constitution Review Committee and it recommended removing regional tribunals from the constitution because the High Court has long carried their case loads.”
“My call is simple and constructive, withhold your assent. Convene genuine national engagement. Invite the Ghana Bar Association and other lawyer groups, Organised Labour, CSOs and the political parties including my own and we will come in good faith and consult the judiciary itself.
“Justice belongs to no government and no party, it belongs to the Ghanaian people and a law that reshapes the architecture of justice should rest on national consensus and not a headcount.
“Mr. President, the pen is in your handy, use it not to assent to this bill but write an invitation to the nation.”
