Ghana’s Parliament has approved the Tribunals Bill, 2026, paving the way for the reintroduction of tribunals under a new legal framework intended to improve access to justice and strengthen the country’s judicial system.
The Bill was passed after lawmakers adopted it at the third reading following extensive deliberations in the House on Thursday, July 16. It will now be forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama for assent before it becomes law.
Before the third reading, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, sought the Speaker’s approval to waive the Standing Orders requiring a one-day interval between the consideration stage of a Bill and its third reading.
“May I move that, notwithstanding the provision in Order 172, sub-order 1 of the Standing Orders which requires that when a Bill has passed through the consideration stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least one sitting day has elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Tribunals Bill, 2026 may be moved today. I so move, Mr Speaker,” Dr Ayine said.
Following the approval of the motion, Parliament proceeded with the third reading and subsequently passed the Bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to re-establish tribunals under a revised constitutional and legal framework aimed at improving the administration of justice, reducing delays in the court system and expanding access to legal remedies.
Dr Ayine introduced the Bill earlier this year, describing it as part of broader efforts to reform Ghana’s justice delivery system while ensuring that tribunals operate with appropriate constitutional safeguards.
As part of the legislative process, the Bill was referred to Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee for scrutiny before returning to the House for debate and final approval.
With Parliament’s approval secured, the legislation now awaits presidential assent, after which it will formally become law and provide the legal basis for the establishment of the new tribunal system.
