Former Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour, Abraham Koomson, has argued that Ghana does not necessarily need new laws to deal with political vigilantism and related misconduct, insisting that the key challenge is the effective enforcement of existing legislation.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme in Accra on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Mr. Koomson said the 1992 Constitution and existing laws provide sufficient legal provisions to deal with individuals whose actions threaten the peace, security and democratic development of the country.
He therefore urged state authorities to prioritise the enforcement of existing laws instead of continuously introducing new legislation whenever challenges arise.
Calls for Protection of Cocoa Farmers
Mr. Koomson also called for stronger measures to protect cocoa farmers, particularly in relation to the pricing of cocoa.
He said farmers need a system that protects them from arbitrary changes in cocoa prices, arguing that governments must take the interests of producers into consideration before making decisions that affect their livelihoods.
He further advocated for the revival and expansion of Ghana’s cocoa processing capacity, stressing the need for the country to process more of its raw materials locally instead of exporting them in their raw form.
According to him, increased local processing would help Ghana derive greater economic value from its cocoa resources while creating additional opportunities within the sector.
Koomson Defends Tribunal Bill
On the controversial Tribunal Bill, Mr. Koomson defended the establishment of specialised tribunals, dismissing concerns that such a system would undermine the rights of accused persons.
He explained that tribunals are still courts and that persons who appear before them would continue to enjoy their fundamental legal rights, including the right to appeal decisions.
Mr. Koomson believes specialised tribunals could help address persistent delays within Ghana’s judicial system, particularly the frequent adjournment of cases.
He noted that previous administrations, including the government of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, had introduced measures aimed at fast-tracking the administration of justice.
Reflections on Rawlings Era
Mr. Koomson, who served as a union secretary at Tema Tyres Limited in the early 1980s, also reflected on his experiences during the Rawlings era.
He recalled that the introduction of Workers’ Defence Committees created tensions between the committees and organised labour, with some union leaders being labelled “reactionaries.”
He said his experiences during that period shaped his understanding of political activism and the conduct of some political cadres.
Supports Mahama
Mr. Koomson also expressed support for President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledging the difficulties and pressures associated with governing the country.
He urged Ghanaians not to blame the President for every challenge confronting the country, arguing that Mr. Mahama is doing his best under difficult circumstances.
He, however, cautioned political actors and government officials to avoid conduct that could undermine public confidence in the Mahama administration.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah