The Executive Director of the Good Governance Advocacy Group Ghana, Listowel Nana Poku, has defended the proposed Tribunals Bill, describing it as a necessary reform that will strengthen accountability, improve access to justice, and help reduce the growing backlog of cases in Ghana’s courts.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Adekyee Mu Nsem programme hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra, Mr. Poku said good governance is centred on serving the people and placing the national interest above partisan politics.
According to him, President John Dramani Mahama entered into a social contract with Ghanaians through the commitments outlined in his 2024 election manifesto and therefore has a responsibility to implement policies that promote accountability and efficient governance.
Mr. Poku said he had long advocated for the re-establishment of tribunals, arguing that they would help address delays in the justice system and expedite the prosecution of corruption and other specialised cases.
“I was even complaining that they should bring the tribunals quickly. If they have brought them, then this is what many of us have been calling for,” he said.
Tribunal Will Ease Pressure on the Courts
Mr. Poku argued that the tribunal system would help decongest the courts by handling specialised cases, particularly those involving economic and financial crimes.
He noted that Ghana has numerous unresolved cases before the courts and stressed that the country should focus on strengthening accountability mechanisms instead of engaging in political arguments that do not improve the administration of justice.
“The tribunal is coming because it will ease the congestion in the courts. We should stop giving unnecessary reasons that do not help accountability,” he stated.
Responding to concerns that the tribunals could be used for political persecution, Mr. Poku said Ghana had previously operated tribunal systems under its legal framework.
“We had tribunals before. Some governments removed them and later we returned to them again. Therefore, the excuses being offered by the NPP do not hold,” he added.
He also questioned why individuals who have not engaged in wrongdoing should fear the establishment of tribunals.
“If you have not done something wrong, why should you worry about the tribunal?” he asked.
Background to the Tribunals Bill
Parliament recently passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish a legal framework for tribunals to handle specific categories of cases, including economic and financial crimes. According to the government, the legislation is intended to speed up the administration of justice, reduce the burden on conventional courts and strengthen the country’s accountability framework.
The bill has, however, generated public debate, with some opposition figures expressing concerns that it could potentially be used against political opponents.
Responds to Bawumia’s Position
Former Vice President and the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is among those who have expressed reservations about the bill. He has urged President Mahama not to assent to the legislation, arguing that it could undermine public confidence in Ghana’s judicial system.
Mr. Poku, however, disagreed with Dr. Bawumia’s position, expressing confidence that President Mahama would implement the law fairly.
“If this tribunal was coming under Nana Addo, I would be worried. But President Mahama is not like Nana Addo, who will abuse this law,” he said.
Supports Debate on Third-Term Agenda
Touching on discussions surrounding a possible third-term bid for President Mahama, Mr. Poku said Ghanaians should be allowed to openly debate the issue and determine whether the Constitution permits such a move.
“In my opinion, we should allow Mahama to go for a third term. Looking at his performance and experience, let’s test the law and see,” he said.
He added that any constitutional questions regarding a third-term bid should ultimately be determined by the Supreme Court after hearing legal arguments from all interested parties.
Calls for Greater Attention to Grassroots Supporters
Mr. Poku also urged the government and political parties to pay greater attention to their grassroots supporters, describing them as the backbone of every political organisation.
According to him, addressing the concerns of grassroots members would be essential to sustaining public confidence in governance and strengthening Ghana’s democratic process.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah | Ahotoronline.com