Accra: The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has made a direct appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to suspend assent to the recently passed Tribunals Bill, insisting that legislation with such far-reaching consequences should first be subjected to extensive national consultation.
According to Ghana Web, the former vice president addressed the nation on Sunday, July 19, 2026, emphasizing that the bill should not become law until key stakeholders, including the judiciary, legal professionals, organised labour, civil society organisations, and political parties, have had the opportunity to deliberate on its implications. Dr Bawumia argued that reforms affecting Ghana's justice system should be built on broad public consensus rather than a parliamentary majority.
He warned that the judiciary remains one of the country's most important democratic institutions, making it imperative for any changes to its structure to be approached with transparency, inclusiveness, and careful consideration. Making a personal appeal to the president, Bawumia urged him to delay assent and instead open the door for nationwide dialogue.
The NPP flagbearer further proposed that the government convene a broad consultative process involving all relevant stakeholders before making a final decision on the legislation. His comments add to the growing public debate surrounding the Tribunals Bill, with several organisations and legal stakeholders raising concerns over its potential impact on Ghana's justice delivery system.