Economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. George Domfeh, has raised concerns over a provision in the newly passed Tribunals Bill, 2026, warning that allowing non-lawyers to sit on panels handling criminal cases could have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s justice system and democratic governance.
In a statement shared on social media, Dr. Domfeh questioned whether Clause 4 of the bill indeed permits individuals without legal training to participate in the adjudication of criminal matters.
“Did I hear correctly that Clause 4 of the Tribunals Bill allows non-lawyers to sit on panels handling criminal cases? Interesting! In these politically charged times, such reforms raise serious questions,” he wrote.
He cautioned that while judicial reforms may be necessary to improve the administration of justice, they must not undermine public confidence in the country’s legal system.
“Are we strengthening justice or creating another path towards one-party dominance? We must tread carefully to protect Ghana’s peace and democracy. Ghana deserves better!” Dr. Domfeh stated.
His comments come in the wake of Parliament’s approval of the Tribunals Bill, 2026, on July 16, 2026, after an intense debate that culminated in a walkout by the Minority Caucus.
The bill, which is yet to receive presidential assent from President John Dramani Mahama before becoming law, seeks to reintroduce a modernized Regional and District Tribunal system as part of efforts to reduce the growing backlog of cases in Ghana’s conventional courts.
According to the objectives of the legislation, the tribunals will specialize in hearing selected categories of cases that require expedited adjudication.
These include illegal mining (galamsey), tax and customs-related offences, fraud, corruption, and cases involving financial losses to the state.
Government has argued that the establishment of the tribunals will improve access to justice, speed up the resolution of complex cases, and ease the burden on the regular courts.
However, the legislation has generated significant public and political debate, particularly over concerns relating to the composition of tribunal panels and their potential impact on judicial independence.
Critics have questioned whether the inclusion of persons who are not trained legal practitioners in criminal adjudication could compromise the quality and fairness of judicial decisions, while supporters maintain that tribunals have historically incorporated members with specialized expertise to assist in determining cases.
The Minority in Parliament opposed aspects of the bill during its consideration, arguing that certain provisions could weaken the administration of justice and expose the tribunal system to political influence.
With the bill now awaiting presidential assent, legal experts, civil society groups, and political stakeholders are expected to continue scrutinizing its provisions as discussions over judicial reforms and the protection of Ghana’s democratic institutions intensify.
Dr. Domfeh’s intervention adds to the growing public discourse surrounding the legislation, underscoring the need for transparency and broad stakeholder engagement before the new tribunal system takes effect.
By 1960news.com
