Regional Tribunal Bill will uphold human rights — A-G assures Ghanaians
Dr Dominic Ayine, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has assured Ghanaians that the operationalisation of Regional Tribunals under the Regional Tribunal Bill, 2026, will not resurrect the human rights abuses and excesses associated with past tribunals.
Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps at Parliament House, on Wednesday after the Bill was debated by legislators, Dr Ayine said the new dispensation is designed to complement the existing traditional courts and ensure the expeditious administration of justice.
“Operationalising the Regional Tribunal does not intend to resurrect the ghost of the past abuses and excesses, and that will not exist in the new dispensation,” Dr Ayine emphasised.
He explained that the Bill seeks to ensure citizen participation and is aligned with the values of the 1992 Constitution.
To safeguard the rights of citizens, Dr Ayine said, an Oversight Committee under the authority of the Judicial Council will monitor adherence to constitutional provisions and avert potential abuses.
The Attorney-General noted that the chair of a Regional Tribunal would be a lawyer with at least 10 years' experience and qualified to serve as a High Court Judge, while panel members would be individuals of integrity capable of making sound decisions.
Dr Ayine acknowledged the negative history of past tribunals but stressed that the new framework incorporates constitutional safeguards, probity, and accountability. He cited Articles 142 and 126 of the 1992 Constitution as validating the operationalisation of Regional Tribunals.
The Regional Tribunal Bill, 2026, is part of judicial reforms aimed at decentralising justice delivery and reducing delays in the court system. Regional Tribunals are expected to handle specialised cases requiring swift resolution.
During debate on the floor of Parliament, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, NPP Member of Parliament for Damongo, questioned the rationale for reintroducing Regional Tribunals given their historical excesses.
He argued that government should instead strengthen existing traditional courts to clear the backlog of cases, alleging that the move could be politically motivated to create positions for party loyalists.
Despite the concerns, proponents of the Bill maintain that the new tribunals will operate under strict constitutional oversight, ensuring fairness and efficiency in Ghana's justice system.
GNA