Parliament passes Tribunals Bill, 2026
Parliament has approved the Tribunals Bill, 2026, following its successful completion of the third reading stage, paving the way for the reintroduction of tribunals under a new legal framework.
The passage of the legislation is expected to enhance access to justice, improve the efficiency of the legal system and provide additional avenues for resolving disputes.
The Bill will now be forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama for his assent before it can become law.
During parliamentary proceedings on Thursday, July 16, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, moved a motion for the Bill to be read for the third time. He also sought the Speaker’s approval to waive the Standing Orders requirement that a one-day interval must elapse between the consideration stage and the third reading.
“May I move that, notwithstanding the provision in Order 172, sub-order 1 of the Standing Orders which requires that when a Bill has passed through the consideration stage, the third reading thereof shall not be taken until at least one sitting day has elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the Tribunals Bill, 2026 may be moved today. I so move, Mr Speaker,” Dr Ayine stated.
The House subsequently approved the motion and passed the Bill, completing the parliamentary procedures required before its submission to the President.
Dr Ayine introduced the Tribunals Bill, 2026 earlier this year, stating that the proposed legislation was intended to strengthen the administration of justice, reduce delays within the court system and re-establish tribunals with the necessary constitutional safeguards.
The Bill was later referred to Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee for detailed examination before it was returned to the House for final consideration.
The approval of the legislation represents a significant step towards establishing a renewed tribunal system, pending presidential assent.