The Tribunals Bill, 2026 has cleared Parliament after lawmakers approved the legislation following its third reading, setting the stage for the return of tribunals under a revised legal framework.
The Bill will now be forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama for assent before it becomes law.
Its passage marks a significant step in government's efforts to strengthen the justice delivery system, improve access to legal remedies and address delays within the courts.
Proceedings took an unusual turn on Thursday when Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, sought the Speaker's permission to waive the Standing Orders requiring a one sitting day interval between the consideration stage and the third reading of a Bill.
"May I move that, notwithstanding the provision in Order 172... the motion for the third reading of the Tribunals Bill, 2026 may be moved today," Dr Ayine told the House.
The request was granted, allowing lawmakers to proceed immediately with the third reading before approving the legislation.
Tribunals Bill Focus on Justice Reform
Dr Ayine first introduced the Bill earlier this year, arguing that the proposed law would improve access to justice while helping reduce the backlog of cases before the courts.
He also maintained that the new tribunal system would operate under constitutional safeguards designed to strengthen fairness and accountability.
Before returning to the chamber, the Bill underwent detailed scrutiny by Parliament's Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee.
With Parliament's work now complete, attention shifts to the Presidency, where President Mahama is expected to consider the legislation for assent.
Once signed into law, the new Act will provide the legal framework for the reintroduction of tribunals as part of Ghana's judicial system.
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