The Minority in Parliament has kicked against plans to bring back tribunal courts, warning that the move could be used to victimize political opponents and create positions for party allies.
Taking part in discussions on the Tribunals Bill, 2026, the Damongo MP, Samuel Jinapor, argued that Ghana should rather improve the current judicial system instead of setting up new courts. He said the existing structure, District Magistrate Courts, Circuit Courts, High Courts, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, can deliver justice better if given more resources.
“Why more courts? With respect, why do we keep creating new institutions? We already have High Courts. Why Regional Tribunals?” he asked. Mr Jinapor suggested government should follow the example of the previous administration by building more court complexes, hiring more judges and judicial staff and expanding existing courts to reduce case backlogs.
“Construct more court buildings, employ more judges, employ more staff. If we want juries, let’s introduce juries,” he added.
The MP further raised fears that the proposed tribunals could be misused for political ends.“I don’t want to believe this is about ‘jobs for the boys.’ I don’t want to believe we will appoint some lawyers as chairpersons of regional tribunals just to give them jobs,” he stated.
He described regional tribunals as a throwback to an era of “bad and frightening memories” and urged government to stick with the current court system used in other democratic countries.
“Let’s keep the District Magistrate Court, Circuit Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. That is what works in civilized nations. We don’t need regional tribunals,” he said.
In response, Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine defended the proposal. He said reinstating tribunal courts is meant to make justice more accessible to ordinary Ghanaians.Dr. Ayine gave assurance that any past abuses linked to the tribunal system will be checked, and that operations will be guided by the Constitution.
