Ghana’s Parliament passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, on July 16, 2026, completely overhauling the nation's tribunal system. This new Act replaces the obsolete framework of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459), aiming to modernise justice delivery and address long-standing issues.
The new legislation introduces a dual-tier system designed to provide operational clarity, reduce case backlogs, and secure human rights safeguards. It also fulfills the constitutional mandate for popular participation in justice. The previous tribunal system, established during military regimes, suffered from historical stigma and dormancy, with its caseload absorbed by the High Court.
This legislative revitalisation follows decades of the tribunals' obsolescence, despite recommendations for their formal de-establishment. The 2012 Government White Paper and the 2025 Constitution Review Committee both advised simplifying the court hierarchy. However, a statutory vacuum remained regarding Article 125(2) of the Constitution, which mandates citizen participation in justice through public tribunals.
Attorney-General Dr. Dominic A. Ayine confirmed significant changes to the Bill before its passage. The version publicly available since May 18, 2026, gazette notification outlines the core reforms. This move signals a significant step towards judicial reform and efficiency in Ghana.
The Tribunals Act, 2026, introduces profound structural and administrative changes. Section 58 of the new Act consequentially amends Act 459, deleting references to Regional Tribunal jurisdictions. It formally repeals sections 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 of the old law, which governed the composition and jurisdiction of the previous tribunals.
Under the new Act, a tribunal panel will consist strictly of a Chairman and not less than two other members, refining the previous setup. Section 7(1)(c) explicitly allows the Chief Justice to designate non-lawyers as panel members for specified periods. This provision aims to fulfill the spirit of popular participation in justice administration.
Crucially, sections 8(2) and 10(2) introduce a strict bar against political interference. A person cannot be appointed as a Chairman if they are a sitting Member of Parliament or hold a political office. This measure directly addresses historical concerns about the political weaponisation of tribunals.
The 2026 Act also establishes District Tribunals, creating a fresh lower tier in the judicial system. These tribunals will feature a Chairman qualified to be a Circuit Court Judge, sitting with two panel members. This expansion aims to improve access to justice at the local level.
Jurisdiction has also been realigned and expanded. Section 16 of the Tribunals Act, 2026, grants concurrent original jurisdiction with the High Court for an expanded list of contemporary legislation. This includes the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896), Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), and Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). This broadens the scope of cases tribunals can handle, particularly in economic and resource-related crimes.
The new Act creates a clear internal hierarchy by giving Regional Tribunals explicit appellate and supervisory jurisdiction over the newly established District Tribunals within their region. This ensures a structured appeal process and oversight. Section 23 explicitly debars tribunals from hearing constitutional matters, addressing past abuses where tribunals overstepped their bounds into political theatre.
This legislative reform is expected to significantly impact Ghana's legal landscape. It promises a more efficient and accessible justice system, potentially reducing the burden on the High Courts. Businesses and individuals involved in economic crimes or tax evasion could face quicker adjudication processes. The formal establishment of District Tribunals will bring justice closer to communities, enhancing citizen participation. The strict constitutional guardrails and political exclusions aim to restore public trust in the tribunal system. Decision-makers will closely monitor the implementation of these changes and their effectiveness in achieving the stated goals of operational clarity and reduced backlogs.