Parliament has passed the Tribunals Bill, 2026, clearing the way for the reintroduction of tribunals under a new legal framework aimed at improving access to justice and strengthening the administration of the country’s judicial system.
The Bill was approved after lawmakers adopted it at the third reading on Thursday, July 16. It will now be forwarded to President John Dramani Mahama for assent before it becomes law.
Before the final vote, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, moved a motion seeking the Speaker’s approval to waive the Standing Orders requiring a one-day interval between the consideration stage and the third reading of a Bill.
Invoking Order 172(1) of Parliament’s Standing Orders, Dr Ayine asked the House to allow the third reading of the Tribunals Bill to proceed on the same day, a motion that was subsequently approved.
The legislation is intended to restore tribunals with constitutional safeguards while helping to reduce delays in the justice system and expand access to legal remedies.
Dr Ayine introduced the Bill earlier this year as part of the government’s broader judicial reform agenda. It was later referred to Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee for scrutiny before being returned to the House for debate and approval.
With Parliament’s approval now secured, the Bill awaits presidential assent before the new tribunal system can be formally established.
