Political scientist cites historical concerns over proposed regional tribunals

Dr Joshua Ebuntie Zaato, a senior lecturer in the University of Ghana’s Department of Political Science, has said the proposed return of regional tribunals has prompted anxiety among Ghanaians because of the country’s historical experience with such bodies.

Speaking on a radio current-affairs programme, Dr Zaato said the term “tribunal” carried painful associations for many people, linking the reaction to human rights abuses that occurred under previous tribunal systems.

He argued that those experiences had made sections of the public sceptical about the policy, despite the revised legal framework proposed in the new legislation.

His comments follow Parliament’s passage of the Tribunals Bill, 2026. The bill seeks to reintroduce regional tribunals, with the stated aim of strengthening the administration of justice and improving access to legal remedies.

Debate over the bill

Dr Zaato said opposition to the proposal had drawn together a broad range of critics. He maintained that, apart from the government, he had not seen a recognised organisation publicly endorse the tribunal system.

That assertion reflects his assessment of the public debate and was not accompanied by a list of organisations or a survey of views.

Supporters of the legislation have rejected suggestions that the tribunals are designed to pursue political opponents. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has said the system is intended to speed up the handling of cases and address delays associated with the conventional court process.

However, critics have continued to raise concerns about the historical legacy of tribunals, as well as questions over justice and due process under any reintroduced system.

The debate places the proposed regional tribunals at the centre of a wider discussion about how Ghana can improve timely access to justice while addressing public concerns rooted in the country’s past.