Public tribunals a backward step for Ghana – Minority slams Ayine

The Minority in Parliament has vehemently opposed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice nominee, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine’s proposal to reintroduce public tribunals, describing it as unnecessary and potentially detrimental to Ghana’s justice system.

During a press conference on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Minority condemned the idea as a regression to a ‘kangaroo’ justice system.

Dr. Ayine, while appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, had proposed the establishment of public tribunals in local communities and districts to complement existing regional ones.

He argued that these tribunals would offer a more accessible and efficient mechanism for resolving certain types of cases, particularly local disputes and criminal matters.

The Minority, however, rejected this justification, asserting that Ghana’s current judicial infrastructure is adequate to meet the country’s justice needs.

They questioned the necessity of reintroducing public tribunals, especially in light of significant progress made in expanding court infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of the Minority at the press conference, John Darko, MP for Suame, tagged the proposal as regressive, highlighting the historical links between public tribunals and abuse of power as well as political interference.

“Mr. Attorney General-designate, why the Public Tribunal? What is our High Court not doing right, necessitating the creation of the Public Tribunal? In the last 8 years, through the District Assembly Common Fund, 110 new courts have been created.

“If it’s about more courts, like the NPP, the NDC should build more. In any event, the Chief Justice has the power to create more specialised courts, including specialised criminal high courts. There is, therefore, no need for the Public Tribunal, which is associated with killing our mothers and fathers.”