The Minority in Parliament staged a walkout during the consideration of the Tribunals Bill, 2026, accusing the Majority of using its numerical advantage to push through the legislation despite objections from legal stakeholders, organised labour and recommendations from the constitutional review process. Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus left the chamber before proceedings continued.
Speaking to journalists after the walkout, Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that the proposed tribunal system could undermine due process and fair trial guarantees, warning that it risked creating a system where individuals could be deemed guilty before their cases were fully determined. He also cited Ghana’s experience with tribunals during the PNDC era, claiming the country’s history should serve as a warning against reintroducing such institutions.
The Minority Leader further accused the Majority of refusing to engage in meaningful dialogue, insisting that Parliament should seek consensus on legislation with significant constitutional implications. He also alleged that the Majority lacked the required quorum earlier in the day and only resumed proceedings after attempting to rally more members, a claim he challenged the media to verify independently.
The Tribunals Bill, 2026, seeks to establish a new legal framework for the constitution, composition, jurisdiction and administration of tribunals under Article 126 of the 1992 Constitution. While the government says the bill is intended to modernise the tribunal system and improve access to justice, critics argue that Parliament should proceed cautiously to ensure the legislation fully protects constitutional guarantees of judicial independence, due process and the right to a fair hearing. Despite the Minority’s protest, Parliament continued deliberations on the bill.