Demonising tribunals before creation could damage public trust – Vanderpuye

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
Former National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has warned that attacking the proposed tribunal system before its establishment could weaken public confidence in the institution.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily programme, Vanderpuye said the proposed tribunals should be assessed based on their purpose, legal framework and effectiveness rather than assumptions about their potential impact.

“If we decide to demonize institutional courts even before they are created, we are setting a step towards people losing confidence in the institution,” he stated.

His comments follow ongoing discussions surrounding the government’s proposed Tribunal Bill, which seeks to reintroduce tribunal courts as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s justice delivery system.

Critics of the proposal have raised concerns about the possibility of the tribunals affecting judicial independence and fairness, while proponents argue that the system could help reduce delays in the justice process and improve access to legal services.

Vanderpuye, however, maintained that institutions must be given the opportunity to operate before conclusions are drawn about their credibility.

He argued that public debate should focus on the structure, mandate and safeguards within the proposed tribunals rather than judging the system based on perceptions or fears.

The former Klottey Korle Member of Parliament further called for a careful review of the bill, stressing that any concerns should be addressed through proper scrutiny of its provisions.

The proposed Tribunal Bill has generated significant public discussion, with legal experts, politicians and civil society groups debating its possible implications for accountability, justice and institutional independence in Ghana.