Attorney General and Minister of Justice-designate, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has pledged to protect citizens’ rights through the reintroduction of a revamped public tribunal system. This initiative aligns with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto for 2024, which promises to decentralize justice delivery across Ghana’s regions.
The reintroduction of public tribunals aims to enhance accessibility to justice, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to seek redress for grievances.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 13, 2025, Dr. Ayine addressed concerns raised in the Africa Watch Human Rights Report (Volume 4), which highlighted past abuses associated with public tribunals. He assured the committee that under his leadership, such violations would not occur.
Dr. Ayine recognized the importance of learning from previous experiences to create a more effective and equitable system. His commitment to preventing past mistakes reflects a dedication to human rights and the rule of law.
In his vision for the new tribunal system, Dr. Ayine proposed the drafting and passage of a comprehensive Public Tribunal Court Act. This legislation would regulate the operation of public tribunals, establishing clear guidelines to prevent any potential misuse and ensuring that the tribunals uphold the highest standards of fairness and justice.
“My proposal or my thinking going into this office is that we will enact a Public Tribunal Act that will be comprehensive and that will contain restrictions in terms of the conduct of the affairs of the tribunal,” he stated.
Dr. Ayine emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the tribunal system. He believes that by setting strict regulations and standards, the public will have greater confidence in the system.
This trust is essential for the success of public tribunals, which are designed to serve the community and address local issues effectively. By decentralizing justice delivery, citizens will have easier access to legal processes, reducing the barriers that often prevent them from seeking justice.
Furthermore, he reiterated his commitment to realigning the country with the principles of the 1992 Constitution, which emphasizes the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.
This alignment is crucial for fostering a legal environment that respects the rights of all citizens and promotes social justice. Dr. Ayine’s focus on constitutional adherence reflects a broader understanding of the role that the legal system plays in safeguarding democracy and ensuring equitable treatment under the law.
The proposed changes to the public tribunal system come at a time when there is a growing demand for reform in Ghana’s legal framework. Many citizens have expressed frustration with the traditional judicial system, citing delays, high costs, and accessibility issues.
By establishing public tribunals, the NDC aims to provide a more responsive and inclusive approach to justice, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Dr. Ayine’s commitment to the public tribunal system has garnered support from various stakeholders who recognize the potential benefits of such an initiative.
Advocacy groups and human rights organizations have long championed the need for a more decentralized justice system that empowers citizens and promotes local participation in legal processes. The successful implementation of public tribunals could serve as a model for other countries seeking to enhance access to justice and uphold human rights.
Moreover, the establishment of public tribunals aligns with global trends towards restorative justice, which focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior rather than solely punishing the offender.
This approach encourages dialogue, reconciliation, and community involvement, fostering a sense of ownership over the justice process. Dr. Ayine’s vision for public tribunals encompasses these principles, aiming to create a system that not only addresses legal disputes but also promotes healing within communities.
As the country prepares for the reintroduction of public tribunals, Dr. Ayine has called for collaboration among various stakeholders, including legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
He believes that a collective effort is necessary to ensure that the new system meets the needs of all citizens and operates effectively. By engaging with diverse perspectives, the government can create a tribunal system that is responsive to the unique challenges faced by different communities.
In conclusion, Dr. Dominic Ayine’s pledge to revamp the public tribunal system represents a significant step towards enhancing the protection of citizens’ rights in Ghana.
His commitment to establishing a comprehensive Public Tribunal Court Act and ensuring adherence to the principles of the 1992 Constitution reflects a strong dedication to justice and accountability. By decentralizing justice delivery and promoting local participation, the NDC aims to create a more inclusive legal system that serves the needs of all citizens.
As Dr. Ayine prepares to assume his role as Attorney General, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how his vision for public tribunals unfolds. The successful implementation of this initiative could have far-reaching implications for the legal landscape in Ghana, potentially transforming the way justice is delivered and experienced by citizens.
With a focus on fairness, transparency, and community engagement, the revamped public tribunal system holds the promise of empowering individuals and strengthening the rule of law in the country.
