Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the composition of the adjudicating panels under the proposed tribunals bill, arguing that the structure could undermine due process and create opportunities for abuse.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, the Effutu MP said it was flawed for only the tribunal chairperson to be required to have legal training while the remaining two panel members could be lay persons without any legal background.

"That is wrong," he said, warning that in a society where personal grievances or "sheer pettiness" could influence decision-making, the justice system must contain adequate safeguards to prevent abuse.

According to Afenyo-Markin, any judicial framework should make it difficult for individuals to manipulate the process or allow bias to influence outcomes.

The panel structure he criticised is one of the defining features of the tribunals bill. Under the legislation, each District Tribunal would be chaired by a legally qualified person and sit with two lay members, reintroducing public participation in the adjudication of criminal cases at the district level.

The bill excludes offences such as treason and crimes punishable by death. However, District Tribunals would have jurisdiction over a broad range of criminal matters currently handled by the Circuit Courts, including offences related to the publication of false news, offensive conduct, rioting and unlawful assembly.

Afenyo-Markin's concerns mirror objections he raised during Parliament's consideration of the bill, where he sought the deletion of Clause 4 because it would create confusion within Ghana's judicial system.

His proposal, however, was opposed by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, and a voice vote by the Majority rejected the amendment.

Parliament subsequently passed the tribunals bill on July 17, 2026. The legislation now awaits presidential assent before it can become law.