Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has warned that the government's proposal to establish public tribunals could undermine judicial independence and disrupt Ghana's constitutional justice delivery system.

The Member of Parliament for Effutu has expressed concern over the government's proposal to establish public tribunals, warning that the move could weaken the country's judiciary and compromise the rule of law.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that Ghana's existing judicial architecture has served the country well under successive governments and should be strengthened instead of creating parallel structures.

He noted that when Ghana transitioned from military rule to constitutional democracy, the country deliberately moved away from the regional tribunal system in favour of the conventional court structure.

According to him, the justice system already provides a clear hierarchy—from the District Courts through the Circuit and High Courts to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court—with specialised courts established where necessary to deal with specific categories of cases.

"We did away with the regional tribunal system because we wanted to stick to the known court structure," he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin maintained that concerns about delays or shortcomings in the judiciary should be addressed through reforms rather than by establishing new tribunals.

He called for greater investment in court infrastructure, digital technology, judicial training and improved conditions of service for judges to ensure faster and more efficient justice delivery.

The Minority Leader also questioned the composition of the proposed tribunals, noting that while the chairperson would have legal training, the other two members would be lay persons with no legal qualifications.

He argued that the arrangement could result in legally trained members being outvoted by individuals without legal expertise, increasing the risk of decisions influenced by personal bias rather than the law.

According to him, the proposed tribunal system could also create uncertainty within Ghana's justice delivery framework and weaken confidence in the judiciary.

Mr Afenyo-Markin further questioned why government was seeking to introduce tribunals when previous administrations, including those of the late President John Evans Atta Mills, and former President Nana Akufo-Addo, all relied on the existing court system.

"If there are concerns about the judiciary, let's fix the judiciary. The answer is not to create another body that could make the situation worse," he said.

He maintained that strengthening the independence and capacity of the existing courts remains the most effective way to guarantee justice and uphold the rule of law in Ghana.