Dr. Dominic Ayine, Attorney General and Minister of Justice-designate, has pledged to spearhead sweeping reforms in Ghana’s justice system while safeguarding the nation’s interests in international legal and economic matters.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 13, 2025, Dr. Ayine outlined his priorities, including the revival of a restructured public tribunal system and strengthening Ghana’s position in global legal agreements.
A key element of his vision is the reintroduction of public tribunals, a commitment aligned with the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) 2024 manifesto. While acknowledging past criticisms of human rights abuses associated with these tribunals, Dr. Ayine assured the committee that his administration would prioritize fairness and adherence to constitutional principles.
“My proposal is to enact a comprehensive Public Tribunal Court Act that ensures the tribunals operate within strict legal parameters,” he said. “This framework will decentralize legal services, uphold the rule of law, and prevent any form of human rights violations.”
He further emphasized that the proposed Act would include safeguards to protect citizens’ rights and avoid misuse of power. “Under my watch, human rights abuses will not occur,” Dr. Ayine assured.
On international legal matters, Dr. Ayine committed to protecting Ghana’s interests in arbitration and contract negotiations, drawing on his extensive expertise in international legal practice. “I am well-versed in handling cases before international bodies such as the London Court of International Arbitration,” he stated. “I will ensure that the country’s resources and interests are not compromised through poorly negotiated agreements.”
The Attorney General-designate also defended the previous NDC administration’s record on judgment debts, asserting that no questionable incidents occurred during its tenure.
If confirmed, Dr. Ayine’s leadership is expected to bring significant reforms to Ghana’s justice system, enhance access to justice, and strengthen the nation’s global legal standing.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
