Tribunals can reduce pressure on courts, not undermine democracy – Prof Khalid

Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, an Associate Professor of Accounting and Finance, has refuted claims that specialized tribunals pose a threat to Ghana's democracy. In an interview on JoyNews Newsfile, he emphasized that tribunals could actually help alleviate pressure on regular courts and improve the administration of justice. Prof. Khalid urged the debate to be grounded in evidence and a clear understanding of tribunals' purpose, rather than historical comparisons with periods of authoritarian rule.

He questioned how establishing a tribunal system could, in itself, undermine democracy. Prof. Khalid used examples of tax and employment tribunals to illustrate how such specialized courts could reduce judicial burden and expedite resolution of disputes. He cautioned against conflating the term "tribunal" with Ghana's past experiences of authoritarian rule, such as those under the PNDC era.

Prof. Khalid stressed that the existence of specialized tribunals should not be seen as evidence of democratic regression without considering their structure, powers, and operational methods. His remarks come amid a broader discussion sparked by the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) allegation that Ghana's democracy is under attack. Prof. Khalid maintained that evaluating Ghana's democratic health should be based on empirical evidence, including international democracy and press freedom assessments, rather than isolated political incidents.

He pointed to Ghana's standing in global press freedom rankings as an indicator that may complicate claims of a democratic siege. This debate follows the NPP's "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration, during which the party raised concerns over alleged selective justice, arbitrary arrests, and alleged threats to judicial independence.