The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has backed the establishment of regional tribunals to deal with economic crimes and corruption cases, arguing that delays in justice delivery threaten Ghana’s democracy and peace.
Speaking on the debate over the proposed tribunals on the KeyPoints, Prof. Gyampo said the long-standing belief that “justice delayed is justice denied” must be taken seriously, especially in cases involving corruption and economic crimes.
He said research and public opinion surveys have consistently highlighted concerns about the country’s justice delivery system and the slow pace of trials.
“We cannot guarantee the survival of Ghana’s Fourth Republic if we do not do something about corruption and economic crime,” Prof. Gyampo said on July 18.
According to him, many Ghanaians expected decisive action against corruption ahead of the 2024 elections, and the government’s efforts to establish specialised tribunals could help address those concerns.
“One of the reasons why President Mahama had that massive vote in the 2024 election was the belief and expectation that something drastic would have to be done to address economic crime and corruption,” he stated.
Prof. Gyampo criticised the repeated reliance on the argument that justice processes must naturally be slow, saying such delays can weaken public confidence and push some people to seek alternative forms of justice.
He shared a personal experience, “My lawyer told me, ‘Prof, at the minimum we will spend two years to have judgment.’ I said, two years? By the axis of the wheels of justice grinding slowly?” he recounted.
He said while he eventually chose forgiveness, others may not have the patience to wait for lengthy court processes.
“Some people who feel they cannot tolerate this cliché that we have fashioned as a people may want to take things into their own hands. And when they do that, we cannot guarantee the survival of our peace and democracy,” he warned.
Prof. Gyampo argued that the proposed tribunals are different from those established during the PNDC era, pointing out that the current proposal derives its authority from the 1992 Constitution.
He said unlike the previous tribunals, the new ones would focus specifically on economic crimes and corruption, operate under constitutional safeguards and allow for appeals.
“The tribunals that are to be established now find their roots in constitutional provisions. They are not the same as those established during the revolutionary era,” he said.
He also noted that the current system provides stronger protections for human rights compared to the previous tribunals.
On concerns about non-lawyers serving on tribunal panels, Prof. Gyampo defended the participation of ordinary citizens, referencing jury systems used in other jurisdictions.
“If we believe in trial by jury, then we should not suddenly be apprehensive when other people who are not lawyers sit and comment on your conduct,” he said.
He added that citizens who understand the context of a community may sometimes offer valuable perspectives in justice delivery.
Prof. Gyampo, however, urged that concerns raised about the tribunals must be addressed to ensure they do not undermine fairness and constitutional rights.
“If there are fears, we should be mindful of them so that as we pursue this agenda, we ensure those fears do not manifest,” he said.
He concluded that he would support the tribunals if they help recover stolen state resources and deliver justice faster without compromising the rights of accused persons.
“If this would facilitate the recovery of all loots and ensure quick dispensation of justice without compromising human rights, then I think we are in a good place.”
