The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has argued that Ghana already has adequate laws to deal with political vigilantism and other conduct that threatens the country’s peace and democratic stability.
According to him, the major challenge is not the absence of legislation but the failure to effectively enforce existing laws.
Speaking on Ahotor FM in Accra on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Mr Koomson said the 1992 Constitution and other existing laws provide sufficient legal backing for authorities to deal with individuals whose actions undermine national security and democratic development.
He therefore called on state institutions to focus on enforcing existing legislation rather than continually introducing new laws whenever social and political challenges emerge.
On the controversial Tribunal Bill, Mr Koomson defended the proposed specialised tribunals, rejecting concerns that their establishment could compromise the rights of accused persons.
He explained that tribunals are courts and that individuals brought before them would continue to enjoy their constitutional and legal rights, including the right to appeal decisions.
He said specialised tribunals could also help reduce delays within Ghana’s justice system, particularly delays caused by the frequent adjournment of cases.
Mr Koomson noted that previous governments, including the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, had introduced initiatives aimed at speeding up the administration of justice.
Koomson Recalls Experiences During Rawlings Era
The labour leader also reflected on his experiences during the administration of former President Jerry John Rawlings.
Mr Koomson, who worked as a union secretary at Tema Tyres Limited in the early 1980s, recalled tensions that emerged between organised labour and Workers’ Defence Committees established during the period.
He said some labour leaders were labelled “reactionaries” during the era, experiences which, he noted, influenced his understanding of political activism and the conduct of political cadres.
Mr Koomson also expressed support for President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledging the difficulties associated with governing the country.
He urged Ghanaians to recognise the pressures confronting the government and avoid attributing every challenge facing the country directly to the President.
While expressing confidence in President Mahama’s efforts, Mr Koomson cautioned political actors and government officials against conduct that could erode public confidence in the administration.
