Justice Atuguba questions rationale behind Ghana’s 276 parliamentary seats

Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has questioned the rationale behind Ghana’s 276 parliamentary seats, raising concerns about whether the large number of lawmakers has brought any real benefit to Ghanaians.

Delivering remarks at the Justice DF Annan Memorial Lecture on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Justice Atuguba stated that Ghana’s legislature has expanded far beyond what is necessary for a country of its size.

“I don’t know why, for a small country like Ghana, the number [which] was 100 or so, [has gone] up to 270 - for what reason and purpose? What is the true benefit to the people for this kind of thing?” he asked.

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He also acknowledged the position of former Majority Leader Osei Kyei‑Mensah‑Bonsu, who has previously cautioned against creating additional parliamentary seats, stressing that the current number already strains resources without clear advantages for governance.

Justice Atuguba’s remarks add to ongoing debates about the size of Ghana’s legislature and whether reforms are needed to ensure efficiency and accountability in parliamentary representation.

Watch his comments below:

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Watch Justice Atuguba's full speech at Justice D.F. Annan memorial lecture

below: