Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice William Atuguba, has cautioned Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, about potential legal repercussions if he disregards a recent Supreme Court decision. The ruling, delivered by a 5-2 majority on Tuesday, overturned Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, thereby restoring the MPs to their roles.
In an interview with JoyNews, Justice Atuguba highlighted that failing to adhere to the ruling could lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment of up to 10 years or a 10-year disqualification from holding any public office.
“In light of this decision, he is bound by the ruling of the Supreme Court,” Justice Atuguba stated. He further noted that non-compliance could result in both imprisonment and disqualification from public office.
Meanwhile, NDC MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, representing South Dayi, noted that for the Supreme Court’s ruling to take effect, Parliament must reconvene and adhere to specific procedural steps. “Parliament is not a one-man entity,” Dafeamekpor explained, stressing that the implementation of the ruling requires due process.