Retired Supreme Court Judge, Justice William Atuguba, has warned Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin there will be dire consequences should he fail or refuse to comply with the judgment of the Supreme Court.
The apex court on Tuesday, by a 5-2 majority decision, overturned Speaker Bagbin’s declaration of four seats as vacant, restoring the status quo in the House.
In an exclusive interview with JoyNews’ Elton Brobbey, Justice Atuguba, who at some point served as acting Chief Justice, explained that the Speaker could face up to 10 years in jail or be barred from holding public office if he does not comply with the orders of the Court.
“In light of this decision, he is bound by the ruling of the Supreme Court,” he said.
“It is not necessarily 10 years; the Speaker must serve a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years. Additionally, he could face a 10-year disqualification from holding public office. If you are a president, you are also liable to removal,” Justice Atuguba added on Tuesday.
With Parliament currently on an indefinite suspension, NDC MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, stated that the House would have to reconvene and follow certain procedural steps before the judgment of the Supreme Court can take effect.
“Parliament is not a one-man entity; it is an entire organization, an organ of the state. Therefore, this ruling must go through certain procedural processes to be implemented,” he said.
“So, it is not an automatic thing; procedures must be followed,” Dafeamekpor concluded.
