Bagbin risks 10-year jail if he defies Supreme Court—Justice Atuguba

Retired Supreme Court judge, Justice William Atuguba, says Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, could be jailed for 10 years or barred from holding any public office if he does not comply with the Supreme Court verdict.

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, by a seven-member panel led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, declared Mr Bagbin’s ruling on the declaration of four seats as vacant unconstitutional.

The apex court’s judgment overrides Mr Bagbin’s ruling based on his interpretation of Article 97(1)(g) and (h).

Speaking in an interview, Justice Atuguba cited the dire consequences of Mr Bagbin’s failure to adhere to the court’s order.

“In the face of this decision, he is bound by the decision of the Supreme Court.

“It is not necessarily 10 years, you must just suffer a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years. Not only that, 10 years disqualification of holding public office, and if you are a president, you are liable to removal,” he said on JoyNews.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for South Dayi Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor says Parliament will have to get in session and take certain procedural steps before the judgment of the Supreme Court can be given effect.

“Parliament is not a one-man entity, it is a whole organisation, it is an organ of state so this ruling must go through certain procedural processes to give it effect.

“So it is not an automatic thing, procedures would have to be followed,” he noted.