Speaker Bagbin Risks 10-Year Jail Term if He Defies Supreme Court Ruling – Atuguba
Retired Justice warns of severe penalties for non-compliance after court overturns Speaker's decision on vacant seats
- Chief Justice Torkornoo-led panel declared Speaker Bagbin’s move to vacate four parliamentary seats unconstitutional
- Justice Atuguba notes Bagbin could face up to 10 years in prison and a decade-long ban from public office
- Non-compliance consequences apply to high-ranking officials
Retired Supreme Court Judge William Atuguba has warned that Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin could face up to a decade in prison if he disregards a recent Supreme Court ruling.
On November 12, 2024, the court, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, ruled against Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, deeming his move unconstitutional.
Justice Atuguba emphasized that non-compliance could not only lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years but also bar Bagbin from holding public office for the same period.
Atuguba further clarified that such consequences extend to high-ranking officials, including potential removal from office for presidents who fail to uphold the court’s authority.
The decision, supported by a 5-2 majority, came as the Supreme Court panel sided with Afenyo-Markin, ruling in favor of his arguments regarding the disputed seats.
