Bagbin is bound by the decision of the Supreme Court – William Atuguba
Retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba has stated that Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin is legally bound to follow the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the vacant seat case. Justice Atuguba highlighted that any defiance of this ruling could lead to serious legal consequences for the Speaker, including a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years, disqualification from holding public office for the same period, and even potential removal if he were president.
Speaking on Joy News on Tuesday, November 12, Justice Atuguba emphasized the importance of adhering to the Supreme Court’s authority. “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,” he explained.
Dr. Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of the African Center for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), also weighed in, noting that as a country governed by the rule of law, he expects Mr. Bagbin and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to respect the Supreme Court’s decision. He encouraged both the Minority and Majority caucuses in Parliament to put aside differences and reconvene for government business.
The Supreme Court ruling, decided by a 5-2 majority, sided with a suit filed by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, challenging the Speaker’s declaration of vacant seats. The ruling has caused a significant shift in Parliament, as the NDC members, who had assumed the Majority position based on Bagbin’s declaration, are now expected to revert to their Minority status. This resolution is anticipated to end the stalemate that had stalled parliamentary proceedings after New Patriotic Party MPs began boycotting sessions in response to the initial ruling.
