Justice Atuguba worried over ‘bashing’ from public

President of the panel hearing the election petition, Justice William Anaam Atuguba, has expressed concerns over public debate on the sentencing of Stephen Atubiga and Ken Kuranchie to prison terms for contempt of court.

He said the Supreme Court has a “duty” to maintain law and order.

Making opening remarks on Monday, July 8, 2013 during Day 40 of hearing on the suit, Justice Atuguba disclosed that New Patriotic Party’s General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, could be hauled before the court for statements published in the Enquirer newspaper.

“We have called for the tapes and we will advise ourselves accordingly,” he said.

He also mentioned that a “person” has “talked about” “cutting of our heads” and they will look into that as well.

Speaking on the issue with TV3’s Thomas Addotei Pappoe during lunch break, a member of the National Democratic Congress’ legal team, Victor Adawudu, shared Justice Atuguba’s sentiments, saying: “[The judges] are not ready to haul people before them…but if it will continue I think the court will continue”.

Mr Adawudu asked all to be law-abiding and respect the court.

The court last Tuesday handed Mr Atubiga, an NDC communicator, and Mr Kuranchie, Managing Editor for Daily Searchlight, prison sentences of a total of 13 days.

Before then, Samuel Awuku, a Deputy Communications Director of the NPP, had been expelled from attending court proceedings for contemptuous comments made on radio.