Following a heated dispute in parliament that resulted in a Supreme Court decision, Ghana's Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, recently warned Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin. The matter concerns a Supreme Court order, and Dame emphasized that disobeying this order might have dire repercussions.
In an interview with reporter Paul Adom Otchere, Dame clarified that the Supreme Court's decision was unambiguous and legally obligatory. He was questioned by Adom Otchere about the ramifications of disobeying this legislative requirement in the tense parliamentary environment. In response, Dame issued a severe warning: "A Supreme Court order is binding on everyone, and a violation could result in Bagbin being imprisoned for ten years. Here, breaking the law is referred to as high crime rather than contempt, and it carries a 10-year prison sentence. In this case, not even the president can help you.
In July, the Supreme Court issued an order directing the reinstatement of four Members of Parliament (MPs) who had previously been suspended. Speaker Bagbin's stance on the issue, which some claim goes against the Supreme Court's decision, has heightened political tensions in Ghana and may lead to a conflict between two of the country's most important institutions.
The Attorney General underlined the Supreme Court's rulings' legal significance, pointing out that noncompliance may be considered a "high crime" under the law. This offense has a severe punishment, including a 10-year prison sentence, and is very different from contempt of court. His comments emphasized how crucial it is to respect the judiciary's power, particularly when it comes to upholding constitutional requirements.
Because it raises the possibility of a legal impasse between Ghana's parliament and court, this comment has generated a lot of public debate. Since the issue calls into question Ghana's democratic power structure and the potential repercussions for leaders who disobey court orders, many citizens and political observers are keeping a close eye on it.
The public is awaiting Speaker Bagbin's answer to the Attorney General's warning as tensions continue to rise. The case serves as a reminder of the judiciary's critical role in maintaining constitutional order and emphasizes the delicate interactions between Ghana's arms of government.
Source: Adom TV