Former Supreme Court Judge Justice William Atuguba has expressed concern over politics’ pervasive influence in various sectors across the country. In an exclusive interview with JoyNews on November 12, he remarked, “In this country, we like to pretend, but politics have entered everywhere.”
His comments were made in relation to the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning the Speaker’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant. Justice Atuguba highlighted his frustration with how political motivations often override ethical considerations.
“These politicians, we know how they operate. They are not interested in the righteousness of the matter but the party inclination…even if someone knows they are on the wrong side, they will still push it. A court is a court—you persuade it for whatever reasons, and it may adopt your view, ” he said.
He also noted that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is bound by the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. According to him, compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling is mandatory, warning that failure to adhere could lead to contempt charges.
He highlighted that such contempt is a serious offence, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years without the option of a fine. He added that it goes along with a disqualification from holding public office for a decade.
By: Emma Ankrah
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