The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) OF Tree Crops Development Authority and the former Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Hon. William Agyapong Quaitoo has warned Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to comply with the judgment of the Supreme Court otherwise he will face consequences.
The apex court by a 5-2 majority decision, overturned Speaker Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, restoring the status quo in the House.
In an interview with the media at the Akim Oda NPP’s Health Walk on November 17, 2024, Hon. Quaitoo stressed that if the speaker disobeys or mocks the court’s rulings, he could spend years in prison or be disqualified from holding public office.
In his opinion, if the Speaker is imprisoned over the ongoing parliamentary impasse, it signifies that he did not exercise-wise leadership.
Therefore, Hon. Quaitoo urged Alban Bagbin to take the necessary action after accusing him of putting partisan politics ahead of the well-being of the country.
He said it is regrettable that the speaker, who has been the longest Member of Parliament and is acquainted with the country’s legal system, is attempting to flout the law.
He bemoaned some of the severe repercussions the nation would experience if parliament did not reconvene prior to the 2024 election.
He says that the speaker has received counsel from numerous statesmen, including former President John Agyekum Kufuor and retired Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba, and that he should heed it for his personal benefit.
Additionally, Hon. Quaitoo addresses the NDC’s determination to quit parliament if the speaker abides by the Supreme Court’s order till the election is over.
As per the constitution, he asserts that NDC MPs will either be forced to attend parliament or face dismissal after a ten-day absence.