James Gyakye Quayson
The criminal case against James Gyakye Quayson, the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, is set to resume on June 16, 2023. The hearing will continue with the cross-examination of the first witness presented by the State. The charges against Quayson include perjury and other offenses. The case was adjourned on May 24.
In the meantime, the Electoral Commission has scheduled a by-election for June 27, 2023, to elect a new MP for Assin North. This follows the Supreme Court’s declaration that Quayson’s election and subsequent swearing-in as MP were unconstitutional, null, and void. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has hinted that it may nominate the same candidate for the upcoming by-election.
As part of the Supreme Court’s ruling, Quayson’s name has been ordered to be removed from the records of Parliament. However, his legal troubles are far from over, as he faces charges of perjury and other offenses. Perjury, in particular, is classified as a second-degree felony and carries a potential punishment of up to 10 years imprisonment.
Quayson is currently facing five charges before the High Court, including deceit of a public officer and forgery of a passport or travel certificate. He is also accused of making false statutory declarations and perjury. The charges stem from his alleged deception of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding his dual citizenship status and his use of false information to secure a Ghanaian passport.
The prosecution contends that Quayson knowingly made false statements, including denying dual citizenship, while applying for a passport and during his nomination for the position of MP. It is alleged that he held Canadian citizenship alongside Ghanaian citizenship, rendering him ineligible for the role of MP under Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution.
The prosecution further highlights that Quayson obtained a Certificate of Renunciation of his Canadian citizenship after making the false statutory declaration and filing his nomination forms. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiated investigations into the matter following a petition filed by the complainant on January 14, 2021.
If convicted of the charges, Quayson could face severe legal consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence. The upcoming court proceedings will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the case and its implications for Quayson’s future.
Credit: Daily Statesman
