The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh, has finally acquitted and discharged the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.
This brings an end to a protracted three-year legal battle over charges including perjury, forgery, and false declaration.
The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, comes after the court found that the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence to support the charges brought against the embattled lawmaker.
Gyakye Quayson, who had rejected an offer by the new Attorney General to drop the case, stood trial over accusations stemming from his alleged dual citizenship at the time of filing to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections. The charges included deceit of a public officer, forgery of passport or travel documents, knowingly making false declarations, and perjury.
Had the prosecution made a compelling case, the MP would have been required to open his defence. However, Justice Yanzuh ruled that the evidence was inadequate to warrant such a move.
Mr. Quayson, whose original election in 2020 was nullified by the Supreme Court in 2023 leading to a by-election he subsequently won, expressed relief and vindication following the judgment.
“This is justice for Assin North, and justice for Ghana. This is justice for everybody,” he told the media shortly after his discharge.
Mr. Quayson insisted the case against him was politically motivated and said attempts were made to convict him using falsified documents. But he remained confident throughout the ordeal.
“When you are not wrong, there’s nothing you should be worried about. No matter where you put the person, they will bounce back,” he added.
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
