The Accra High Court has acquitted and discharged James Gyakye Quayson, Member of Parliament for Assin North, after a three-year legal battle over allegations of dual citizenship. The court, presided over by Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh, ruled that Quayson had not made any false declarations in his 2020 nomination forms, as he had already submitted an application to renounce his Canadian citizenship.
The prosecution alleged that Quayson held Canadian citizenship when he filed to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections, violating Ghana’s 1992 Republican Constitution. However, the court found inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence, undermining its credibility.
Quayson faced five charges, including forgery, perjury and false declaration for office. The court’s decision concludes a long-standing legal battle, allowing Quayson to continue his work as a legislator without further legal obstruction.
In a statement after the ruling, Quayson expressed relief over the court’s decision. The acquittal marks a significant victory for the Assin North MP, who had consistently denied the allegations and maintained that he renounced his Canadian citizenship before filing his nomination.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
