The High Court has acquitted and discharged the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson putting an end to a prolonged legal battle over allegations of dual citizenship.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, April 9, the court found that the prosecution failed to establish a solid case against Mr. Gyakye Quayson, who had been accused of holding Canadian citizenship at the time he filed to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections an act said to violate Ghana’s Constitution.
He has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he had renounced his Canadian citizenship before filing his nomination.
Following the ruling, he expressed immense relief, saying justice had prevailed.
The acquittal came after his legal team filed a submission of no case to answer.
The court agreed with the submission, concluding that the prosecution did not prove the key ingredients of the alleged offences.
The judge noted that at the time Quayson submitted his nomination forms, he had already begun the process to renounce his Canadian citizenship and had declared allegiance only to Ghana.
The court found no evidence of dishonest intent.
Additionally, the judge cited inconsistencies in the passport summary sheet and statutory declarations presented by prosecution witnesses, casting doubt on the credibility of their evidence.
Due to the lack of substantial proof, the court ruled that Mr. Gyakye Quayson had no case to answer and was therefore not required to open a defence.
Mr. Gyakye Quayson had been facing five charges, including forgery of a passport or travel certificate, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office.
With this ruling, all legal barriers to his position in Parliament have been removed, allowing Quayson to continue his legislative duties without any further legal hindrance.
The visibly elated MP said the verdict came as no surprise to him.
He expressed gratitude to High Court judge, Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, for upholding the rule of law following his acquittal on five criminal charges, including forgery of official documents and perjury.
