Gyakye Quayson acquitted and discharged

The Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh, has acquitted and discharged Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, after a lengthy legal battle that spanned three years. Quayson had faced multiple charges, including perjury, deceit of public officer, and forgery of documents. The court’s decision comes as a significant turn in his ongoing legal challenges.

A legal struggle

The MP, who had previously been disqualified from holding his seat in the legislature by a Supreme Court ruling in 2023, found himself in a prolonged legal fight following allegations surrounding his candidacy for the 2020 general elections. The charges levied against Quayson were a direct result of claims that he had not properly renounced his dual citizenship before contesting the elections, as required by the Constitution of Ghana.

These allegations included deceit of public officer, forgery of travel certificates, knowingly making false declarations, and perjury related to his official declarations. Despite facing these serious charges, Quayson, who chose not to accept a proposal from the new Attorney General to discontinue the case, continued to defend himself in court.

Court’s ruling

After examining the evidence presented by the prosecution, Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh ruled that the evidence was insufficient to substantiate the claims against Quayson. In her judgment, she concluded that the prosecution had failed to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to his acquittal and discharge.

Had the prosecution been able to present more compelling evidence, Quayson would have been required to mount a defense. However, given the lack of substantive evidence, the case against him crumbled, resulting in his legal victory.

Re-election and political resilience

Despite the earlier legal setbacks and being expelled from Parliament in 2023, Quayson’s political journey remained strong. He contested and won back his Assin North seat in the 2024 by-election, demonstrating his political resilience and continued support from his constituents. His re-election came after a dramatic legal and political battle that captured the attention of the nation.

This latest ruling marks the end of a turbulent period for Quayson, who can now move forward with his political career, free from the charges that had once threatened to derail his future in Parliament.

A test case for dual citizenship and parliamentary eligibility

The case against Gyakye Quayson also brought attention to the issue of dual citizenship in Ghana and its implications for parliamentary candidates. The constitution requires that MPs renounce any foreign citizenship before standing for election, a stipulation that was central to the charges against Quayson. His legal journey has sparked debates on the application of this law and its impact on Ghanaians holding dual nationality, with some calling for reforms to make the process clearer and more consistent.

As Quayson walks free, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding Ghana’s electoral and legal systems, particularly concerning citizenship and eligibility to serve as a Member of Parliament.