Gyakye Quayson trial: High Court to decide fate of Assin North MP on March 3

The Accra High Court has scheduled March 3 to determine whether the prosecution has presented a strong enough case against Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson, for him to begin his defense.

Quayson faces charges including deceit of a public officer, passport forgery, making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently on bail.

During the last hearing, the prosecution requested to recall their fifth witness, Latif Oshenu. While under cross-examination, Oshenu informed the court that a page was missing from an exhibit he had previously submitted as evidence. The court granted the request to recall the witness so that the missing portion of the document could be presented for reference.

On February 12, Principal State Attorney Esi Yankah Dentaa informed the court that although the prosecution had received a response from the passport office after requesting documents from both the passport office and the Electoral Commission, they were still waiting for a response from the latter. She added that they had been assured that the Electoral Commission’s response would arrive soon. Dentaa then requested a brief adjournment, which was opposed by Quayson’s legal team.

“We have received the passport office’s response, but we are still awaiting the Electoral Commission’s reply. However, we have been assured that it will come shortly,” said Dentaa. “We intend to present the original documents to the court, but due to the limited time between receiving the court order and today’s sitting, we are unable to do so at this moment.”

During cross-examination, Quayson’s lawyer, Tsatsu Tsikata, referred to the statutory declaration form filled out by the MP, in which he claimed to be solely a Ghanaian citizen and not owing allegiance to any other country. Tsikata also noted that this claim was included in a letter Quayson had written to the Electoral Commission.

Following the cross-examination, the prosecution indicated that they had concluded their case.

Judge Mary Ekue Yanzuh directed both the defense and prosecution to submit their written arguments within two weeks. She also announced that she would rule on the defense’s motion for a “no case” submission from Quayson’s legal team.