Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency, has rejected calls from a section of Ghanaians to discontinue the criminal trial of embattled Assin North constituency MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson.
The Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, expressed the view that it was needless for the Attorney-General (A-G), Godfred Yeboah Dame, to continue the criminal trial of James Gyakye Quayson during a lecture in Sunyani.
In response to this appeal, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who is also the Majority Leader in Parliament, stated during an interview with Kumasi-based Pure FM that the calls by the chief and some Ghanaians lack legal grounds. He emphasized that Gyakye Quayson, like any person in the country, is subject to Ghanaian laws, and therefore, the legal process should be allowed to unfold.
Referring to the Dormaahene's remarks, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu highlighted his respect for the chief but disagreed with his call to drop Quayson's case. He questioned whether the chief would make a similar appeal if the charge were murder or any other serious offence. He also raised the question of whether the chief, being a judge himself, would reject or make similar utterances if the case were before him.
The Majority Leader stressed the importance of allowing the law to take its course and cautioned against abusing the legal process. He further noted that comments like the Dormaahene's could potentially impact his chances during vetting for a potential position in the Supreme Court, given his background as an Appeals Court Judge.
Addressing concerns about the impact of the trial on the image of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Assin North Constituency, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated that he did not believe that the continuous trial of Gyakye Quayson would diminish the party's image or its chances in the constituency.
James Gyakye Quayson is facing charges of forgery and perjury in relation to alleged offences during the 2020 Assin North parliamentary election. The prosecution claims that Quayson made false statements to the Passport Office and the Electoral Commission regarding his citizenship and passport status.
The trial is ongoing at the High Court in Accra, where Quayson has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
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