In the ongoing trial of Mr James Gyakye Quayson, Member of Parliament for Assin North, the Presiding Judge has reaffirmed the validity of the High Court’s previous order, despite challenges raised by Quayson’s defence team.
The High Court ruling, dated November 3, 2023, was deemed error-free by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, the presiding judge. This ruling stipulated that if Mr. Quayson and his legal representatives failed to attend the next hearing, the trial would proceed in absentia. This decision was prompted by Quayson’s legal team’s absence during the court session on November 3, 2023.
The legal saga began when the Supreme Court invalidated Quayson’s election as a Member of Parliament for Assin North due to his dual citizenship in Canada and Ghana at the time of his nomination for the 2020 election. However, in a subsequent by-election conducted by the Electoral Commission, Quayson was re-elected by the constituents of Assin North.
Currently facing charges of perjury and deceiving a public officer, Quayson’s legal team, led by Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, encountered further challenges when attempting to participate in the trial via virtual means. Technical difficulties led to the loss of proceedings from July 19, 2023, a circumstance acknowledged by Justice Yanzuh.
Despite the setbacks, the Court allowed Quayson’s counsel an opportunity to cross-examine the witness for a prolonged period on July 19, 2023, to compensate for the lost proceedings. However, Mr Tsikata raised objections regarding the technical issues and requested access to the court’s records, citing the defence team’s rights to information.
While Mr Tsikata pursued a motion for review and variation of the court’s ruling, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs Yvonne Attakora-Obuobisa, maintained that the Court had provided sufficient opportunity for Quayson’s defence to address the technical challenges. Additionally, she disclosed that the Ghana Legal Council’s Disciplinary Committee had dismissed Quayson’s complaint against the Attorney-General.
The case, adjourned to February 16, 2024, continues to draw attention as it unfolds, with legal manoeuvring and technical issues shaping the proceedings.
