Minority in Parliament protests government’s escalation of Gyakye Quayson’s persecution

In response to the government's intensified persecution of the Member of Parliament for Assin North Constituency, Gyakye Quayson, the Minority in Parliament has announced its decision to counteract these actions.

The move comes after the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, requested that Gyakye Quayson be subjected to a daily trial, disregarding the ongoing application for a stay of proceedings and the pending application before the Court of Appeal.

The High Court, ruling on the matter, has agreed to proceed with the daily trial, placing Gyakye Quayson in a position reminiscent of the situation that led to the by-election in the Assin North Constituency, as previously determined by the Supreme Court.

The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about the impact of this daily trial on the Member of Parliament's ability to fulfil his duties in representing the people of Assin North.

With a rigorous court schedule looming, it remains uncertain how Gyakye Quayson will be able to attend to important Parliamentary business and effectively serve his constituents, the statement said.

“We are deeply troubled by the Court's decision to subject our colleague, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, to a daily trial. This leaves him with limited time to fulfil his duties as a Member of Parliament and represent the interests of the people of Assin North,” expressed Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP and Minority Chief Whip.

Gyakye Quayson's unique position in Ghana's political landscape adds further weight to the Minority's concern. He is the first person to have been elected twice within a single Parliamentary term.

After winning the 2020 Parliamentary election in the Assin North Constituency, the Supreme Court nullified the results after a protracted legal battle that lasted two and a half years. Following this, a by-election was conducted, and Gyakye Quayson triumphed again with an overwhelming 57.56% victory on 27th June 2023.

The Minority in Parliament views the government's handling of this matter as an infringement on the rights of an elected representative and an attempt to disrupt the democratic process.

They are committed to exploring all available options to defend and protect their colleague, Gyakye Quayson.