Quayson Seeks to Clear His Name Despite AG's Case Withdrawals

Mr. James Gyakye Quayson

The criminal trial of Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson, is ongoing. This continues despite the Attorney-General halting eight high-profile cases recently.

During a "Meet the Press" session, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine shared updates. He noted that Quayson's lead defense counsel, Tsatsu Tsikata, will not discontinue the trial. Instead, he aims to clear his client's name.

Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh will soon set a ruling date. This follows the prosecution's closure of its case on February 12, 2025.

The state’s case includes charges like Deceit of a Public Officer and Perjury. Principal State Attorney Madam Esi Dentaa Yankah leads this prosecution team. They called five witnesses to support their claims.

Case Background

The prosecution alleges that Quayson falsely declared no dual citizenship when applying for a passport in July 2019. He held a Canadian passport issued on October 30, 2016.

Based on this false information, he obtained a Ghanaian passport on August 2, 2019. When filing for the 2020 parliamentary elections, he swore an oath stating no allegiance to another country.

At that time, he was still a Canadian citizen. He only received his Certificate of Renunciation on November 26, 2020—48 days after submitting his nomination forms.

According to Article 94(2)(a) of Ghana’s Constitution, dual citizens cannot hold parliamentary positions. Quayson’s election victory was challenged and led to his prosecution.

Investigations began after the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) received a petition on January 11, 2021. This prompted formal charges against him.