The case against Assin North Member of Parliament (MP) James Gyakye Quayson involves allegations of deceiving a public officer to obtain a Ghanaian passport. The High Court in Accra has scheduled March 27, 2025, to decide whether should open his defense in his ongoing trial.
The court had initially planned to deliver its ruling on March 3, 2025. However, the Office of the Attorney-General missed the deadline to file written arguments supporting its claim that Gyakye Quayson should open his defense. In response, Quayson’s counsel, Tsatsu Tsikata, urged the prosecution to address the issues raised by the defense in its submission.
Justice Mary Yanzuh then adjourned the trial, allowing the prosecution until the end of the day to file its written arguments. The court will rule on the submissions on March 27.
Gyakye Quayson Maintains Not Guilty Plea
Gyakye Quayson faces multiple charges, including forgery and perjury, related to alleged offences during the 2020 Assin North parliamentary election. He has pleaded not guilty to five counts: forgery of a passport or travel certificate, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office.
The prosecution claims that Quayson falsely stated to the Passport Office that he did not hold a passport from another country when applying for a Ghanaian passport. Furthermore, they allege that he made a false declaration to the Electoral Commission (EC) by asserting that he owed no allegiance to any foreign country when filing to contest the Assin North parliamentary seat.
Prosecution’s Case Against Gyakye Quayson
The prosecution closed its case on February 12, 2025, after presenting six witnesses. Following this, the court instructed both parties to submit written arguments on whether the prosecution had made a sufficient case against Quayson.
The court’s ruling on March 27 will determine the next phase of the trial and whether Gyakye Quayson will be required to open his defense.
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