The Minority in Parliament has expressed displeasure at the government’s escalating the prosecution of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North Constituency, James Gyakye Quayson.
The Caucus warned it will explore all available options to protect and defend the Assin North MP’s interest.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, requested Gyakye Quayson be subjected to a daily trial.
Despite an application for a stay of proceedings and a pending application before the Court of Appeal against the daily trial, however, the High Court ruled on Tuesday, July 18 in favour of continuing with the daily hearings.
The Minority, in a statement, described this relentless pursuit of the daily trial as another tactic to hamper Quayson’s ability to carry out his Parliamentary duties and effectively represent the people of Assin North.
The Caucus quizzed when he will have the time to focus on Parliamentary business, given the demanding court schedule.
“We are deeply concerned about the implications of subjecting Hon. James Gyakye Quayson to a daily trial.”
“As MP for Assin North, he has a duty to serve his constituents, but with this continuous court appearance, it becomes increasingly challenging for him to fulfil his responsibilities,” Minority Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza said in the statement.
The High Court’s ruling places Hon. James Gyakye Quayson in a position reminiscent of the events that preceded the Assin North Constituency by-election when the Supreme Court declared the 2020 Parliamentary election null and void after two and a half years.
Hon. James Gyakye Quayson defied the odds and emerged victorious in the subsequent by-election with an overwhelming 57.56% of the votes on 27th June 2023.
Highlighting Quayson’s unique political achievements, the Minority emphasized that he is the only individual to have been elected twice within a single Parliamentary term.
“Our colleague, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, has already proven his popularity and support from the people of Assin North through his resounding victories in two separate elections.”
“It is our duty as the Minority to stand by him and ensure his rights and responsibilities are safeguarded,” the Whip said.
The issue, the caucus said, remains a subject of great concern with implications for both parliamentary representation and the rights of elected officials.