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President Akufo-Addo has called on the residents of Assin North not to make a mistake by voting for the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s parliamentary candidate in the upcoming by-election. The President expressed doubts about James Gyakye Quayson’s ability to fulfill his duties as a Member of Parliament (MP).
President Akufo-Addo highlighted Mr. Quayson’s ongoing criminal trial and cautioned that electing him could potentially result in his imprisonment, leaving the constituency without an MP. Speaking at the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s final rally ahead of the by-election scheduled for Tuesday, June 27, the President urged Assin North voters to support the NPP’s candidate, Charles Opoku.
Emphasizing the significance of the election for both the constituency and the nation at large, President Akufo-Addo stated, “We should not support or vote for individuals who are entangled in legal controversies that may eventually lead them to face imprisonment. We need someone who can come and help you. Someone who will work in your interest.”
He questioned Mr. Quayson’s ability to carry out his parliamentary duties while in prison, reiterating the importance of electing someone who can effectively contribute to improving the lives of the constituency’s residents.
In addition, the President refuted allegations that he was behind the prosecution of James Gyakye Quayson, asserting that he has never interfered with the judiciary’s work throughout his tenure as President.
The by-election in Assin North became necessary after parliament declared the seat vacant in response to a Supreme Court ruling. The court determined that the Electoral Commission had acted unconstitutionally by allowing Mr. Quayson to contest the 2020 parliamentary election without providing proof of renouncing his Canadian citizenship.
In line with the Supreme Court’s ruling, parliament was instructed to remove James Gyakye Quayson’s name from its records as a Member of Parliament. The court declared his election unconstitutional, null and void, and his swearing-in was deemed unconstitutional as well.
