The High Court has acquitted and discharged Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, of criminal charges linked to allegations of dual citizenship.
The court ruled that Quayson did not violate the Ghanaian Constitution by holding Canadian citizenship when he filed to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections.
The judge held that the prosecution had failed to prove the essential elements of the alleged offences, stating that Quayson had not made any false declarations in his 2020 nomination forms.
“At the time he declared that he owed allegiance to no country other than Ghana, the court found that he had already submitted an application to renounce his Canadian citizenship—demonstrating that he had no dishonest intent,” the judge ruled.
The court also pointed out inconsistencies in the passport summary sheet and statutory declarations provided by prosecution witnesses, undermining the credibility of the evidence presented. As a result, the judge concluded that there was no basis to call Quayson to open his defence.
Mr. Quayson faced five charges, including forgery of a passport or travel certificate, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office.
The prosecution alleged that he made false claims to the Passport Office and the Electoral Commission by stating that he did not hold allegiance to another country.
Speaking after the ruling, Quayson expressed relief over the court’s decision. The acquittal has lifted the legal cloud over Quayson’s parliamentary seat, allowing him to continue his work as a legislator without further legal obstruction.