The Accra High Court has acquitted and discharged James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, ending a protracted legal tussle spanning nearly three years.
Presided over by Justice Mary Ekue Yanzuh, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a compelling case against the MP, who had been facing multiple charges, including perjury, forgery, and deceit of a public officer.
Mr. Quayson had rejected an earlier offer by the new Attorney General to discontinue the case, choosing instead to face trial. His acquittal marks a significant legal victory after years of litigation linked to his eligibility to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections.
The case stemmed from accusations that Mr. Quayson, then a dual citizen, filed to contest the election without fully renouncing his Canadian citizenship—an action the Supreme Court later ruled unconstitutional, leading to the annulment of his 2020 election victory in 2023.
Despite that setback, he won the seat again in a subsequent by-election. Today’s ruling means Mr. Quayson will not be required to open a defence, as the court found insufficient evidence to support the charges against him.
