The High Court has acquitted James Gyakye Quayson, Member of Parliament for Assin North, of all criminal charges related to allegations of dual citizenship. The decision, delivered on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, ends years of legal contention over claims that Quayson held Canadian citizenship when he filed to contest the 2020 parliamentary elections.
Quayson was charged with five offences, including perjury, false declaration for office, and forgery, with the prosecution arguing that he misled the Electoral Commission and the Passport Office by stating he owed allegiance solely to Ghana.
However, the court upheld a submission of no case to answer by Quayson’s legal team, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish the essential elements of the offences. The judge concluded that Quayson had applied to renounce his Canadian citizenship before filing his nomination and did not act with malice.
Discrepancies in the prosecution’s evidence, including inconsistencies in witness declarations and a passport summary sheet, further weakened the case. The ruling affirms Quayson’s eligibility and clears the legal cloud over his parliamentary seat.
Speaking after the verdict, Quayson expressed relief and gratitude for the court’s decision, emphasizing his commitment to serving the people of Assin North.
By Najat Adamu
