The Accra High Court has postponed the proceedings in the case involving James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North. The adjournment was granted to allow the court to deliberate on the application for a stay of proceedings. The ruling on this application is now expected to be delivered on July 11.
During the hearing on Thursday, July 6, the legal representatives of the embattled MP made a formal request for the court to suspend the ongoing proceedings. Their aim is to provide an opportunity for the Court of Appeal to review the decision made by the trial judge, who had scheduled the case to be heard on consecutive days.
Leading the defense team, Tsatsu Tsikata emphasized that proceeding with the case without granting a stay would be prejudicial to their pending appeal. He argued that it is crucial to wait for the higher court’s ruling before making further progress in the trial.
On the other hand, the prosecution, led by Godfred Dame, opposed the defense’s application for a stay of proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament boycotted Thursday’s sitting to accompany and solidarize with two members of the caucus.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, and James Gyakye Quayson, the MP for Assin North, are both due to appear in court on Thursday for their ongoing cases.
Dr Ato Forson is currently facing a criminal case related to an alleged financial loss of €2.37 million to the state. The case revolves around a deal to purchase 200 ambulances between 2014 and 2016.
On the other hand, James Gyakye Quayson is undergoing trial at the High Court in Accra for charges of forgery and perjury.
These charges are in connection to alleged offences during the lead-up to the 2020 Assin North parliamentary election.
In a brief statement, the Minority expressed their unwavering support for their colleagues, emphasizing their unity by abstaining from participating in the day’s parliamentary proceedings.
“This is the beginning of a series of actions that the Caucus will be embarking on to end the ongoing persecution of the Minority Leader himself, the Hon. James Gyakye Quayson and the Hon. Collins Dauda.”
