[Details] High Court acquits Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson of dual citizenship charges

James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, has been acquitted and discharged by the High Court, bringing an end to a protracted legal battle over allegations that he held dual citizenship at the time of filing for the 2020 parliamentary elections.

The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, marks a huge victory for the MP, who had faced criminal charges stemming from claims that he violated the Ghanaian Constitution by holding Canadian citizenship during his candidacy.

Quayson consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he had renounced his Canadian citizenship prior to submitting his nomination forms.

Speaking after the verdict, he expressed relief and gratitude, saying, “I am thankful that justice has finally been served.” The acquittal followed a submission of no case to answer filed by his legal team.

In its judgment, the court concluded that the prosecution failed to prove the essential elements of the charges, ruling that there was no evidence of dishonest intent or false declarations.

The judge found that Quayson had already initiated the process of renouncing his Canadian citizenship at the time of filing and had made no false statements in his nomination forms.

The court also cited inconsistencies in the passport summary sheet and statutory declarations submitted by prosecution witnesses, which undermined their credibility.

As a result, Quayson was cleared of all five charges, including forgery, false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office—allowing him to continue his duties as MP without further legal encumbrance.