Court stops NDC MP-elect for Assin North from being sworn-in

The Cape Coast High Court has granted an injunction restraining James Gyekye Quayson from holding himself as NDC MP-elect for Assin North over dual citizenship.

This follows a petition against the MP-elect by one Michael Ankoma-Nimfah, a mason and resident of Assin Bereku.

Quayson is being accused of owing allegiance to Canada contrary to Article 94 (1) (a) of the 1992 constitution.

According to Justice Kwadwo Boakye Tawiah, the issues raised against the MP-elect warrant full trial hence he needs to stop describing himself as MP.

Even though the MP-elect per documents submitted to the court by his counsel, Abraham Amaliba, indicate that he had taken steps to renounce his citizenship before filing his nominations, the argument of the lawyer for the petitioner, Frank Davis, was that James Gyekye Quayson should have fully renounced his dual citizenship before filing his forms to contest.

Further, he said Quayson should have had a certificate of renunciation before filing to contest the seat.

The MP-elect, however, was granted a certificate of renunciation of citizenship of Canada on 27 November 2020.

The Cape Coast High Court was fully packed with supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) amidst heavy security.