A year ago
The Assin North by-election is shaping up to be a hotly contested race, with the embattled former Member of Parliament, James Gyakye Quayson, facing a perjury trial that could impact the outcome.
Despite being directed to attend court daily, Quayson remains confident that he will win the election and that the New Patriotic Party will lose. He even joked that he wouldn't mind sleeping in court if they provided him with a bed or chamber, showing his fierce determination to win.
But the trial is not without controversy. Quayson had requested a postponement until after the by-election to ensure a level playing field in the campaign.
However, the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, opposed this request, citing the serious charges against Quayson that could lead to his conviction and imprisonment. Thus, the trial must be conducted quickly to bring clarity to Quayson's status.
At the heart of the matter are five charges that Quayson is facing, including forgery of passport or travel certificate, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office. The trial will continue with the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness starting on June 20, 2023.
Despite the charges against him, Quayson remains determined to win the upcoming election. In a recent interview, he spoke confidently about his chances of winning and even suggested that he could collect money from his opponents and distribute it to the people of the area.
He also commented on the government's development efforts, saying that the people of the area deserve development and that he sees nothing wrong with the government's efforts to woo voters in the constituency.
However, the trial is not the only issue that could impact the election. The by-election was necessitated by a court ruling that nullified the 2020 parliamentary elections due to Quayson's dual citizenship status. The ruling sparked controversy, with some accusing the court of bias and others applauding the decision to uphold the country's laws.
The Assin North constituency has traditionally been a stronghold for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), but the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is hoping to capitalize on the controversy and win the seat. This is a crucial election for both parties, as the outcome could impact the balance of power in parliament.
In conclusion, the Assin North by-election is shaping up to be a highly contested race with the embattled former MP, James Gyakye Quayson, facing a perjury trial on charges that could impact his political career and the outcome of the election.
With both the NDC and NPP vying for the seat, this is a crucial election that could impact the balance of power in parliament. Stay tuned for all the latest updates on this gripping political drama.
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