An Accra High Court has adjourned to Friday, June 23 the criminal case involving National Democratic Congress’ Parliamentary Candidate for the Assin North by-election, James Gyakye Quayson.
The deposed MP was on Wednesday, June 21 granted permission, however, to be absent from the next hearing.
This follows a ruling on an application filed by his lawyers, seeking to halt his trial till after the by-election on Tuesday, June 27.
Lead counsel for the deposed MP Tsatsu Tsikata had argued that the Attorney General had made prejudicial comments and had shown no respect to the legal etiquette with his statements within the court, outside, and during press interviews.
Citing Article 55(13), lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata explained that per provisions of the constitution and the Supreme Court, the accused person has the right to take part in the election which was being conducted by the Electoral Commission, thereby making it a national assignment.
But Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame objected, noting that the application to vary the adjournment date will mitigate the rights of the accused person in respect of a fair and speedy trial.
Presiding judge Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh adjourned the hearing to Friday, June 23 but granted James Gyakye Quayson permission to be absent on the day.
Reacting to the adjournment, Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah dismissed assertions that government is scheming to prevent James Gyakye Quayson from contesting in the Assin North by-election.
“It is not about him not being allowed to contest the elections,” he noted. “He has the right to contest, and the state also has the right to hear cases pending in court.”
On his part, James Gyakye Quayson expressed delight and commended party supporters who converged on the premises to support him
By Laud Adu-Asare|3news.com| Ghana