James Gyakye Quayson, the Assin North Member of Parliament, has officially resumed his parliamentary duties after a prolonged absence due to medical treatment abroad. Quayson’s return marks the end of a hiatus that saw him missing from parliamentary proceedings for the majority of the last session, a gap attributed to health concerns that necessitated overseas medical attention.
Addressing the media upon his return to Parliament on February 5, 2024, Quayson conveyed a message of resilience and commitment. “I am alive and strong…Sometimes in life, you have to take care of yourself. I am back in full swing and I am going to take care of my constituents, caucus, and country Ghana,” he declared, signaling his readiness to dive back into legislative duties and serve both his constituents and the nation.
Amidst the anticipation of the upcoming general elections, Quayson expressed confidence in the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s prospects, asserting, “We are going to win and we are going to succeed again. Let’s keep hope alive.” His optimism underscores a hopeful stance towards the NDC’s performance in the imminent electoral contest.
Quayson’s political journey has been fraught with challenges, notably legal battles that ensued following his victory in the 2020 general elections. A contentious legal dispute regarding his eligibility as MP led to the Supreme Court’s directive to expunge his name from parliamentary records, prompting a bye-election in the Assin North constituency. Defying odds, Quayson was renominated by the NDC and successfully reclaimed his seat, securing 17,245 votes, which accounted for 57.56% of the total.
However, Quayson’s legal woes persisted as he faced charges of forgery and perjury laid by the Attorney-General’s Office, alongside accusations of deceiving a public officer and making a false declaration knowingly. Amidst these legal battles, Quayson encountered a health emergency that necessitated his travel to Canada for treatment in November 2023.
Tsatsu Tsikata, Quayson’s legal representative, has been navigating the complexities of the MP’s trial for alleged perjury and forgery concerning his Ghanaian passport acquisition. When prompted for updates on the case, Quayson preferred to refrain from detailed commentary, citing the ongoing judicial process. “It is not a black-and-white situation, we have to allow time and let the legal system do its work,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of judicial independence in resolving his case.
Quayson’s return to Parliament and the political arena comes at a crucial time for the NDC and Ghana’s broader political landscape. His resilience in the face of adversity, both health-related and legal, reflects a steadfast commitment to his legislative role and the constituents he represents. As Ghana gears up for another election cycle, Quayson’s experiences and ongoing legal challenges highlight the intricate interplay between personal health, legal integrity, and public service in the nation’s democratic process.
