James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament representing the Assin North Constituency, has accused the Akufo-Addo government of interfering with his ongoing trial.
The situation began during the Assin North by-election campaign when Quayson, who was a candidate at the time, was directed to attend trial on a daily basis.
Initially, Quayson was making weekly trips from his constituency to the court until the trial frequency was escalated to a daily schedule. The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, argued that due to the nature of the charges against Quayson, a swift trial was necessary to potentially prevent conviction and imprisonment.
Quayson, in a formal communication, requested that the General Legal Council (GLC) take disciplinary action against the Attorney General, alleging professional misconduct related to his ongoing criminal trial in the High Court.
In an interview on Citi TV, Quayson expressed his perspective on the matter. He remarked, “The daily trial began during the 2023 campaign. I interpreted it as an attempt to prevent me from campaigning and winning the seat. That was the best they could do. I never believed that the government could be involved in the judiciary, but now I am convinced.”
He further explained, “An AG can just walk into court and request that the file be moved. Before, it was mostly every two weeks, but suddenly they say I have to come every day. In fact, I was on the campaign trail. I went from my constituency to court from 12pm to 2pm, and then I was back in my constituency by 4pm to campaign until about 11pm.”
Despite the pressure brought about by the daily trial, Quayson asserted that it did not negatively impact his chances of winning the seat during the elections.
He humorously mentioned, “During the elections, the pressure of the daily trial was there, but that daily trial didn’t work. I even joked that they could give me a chamber in the court, and I would still win the seat. I didn’t have to be on the grounds.”
Addressing concerns about the possibility of being incarcerated, Quayson stated, “Why should I be? I believe in the justice system. The fundamental issue in any judicial matter is whether or not the person intended to commit the crime. Did he plan it? I have not planned anything of the sort.”
Source – citinewsroom.com
