Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, remains unfazed by the delay in the ruling on his submission of no case after the High Court adjourned proceedings once again.
The court was initially set to determine whether the prosecution had presented enough evidence for the legislator to open his defense or be discharged. However, during the hearing on Thursday, March 27, Justice Maame Ekue Yanzuh postponed the ruling after the prosecution filed additional disclosures on Wednesday, March 26.
Gyakye Quayson, who faces charges including deceit of a public officer, forgery of passport or travel certificates, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office, has pleaded not guilty and remains on bail.
Defense Criticizes Prosecution’s Delayed Disclosures
Lead counsel for the embattled MP, Tsatsu Tsikata, argued that the prosecution’s last-minute filing was an abuse of the court process and should not affect the scheduled ruling.
“What the prosecution purported to have found yesterday should not delay your ruling on our submission of no case. We submit that it’s an abuse of court for them to claim to be providing further disclosures pursuant to the grant of an application made by the accused person.”
Tsikata further criticized the prosecution for failing to comply with the court’s previous orders for disclosures, despite being granted additional time.
“Your orders were made in December 2024 for these further disclosures. They didn’t comply but asked for more time. They were given more time but still did not comply.”
He added that despite the defense complying with the court’s directives, the prosecution only filed the additional disclosures at 3:00 PM on March 26, a day before the ruling was expected.
“That is an abuse of court processes if there was one. We therefore respectfully submit that your ladyship take note of this serious failure to comply with your orders,” Tsikata stressed.
New Date Set for Ruling
Following the legal arguments, the court adjourned the case to April 9, 2025, when it will rule on the submission of no case.
Despite the delays, Gyakye Quayson has maintained his confidence, signaling that he is prepared for the next steps in the legal proceedings.
