The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has expressed concerns over what he perceives as a selective approach in subjecting Assin North MP-elect James Gyakye Quayson to a daily trial following charges of perjury and forgery brought against him by the state.
During an interview with Graphic Online, Bagbin stated that the decision to hold a daily trial appears to be discriminatory, especially since no other case has been subjected to such a process.
Bagbin’s comments were made during his visit to the office of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) in Accra, where he met with management and the editorial staff. The visit aligns with his aim to strengthen Parliament-Media Relations and marks his first visit to a media organization since being elected Speaker on January 7, 2021.
Highlighting the importance of the rule of law in a democracy, Bagbin stated, “What we are doing is rule by law, not rule of law, and I think that we should move away from that. If it is done to everybody, I have no problem, but if it is done selectively, I have a problem.”
He further emphasized the need for a constitutional review, urging the public to support this cause in order to address the perceived errors in Ghana’s constitution that grant certain individuals privileged treatment under the law.
The remarks by Bagbin come after an Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Mary Yanzuh, ruled that the trial of James Gyakye Quayson would be heard on a daily basis starting from July 4, 2023. The court maintained that its earlier order, announcing this arrangement, was in line with the law and rejected the request for a review.
James Gyakye Quayson faces charges of forgery and perjury, following his nomination for the 2020 parliamentary election without proof of renouncing his Canadian citizenship. The Supreme Court declared his election unconstitutional, null and void, leading to a by-election held on June 27, which Quayson won.
Quayson has since filed a motion at the High Court for a stay of proceedings pending an appeal.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the comments from the Speaker of Parliament underscore the ongoing debate surrounding the handling of the Gyakye Quayson case and the importance of upholding the principles of fairness and impartiality in the judicial process.
