NDC to present Gyakye Quayson for Assin North bye-election

The National Democratic Congress, NDC has responded to the Supreme Court’s decision to unanimously invalidate James Gyakye Quayson as member of parliament for Assin North. In a press statement signed by its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party said it awaits the reasons for the Supreme Court’s decision.

However, it added that the leadership of the party and of its parliamentary team are fully behind James Gyakye Quayson and will support him to get an even bigger victory during the bye-election.

“In the light of many previous decisions that we are aware of, including decisions in cases involving Honourable J.H. Mensah, Honourable Baba Jamal and Honourable Peter Amewu that state that the Supreme Court does not have the jurisdiction to invalidate a Parliamentary election and that the High Court is where such a matter should be taken, it seems strange to us that the Supreme Court gave this decision.

“Moreover, there is no doubt that Honourable James Gyakye-Quayson did not owe allegiance to any other country whether at the time of his nomination, election or swearing in. We also look forward to seeing the reasons that the court will provide,” the statement said.

Also, the NDC said the Supreme Court had no right to deal with the case and could not declare the election of the MP invalid as that is the mandate of the High Court.

“Nonetheless, even as there are serious questions about the legitimacy of this decision, after consultation
with Hon Quayson, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wishes to state unequivocally that we are ready for the bye-election that is now the result of this decision,” it stated.

Adding, “The full weight of the party, including the Minority Caucus in Parliament, will be put behind Honourable Quayson so as to ensure an even more resounding victory for him in the upcoming bye-election”.