Gyakye Quayson Cleared: High Court Dismisses Dual Citizenship Charges

Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson has been acquitted and discharged by the High Court, ending a legal battle stemming from allegations of dual citizenship.

The court’s ruling on April 9, 2025, cleared Quayson of criminal charges related to claims that he held Canadian citizenship when he contested the 2020 parliamentary elections, a violation under Ghanaian law.

Quayson, who consistently denied the allegations, maintained he renounced his Canadian citizenship before filing his nomination. Following the acquittal, he expressed relief at the court’s decision.

The acquittal resulted from a “no case to answer” submission by Quayson’s legal team. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the essential elements of the alleged offenses and that Quayson did not make false declarations on his 2020 nomination forms.

The judge found that Quayson had submitted his Canadian citizenship renunciation before declaring allegiance solely to Ghana, indicating no dishonest intent. The court also cited inconsistencies in prosecution evidence, including passport summaries and statutory declarations, which undermined their credibility.

Consequently, the court found no basis to call Quayson to defend himself against five charges, including forgery, false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office. The prosecution had claimed Quayson made false statements to the Passport Office and the Electoral Commission about his citizenship.

This ruling removes the legal uncertainty surrounding Quayson’s parliamentary seat, allowing him to continue his legislative duties without further legal obstacles.