Quayson’s case was not for the NPP – Garry Nimako

Garry Nimako, the Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has clarified that James Gyakye Quayson’s case was not solely about the NPP, but rather about upholding the constitution of Ghana. 

In an interview with Agudey on NKwantannanso, Mr Nimako emphasised that the qualifications for being a Member of Parliament(MP) are clearly outlined in the constitution, and it was not the NPP’s decision to determine Quayson’s fate.

He revealed that the controversy surrounding Quayson’s election as MP initially arose within the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the party to which he belongs. 

He explained that despite concerns raised by some party members regarding Quayson’s dual citizenship, the NDC disregarded those concerns and supported his nomination for the parliamentary seat.

“Several party members even reported the matter to the Electoral Commission, but no action was taken,” Nimako stated. 

“Subsequently, certain party members brought the issue to the attention of the NPP. Recognizing the constitutional implications, the NPP sought to ensure that justice prevailed.”

He stressed that Quayson is responsible for his own predicament because he was aware of the legal requirements. 

He emphasised the nature of politics, noting that while a party may support a candidate due to their popularity during an election, individuals must face the consequences alone when they find themselves in legal trouble.

The Supreme Court of Ghana unanimously declared the election of James Gyakye Quayson as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North in the Central Region to be unconstitutional.

 The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court issued the decision on Wednesday morning, May 17, 2023, thereby ordering Parliament to remove Mr. Quayson’s name from the list of MPs representing Assin North.

This ruling follows a previous directive by the Supreme Court in April 2022, which had instructed James Gyakye Quayson, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the elected MP for Assin North, to refrain from assuming the duties of an MP until a legal challenge questioning the constitutionality of his election was resolved.