The people of Assin North have been warned by President Akufo-Addo not to make the same mistake and vote for the parliamentary candidate put forth by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the President, James Gyakye Quayson is unable to fulfil the responsibilities that are expected of him in his role as a Member of Parliament (MP).
According to President Akufo-Addo, Mr. Quayson may go to prison as a result of the criminal charges he is currently facing. If this occurs, the Constituency will be left without an MP.
President Akufo-Addo urged residents of Assin North to support Charles Opoku, the NPP's candidate, at the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) final rally before the by-election on Tuesday, June 27. The by-election will take place on Tuesday.
He went on to say that the election was very important for the constituents as well as the country as a whole.
Akufo-Addo Sends a strong warning to Assin North constituents
“We should not support or vote for individuals who are entangled in legal controversies that may eventually lead them to face imprisonment.” “We should not vote for individuals who have been convicted of a crime.”
“We require someone who is able to come assist you at this time. Someone who will act in a way that is beneficial to you. I overheard Gyakye Quayson declare that you people will continue to vote for him even if he is incarcerated. Can he work from jail?
“How can he work from prison when we elect people to go to Parliament to do their jobs?” “Don't vote for someone who is going to end up in jail; vote for someone who can work to improve your lives,” President Akufo-Addo urged the electorate before the election.
In the meantime, the President has refuted allegations that he was involved in the investigation and subsequent conviction of James Gyakye Quayson.
He claims that during his whole time serving as President, he has never once attempted to influence the decisions made by the judicial branch.
After sending a letter to the Electoral Commission informing them that the seat in Assin North has been vacated, it has become essential to hold a by-election there.
This came as a result of a decision made by the Supreme Court, which stated that the Electoral Commission had violated the constitution by permitting Mr. Quayson to run for parliamentary election in 2020 without providing proof that he had renounced his Canadian citizenship.
In its judgement, the highest court in the country instructed parliament to remove James Gyakye Quayson's name from the roster of Members of Parliament and to do so immediately.
In addition, it declared that his election was invalid, contrary to the constitution, and without any legal bearing.
