The Dual Citizenship Dilemma: Can Legal Brains In NDC Save James Quayson From Jail?

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has long been revered for its cadre of legal luminaries, including renowned figures such as Tsatsu Tsikata, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Tony Lithur, and Edudzi Tamakloe.

However, the burning question remains: Can the legal team shield James Gyakye Quayson, the deposed Assin North Member of Parliament, from the consequences of his dual citizenship status as per the law?

James’ recent removal from his parliamentary position subsequent to a Supreme Court ruling on his case, has left the NDC grappling with a daunting challenge.

The court deemed James’ election invalid, citing a breach of Article 94(2) (a) of the 1992 Constitution, as he had not renounced his dual citizenship at the time of filing his candidacy.

Consequently, on May 17, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court ordered Parliament to expunge Quayson’s name as an MP, and that rendered all the processes that resulted in his election to parliament, null, and void.

Now, James finds himself entangled in a web of criminal charges related to his dual citizenship.

His liabilities include deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport or travel certificate, knowingly making a false statement, perjury, and false declaration for office.

His fate now lies in the hands of the justice system.

The burning question remains:

Can the NDC shield Quayson from prosecution?

Can they prove his innocence beyond a reasonable doubt?

Will their capabilities in jurisprudence be enough to sway the court to allow sleeping dogs to lie and save the accused from being convicted?

Or will their constant filing of stay of execution delay the trial or stave off any impending danger?

While we ponder these questions, it is important to subject this case to further interrogation by referencing case precedents.

Take, for example, the infamous case involving Adamu Daramani Sakande. In July 2012, the Accra Fast Track High Court sentenced Sakande, the then-Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, to two years imprisonment for holding dual citizenship.

The court found him guilty of charges including false declaration of office or voting, perjury, and deception of a public officer.

Therefore, the NDC’s ability to protect Quayson from prosecution remains uncertain.

While the legal team of the NDC is known for its formidability, the final verdict still rests with the courts and hinges on the strength of the evidence presented.

The justice system must ensure that justice is served impartially, upholding the integrity of the law and safeguarding the nation’s democratic principles.

As the legal battle ensues, Ghanaians eagerly await the outcome, hoping for a fair and transparent resolution.

The case of James Quayson is a litmus test for the NDC as to its commitment to justice and the rule of law. It is a test that will determine the credibility of the NDC’s legal team and shed light on the delicate balance between political protection and the pursuit of justice.

The fate of James Quayson hangs not only on the strategy of his lawyers but also on the court’s ability to evaluate the evidence and deliver a just verdict.

If found guilty, the deposed MP could potentially face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years.