By-Election Heats Up in Assin North: Rivals Face Off in Final Campaign Days

Strategic Insights -

Enthusiasm is running high as candidates from Ghana's two major parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), take to the streets ahead of the by-elections scheduled for June 27, 2023, in Assin North. The election comes after the Supreme Court of Ghana declared the seat vacant following a ruling on May 17, 2023, citing James Gyakye Quayson's failure to prove he had renounced his Canadian citizenship when he contested the 2020 general elections. Quayson, the NDC's candidate, faces off against Charles Opoku, the NPP's candidate, in what promises to be a closely contested election.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supreme Court of Ghana declared the Assin North seat vacant on May 17, 2023, following a ruling that James Gyakye Quayson was not qualified to contest the 2020 general elections due to his Canadian citizenship.
  • The Election Commission of Ghana announced a by-election on May 27, 2023, to fill the vacant seat, which will be contested by Quayson (NDC) and Charles Opoku (NPP).
  • Quayson has been charged with five counts of deceiving public officers, forgery, perjury, and false declaration, following an accusation by the Office of the Attorney General.
  • Enthusiasts from both parties have taken to the streets, clad in party t-shirts, to campaign for their preferred candidates, with the NPP and NDC holding separate rallies.
  • The by-election is scheduled to take place on June 27, 2023, with the outcome set to determine the new Member of Parliament for Assin North.

Statistics:

  • 17 May 2023: Supreme Court rulings declared the Assin North seat vacant.
  • 27 May 2023: Election Commission of Ghana announced a by-election to fill the vacant seat.
  • 2020: James Gyakye Quayson contested the general elections while holding Canadian citizenship.
  • 5 counts: Charges brought against James Gyakye Quayson by the Office of the Attorney General.
  • 12 February 2022: State charged James Gyakye Quayson with the aforementioned counts.

Sources:

  • Ghana Online News (26 June 2023):

"The heat is building up, party candidates are lacing up their boots and enthusiasts are leaving no stone unturned as they join in vigorous campaigning ahead of the by-elections slated for Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in Assin North."

  • Metro TV (video):

"Campaigners from both parties took to the streets, clad in party t-shirts, to push their candidates' interests."

  • Supreme Court of Ghana (17 May 2023):

"The Parliament of Ghana to expunge the name of James Gyakye Quayson as a Member of Parliament (MP)".

  • Office of the Attorney General (12 February 2022):

"Deceit of a public officer, forgery of a passport, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration."