The Minority in Parliament on Thursday, July 6, skipped the house’s meeting in support of and solidarity with two caucus members.
James Gyakye Quayson, the MP for Assin North, and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, are both scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for their ongoing cases.
A criminal investigation into an alleged financial loss to the state of €2.37 million is now being conducted against Dr. Ato Forson. The agreement to buy 200 ambulances between 2014 and 2016 is the central theme of the case.
James Gyakye Quayson, on the other hand, is currently facing forgery and perjury accusations before the High Court in Accra.
These accusations are related to alleged offenses that occurred before the Assin North parliamentary election in 2020.
The Minority made a brief statement in which they reaffirmed their steadfast support for their colleagues and stressed their solidarity by choosing not to take part in the day’s parliamentary business.
The Minority in Parliament announced its decision to abstain from Parliamentary proceedings on days when the Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, is due to appear in court for an ongoing criminal prosecution against him.
Mr. Quayson, the embattled politician was sworn in as an MP for Assin North on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, after being victorious in the recently held by-election.
In a gesture of solidarity, Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson said that the whole Minority caucus will follow Mr. Quayson to court and will abstain from House business on those precise days.
The decision is intended to protest what the Minority perceives as ongoing persecution against Mr. Quayson.
“We wish to serve notice that the entire Minority will accompany our colleague today and any other days that he is to appear in court. We are solidarising with our colleague and we will not participate in the business of the House anytime our colleague is in court and we will be withdrawing from the Chamber after this ceremony if the court processes happen today.”
