Trade Minister cited for Contempt of Court
Trade Minister: Lawyers representing James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, have taken legal action against K.T Hammond, accusing him of Contempt of Court.
The lawyers filed a writ on Monday, July 10, alleging that the Trade Minister made irresponsible and prejudicial comments regarding the ongoing criminal case against Quayson.
In the writ, it is stated that during an interview on Oyerepa TV on July 4, 2023, K.T Hammond explicitly declared Quayson guilty of the charges for which he is currently on trial.
Hammond further stated that Quayson would be imprisoned.
These comments, according to the lawyers, violate Quayson’s right to be presumed innocent and his right to a fair trial.
They also argue that Hammond’s words are in contempt of the court, as they severely prejudice the legal proceedings.
Background
James Gyakye Quayson is facing charges of forgery and perjury, filed by the Attorney-General’s Office.
He is accused of deceiving a public officer and knowingly making a false declaration when he filed his nominations for the 2020 election without renouncing his Canadian citizenship.
Quayson has filed a motion at the High Court seeking a stay of proceedings pending an appeal.
K.T Hammond’s reported statement, asserting that his fellow lawmaker will be found guilty and imprisoned, appears to have triggered the legal action taken by Quayson’s lawyers.
