Former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, has stated that a broader conversation is necessary to address the criminal case involving ,the Member of Parliament-elect for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.
Otoo, who also served as an ambassador to Canada, emphasized the political wisdom of entering a nolle prosequi in this case.
He highlighted the importance of considering the broader public sentiment and the potential reaction of the people of Assin North, particularly for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, speaking to the media on Monday July 4, Otoo clarified that the decision to enter a nolle prosequi cannot be made solely by the Attorney-General, unless it is endorsed by the cabinet.
“It will be a good thing to enter a nolle prosequi and stop all this to show more maturity but you cannot as an Attorney-General do it on your own, you are not independent, you are part of a whole.
“The Attorney-General is bound by cabinet decision and cabinet secrecy even if he disagrees, once it has been taken, you are bound,” he said.
“So, if you ask me, what I will tell you is that there is the need for some negotiation, a broader conversation on the matter,” he stressed.
The former Attorney-General responded to recent statements made by the Dormaahene regarding the discontinuation of the Gyakye Quayson trial in an Accra High Court. The A-G, Godfred Yeboah Dame, swiftly refuted the Dormaahene’s comments.
James Quayson pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including deceit of a public officer, forgery of travel documents, making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office. These charges stem from his alleged dual citizenship during his participation in the 2020 elections.
The Accra High Court mandated a daily trial, a ruling that has been challenged by Quayson’s legal team in the Court of Appeal.