An Accra High Court has granted the parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for Assin North by-election, James Gyakye Quayson to be absent from the next hearing as it rules on an application by his lawyers seeking to halt his trial till after the by-election on June 27.
Lead counsel for the deposed Assin North MP, Tsatsu Tsikata had argued that the Attorney General had made prejudicial comments and had shown no respect to the legal etiquette with his statements within the court, outside and during press interviews.
Citing article 55(13) Lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata explained that per provisions of the constitution and the Supreme Court the accused person has the right to take part of the election which was being conducted by the Electoral Commission, thereby making it a national assignment.
But Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame objected, noting that the application to vary the adjournment date will mitigate against the rights of the accused person in respect of a fail and speedy trial.
Presiding judge Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh adjourned the hearing to Friday, June 23 but granted James Gyakye Quayson permission to be absent on the day.
“It is not about him not being allowed to contest the elections. He has the right to contest, and the state also has the right to hear cases pending in court,” he noted.
On his part, James Gyakye Quayson expressed delight and commended leading party members and supporters who converged on the premises to support him.