Ghanaian Supreme Court Hears Constitutional Challenge

Ghana’s Supreme Court will hear the review application filed by James Gyekye Quayson, member of Parliament for Assin North.

In July, 2021 Quayson’s election as member of Parliament was nullified by the Cape Coast High Court, on the grounds that he violated the 1992 Constitution by holding Canadian citizenship. Article 94(2)(a) of prohibits a person owing allegiance to another country from contesting as member of Parliament. Quayson went to the Court of Appeals to review the decision, challenging the constitutional article.

The appeal is being made on procedural grounds. The prospects of his appeal being approved are unlikely as his appeal in December of 2021 was unsuccessful.

The case brings up the question about whether a Ghanaian holding the citizenship of another country owes allegiance to that country. This sparks a contentious debate that will likely result in the termination of Quayson’s term, presenting the need for a replacement Member of Parliament for Assin North.