In a surprising development at the Accra High Court, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, was unable to appear for his ongoing trial due to an alleged critical health emergency.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP, who is facing charges of perjury and forgery related to his acquisition of a Ghanaian passport, has reportedly been flown to Canada for immediate medical treatment.
The defense lawyer, Tsatsu Tsikata, informed the court about the emergency, leaving the judge and prosecution astonished.
During the court proceedings, Mr. Tsikata explained that his client’s absence was due to the urgent need for a medical attention. Gyakye Quayson’s health condition is reported to be severe, requiring immediate intervention that was not available locally.
However, specific details about his ailment were not disclosed.
“My Lady, Joe Quayson is not in court for a very good reason. The accused person is out of the country,” Tsatsu Tsikata told the Judge when she inquired about the whereabouts of the Assin North legislator.
Earlier, Mr. Tsikata had indicated to the court that they had had the occasion to provide the court, sitting in chambers, with a medical note from the doctor attending to him.
He stated that the hearing in chambers was at their request on account of the confidential nature of Mr. Quayson’s medical situation.
“We have since become aware of the sitting of the court on the 3rd of November through a media report, and we have this morning written to the registrar, both about the media report and also seeking certified true copies of the record of what took place on the 3rd of November,” he told the court.
The unexpected absence of the accused MP has cast uncertainty over the trial, which was scheduled to continue with the examination of witnesses and the presentation of evidence against Gyakye Quayson. The judge expressed his concerns about the situation, emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent legal process while also acknowledging the gravity of the MP’s health condition.
The prosecution, on the other hand, expressed skepticism regarding the timing and nature of Gyakye Quayson’s sudden health emergency.
They raised concerns about the possibility of a deliberate attempt to delay or evade the trial proceedings. The prosecution urged the court to thoroughly investigate the authenticity of the defense’s claims.
“I have spoken to the accused person and he is going to provide full details from doctors in Canada of his medical situation. In the meantime, he has instructed me to contact a medical doctor in Ghana who has examined him just before he travelled.”
The unexpected turn of events has sparked public debate and speculation. Some members of the public question the timing of Gyakye Quayson’s health emergency, suggesting that it may be an attempt to avoid the trial.
Others expressed sympathy and concern for the MP’s well-being, calling for a fair and impartial investigation into his medical condition.
As the court initiates an inquiry into the defendant’s health emergency, the future of the trial remains uncertain. The court’s primary objective will be to ensure justice while considering the critical health situation of the accused former MP.