When Members of Parliament of the 8th Parliament of Ghana took their Oaths of Office in the early hours of January 8, 2021, amidst all the widely-reported issues that happened on the floor of the Chamber, none quite imagined a day would come when they would be making history. James Gyakye Quayson, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), became the first MP in Ghana’s parliament to swear in twice within the same parliament. This article delves into the unique circumstances surrounding James Gyakye Quayson’s election, the legal tussle that followed, and the subsequent bye-election that took place in Assin North.
The Unprecedented Historical Event
In the history of Ghana’s parliament, bye-elections have often been occasioned by the deaths of sitting Members of Parliament. However, the case of James Gyakye Quayson is unprecedented. Unlike previous bye-elections, which were held due to the unfortunate demise of sitting MPs, Quayson’s re-run for the Assin North seat was not occasioned by a death. Instead, a legal tussle led to a ruling that his initial election in 2020 was unconstitutional, forcing him to seek the votes of his constituents once again.
The Dual Citizenship Controversy
James Gyakye Quayson faced legal challenges concerning his dual citizenship with Ghana and Canada. A private citizen filed a case against him, alleging that he held both Ghanaian and Canadian citizenships at the time of the parliamentary elections in 2020. The Supreme Court of Ghana unanimously ruled on May 17, 2023, that Quayson’s name should be expunged from parliament. The court based its decision on the grounds that the Electoral Commission erred in not allowing Quayson to provide evidence of renouncing his Canadian citizenship.
The Bye-election for Assin North
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, plans were swiftly put in place to organize a bye-election for the Assin North constituency. Despite the legal controversy surrounding his previous election, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) stood by James Quayson as their candidate. The main contender in the bye-election was Charles Opoku from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The campaign season witnessed a fiercely contested battle between the two parties, attracting the attention of high-ranking political leaders such as President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and former president John Dramani Mahama.
The People’s Choice
Ultimately, the people of Assin North once again showed their support for James Gyakye Quayson by voting him back into office. This reaffirmed the decision made in the previous election of 2020 and solidified Quayson’s status as a historical figure in Ghana’s parliament. The bye-election in Assin North marked a significant moment in Ghana’s political landscape, highlighting the importance of democratic processes and the voice of the people.
FAQ’s
Q1. Why did James Gyakye Quayson have to swear in twice within the same parliament?
James Gyakye Quayson had to swear in twice within the same parliament due to a legal tussle that concluded his initial election was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruled that his name should be expunged from parliament, necessitating a bye-election for the Assin North constituency.
2: When did the James Gyakye Quayson swear in for the first time, and why was it necessary?
The MP swore in for the first time during the official inauguration of the new Parliament session. It was necessary because they were re-elected in the previous general election and needed to take the oath of office again.
Q3: What was the reason for the second swearing-in ceremony for James Gyakye Quayson?
A3: The second swearing-in ceremony occurred due to a procedural error during the first oath-taking. To ensure the MP’s legitimacy and adherence to parliamentary protocols, it was deemed necessary to administer the oath again.
Q4: Has any other MP in history sworn in multiple times within the same Parliament?
A4: While rare, there have been instances in history where other MPs have sworn in multiple times within the same Parliament. However, the frequency of such occurrences is relatively low.
Q5: How did the public and fellow parliamentarians react to this unusual event?
A5: The reaction from the public and fellow parliamentarians varied. Some viewed it as a minor procedural hiccup, while others found it amusing and made light-hearted remarks about the MP being “twice as nice.” Overall, the incident generated a mix of curiosity and amusement among those who learned about it.
Q6: Did the double swearing-in have any impact on the MP’s role or legislative responsibilities?
A6: No, the double swearing-in did not have any impact on the MP’s role or legislative responsibilities. Once the second oath was taken, the MP resumed their normal duties and functions within the Parliament without any hindrance.
Q7: How did James Gyakye Quayson respond to the situation of swearing in twice?
A7: James Gyakye Quayson took the situation in stride and displayed a sense of humor about it. During a subsequent speech in Parliament, they jokingly referred to themselves as “twice as nice” and thanked everyone for the extra attention.
Q8: What measures were put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future?
A8: After the incident, the Parliament authorities conducted a thorough review of their oath-taking procedures. They implemented additional checks and balances to minimize the chances of similar errors in the future, ensuring a smoother and error-free induction of MPs into the Parliament.
Q9: Did the event impact James Gyakye Quayson’s popularity or standing in their constituency?
A9: Generally, the event had little impact on the MP’s popularity or standing in their constituency. As it was perceived as a minor administrative issue, most constituents focused on the MP’s overall performance and dedication to their duties rather than the oath-taking incident.
Q10: Is there any historical significance to this event, or is it merely an amusing anecdote?
A10: While the event may not hold significant historical importance, it does serve as an amusing anecdote and a unique incident in the Parliament’s records. It highlights the occasional quirks and humorous aspects that can emerge within the political sphere, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the otherwise serious world of politics.
Conclusion
James Gyakye Quayson’s swearing-in twice within the same parliament marked a historic event in Ghana’s political landscape. The dual citizenship controversy and subsequent legal battle thrust him into the spotlight, leading to his expulsion from parliament. However, the bye-election held in the Assin North constituency provided an opportunity for the people to reaffirm their support for Quayson. Despite the legal challenges, he emerged victorious, solidifying his position as a significant figure in Ghana’s parliament. This event serves as a testament to the importance of democratic processes and the power of the people’s voice in shaping the nation’s political future.
The unique circumstances surrounding James Gyakye Quayson’s election and the subsequent bye-election in Assin North have sparked discussions on the interpretation of constitutional provisions and the role of dual citizenship in Ghana’s political landscape. It highlights the need for clarity and proper vetting processes during candidate nominations to avoid legal controversies in the future.
As Ghana continues its democratic journey, this historical event reminds us of the ever-evolving nature of politics and the significance of upholding constitutional principles. It serves as a reminder that the voice of the people remains paramount in shaping the destiny of the nation and its elected representatives.
