The MP-elect for Assin North constituency, James Gyakye Quayson has responded to President Akufo-Addo’s recent comment suggesting his imprisonment before trial.

Interacting with the press after his victory, Mr Quayson acknowledged that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including the President.

However, he emphasised that the President's statement did not reflect the sentiments of his constituents.

Mr Quayson's comment come after President Akufo-Addo during his campaign on Sunday charged the people of Assin North not to make a mistake of voting for the former.

According to the President, Mr Quayson could end up in jail due to the criminal trial he is facing, leaving the Constituency without an MP. 

While admitting that he had not personally heard the President's remarks but was informed about them, the newly-elected legislator criticised the notion of declaring individuals guilty before it is proven in court.

“That’s his opinion and it’s not like that is the opinion of the people. He’s free to express his opinion, I didn’t hear it myself, I was told that he had just emphasised on that.

“Again, I was a bit disappointed to hear that and I know he’s a lawyer and the fundamental believe or value of the legal system is that you’re innocent until proven guilty. So for him to say that, it is not a qualified statement,” he said on Tuesday.

Undeterred by the President's comment, Quayson expressed gratitude and confidence in the residents of Assin North.

He commended the people for their demonstration of conscience and belief in him, asserting that human conscience supersedes any justice system.

Mr Quayson urged the public to embrace this aspect and move forward, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective progress.

James Gyakye Quayson who was contesting for the Assin North parliamentary seat on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious after polling 17,245 votes representing 57.56%.

He was ejected from Parliament last month following a Supreme Court decision annulling the 2020 constituency election.

His main rival, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party polled 12,630 or 42.15% of valid votes to place second, while Liberal Party of Ghana’s Bernice Enam Sefanu polled only 87 votes or 0.29%.