The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama says he will appoint the embattled former Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson as a minister if he is elected president in the 2024 polls.

According to the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Quayson has proved that he is a development-oriented politician. 

The former President said the former MP even as an opposition lawmaker has done enough for the constituency with his own resources. 

Mr Mahama made this known on Sunday, June 25, when he addressed Assin North constituents prior to the impending by-election for the constituency on Tuesday, June 27. 

“He [Gyakye Quayson] is humble, God-fearing, and respects everyone. If God helps me to be president, nothing will stop me from appointing him as a minister.”

“Even as an opposition MP, look at what he has been able to do in terms of development from his own pockets. Just imagine what he would do if he becomes a minister,” Mahama said.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has charged the constituents of Assin North not for Mr Quayson. 

The President insists that James Gyakye Quayson cannot deliver on the duties expected of him as a Member of Parliament (MP).

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

He added that the election is crucial for the constituency and the nation as a whole.

“We should not support or vote for individuals who are entangled in legal controversies that may eventually lead them to face imprisonment.”

“We need someone who can come and help you. Someone who will work in your interest. I heard Gyakye Quayson say that even in prison, you people will vote for him, can he work from jail?

“We vote for people to go to Parliament to work, how can he work from prison? So don’t vote for someone who will end up in jail, vote for someone who can work to improve your lives,” President Akufo-Addo said. 

“It is crucial for us to exercise our voting rights responsibly. We should not support or vote for individuals who are entangled in legal controversies that may eventually lead them to face imprisonment.”

“We need someone who can come and help you. Someone who will work in your interest. I heard Gyakye Quayson say that even in prison, you people will vote for him, can he work from jail?

"We vote for people to go to Parliament to work, how can he work from prison so don’t vote for someone who will end up in jail, vote for someone who can work to improve your lives,” President Akufo-Addo said at the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s final rally before the by-elections.

A by-election in Assin North has become necessary after parliament wrote to the Electoral Commission declaring the seat vacant.

This followed a Supreme Court ruling that the Electoral Commission acted unconstitutionally in allowing Mr Quayson to contest the 2020 parliamentary election without proof of him renouncing his Canadian Citizenship.

The apex court in its ruling ordered parliament to expunge James Gyakye Quayson’s name from its records as a Member of Parliament. 

It further declared that his election was unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect.

His swearing-in was equally declared to be unconstitutional.