Henry Nana Boakye, the National Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed shock over the former Assin North MP, Joe Gyaakye Quayson’s chants that he still remains the MP despite the court’s verdict revealing contrary.
According to him, the former Assin North MP only filed an appeal and does not ultimately represent a stay of execution.
His comments follow assertions made by the former MP Joe Gyakye Quayson that he remains the MP for the constituency.
“An appeal does not operate as a stay of execution. So, I am surprised how he could still hold himself up with such boldness and declare he is still the MP. Frankly speaking, this is an act of contempt.
“The High Court is a competent court of jurisdiction. The court in its judgement said you’re no more the MP; don’t hold yourself as an MP and clearly the man is saying that to hell with the judgement you gave last week, I am still the MP”.
Mr Henry Nana Boakye
Additionally, Mr Boakye further revealed that the NPP will file a contempt charge against former Assin North MP. His premise is that, Joe Gyaakye Quayson is still holding himself as the MP for the constituency.
The Assin North legislator vehemently disagreed with the judgment pronounced by the Cape Coast High Court. As such, he resolutely insisted he won the election “fair and square” and he is “still your Member of Parliament”.
NDC justifies former MP’s comments
That notwithstanding, Mr Boakye reckons that the NDC must restrain Mr Quayson from making such statements since it offends the law.
On his part, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, insisted that the Mr Quayson’s statements are his expressions and is not a reflection of disregarding the court’s ruling.
“If the MP goes beyond this expression of opinion and hold himself as MP by going to Parliament and participating in proceedings, without any processes like a stay of execution being filed, then you can talk about contempt.”
Mr Sammy Gyamfi
Referencing the 2012 election petition where the NPP sought to challenge the outcome in court, Mr Gyamfi revealed that the NPP at the time also held the view then that the NPP presidential candidate Akufo-Addo was authentically elected.
“Mr Gyaakye Quayson has not said anywhere that ‘to hell with the court’. He has not said he does not respect the decision of the court. What he has stated is his personal opinion and it is that he still remains a validly elected Member of Parliament for Assin North”.
Mr Sammy Gyamfi
GUM determined to win Assin North seat
Meanwhile, the Central Regional Communications Director of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Mr Isaac Manu, has indicated that the Party is determined to win the Assin North Parliamentary seat.
According to him, the party is determined to change the face of politics by encouraging Ghanaians to participate in the governance of the Country.
Acknowledging it wouldn’t be an easy journey, Mr Manu expressed optimism in winning the seat.
Also, Mr Manu disclosed that the party has developed new programmes for a paradigm shift in campaign strategies. This, he explained, is to to attract the electorates to vote out the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Moreover, he also expressed the need to inspire and empower women with resources and equip them with skills and create jobs.
This, when done, he believes will become the key driving forces in the fight against poverty.
“What women in the Constituency need are not only microfinance support but increased mechanisation, technological innovation, education, and skills development.
“It would intensify its financial inclusion in agribusiness and empower the women with knowledge and skills to use modern technologies in agribusiness and enhance the agricultural value chain”.
Mr Isaac Manu
Read Also: GEF-SGP to award small grants to CSOs and Community Groups