# James Gyakye Quayson

James Gyakye Quayson (born 9 October 1952) is a Ghanaian politician who is currently serving as the member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North.
Accra, 14, 2, 2025 Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, Member of Parliament for Assin North, delivered a compelling speech in Parliament to mark Black History Month, emphasizing unity, self-sufficiency, and inclusive governance.
He paid tribute to Black leaders such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama, highlighting their contributions to justice and equality. He also addressed Africa’s paradox of wealth and underdevelopment, citing historical exploitation and economic dependency as major obstacles.
“Black History Month is a call to action. It reminds us of the need for unity among Black people worldwide. By learning from the past and building solidarity, we can create a future of dignity and empowerment,” he stated.
Ghana as the Gateway to Africa Hon. Quayson reaffirmed Ghana’s role as the Gateway to Africa, pointing to the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives, which have strengthened ties with the global African diaspora. These programs have brought investments in real estate, hospitality, and tourism, boosting economic growth and cultural connections.
Call for Reform: Dual Citizenship and Governance A key focus of his address was the need to amend Ghana’s dual citizenship laws, which restrict Ghanaians with dual nationality from holding political office. He urged Parliament to expedite the Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill to allow skilled and committed diaspora Ghanaians to contribute to leadership and development.
“The fight against dual citizenship restrictions is not a personal battle but a national conversation. Our Constitution must evolve to reflect the global realities of our people,” he asserted.
The Black Star Experience: A Cultural and Economic Vision
Hon. Quayson also highlighted the Black Star Experience, an NDC initiative aimed at making Ghana a global hub for arts, culture, and tourism. With year-round celebrations in literature, fashion, film, and music, the initiative is expected to attract investment, create jobs, and boost local businesses.
“This initiative will enhance tourism revenues, provide skills transfer, and cement Ghana’s position as a leader in creative and economic innovation,” he noted.
Recognizing and Empowering New Citizens
Hon. Quayson advocated for policies that integrate African Americans and other nationals who have settled in Ghana, allowing them to contribute to governance and leadership.
“Leadership is not confined to nationality by birth but defined by the ability to serve, innovate, and uplift communities,” he emphasized.
A Call for Unity and Progress Concluding his speech, he urged for a collective effort to create an inclusive and progressive Ghana.
“The journey ahead is long, but together, we can redefine what it means to be Ghanaian, ensure equal opportunities, and build a future our children will be proud of,” he affirmed.
Hon. Quayson’s remarks have reignited discussions on diaspora engagement, constitutional reforms, and Ghana’s cultural and economic leadership. His message of resilience and unity serves as a guiding beacon for the nation’s future.
Bridging THE Gap: Hon. Gyakye Quayson Inspects Progress on Tweanka Bridge Project
Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, Member of Parliament for Assin North, remains committed to bridging the gap in infrastructure and development across his constituency. His latest intervention, the Tweanka Bridge project, is a testament to his dedication to improving the lives of his people. So far, he has invested approximately GH₵2.8 million in the project, which includes the construction of a 1.1km virgin road leading to the bridge camp site and the bridge itself.
During his recent inspection tour of the project, Hon. Quayson assessed the progress and engaged with engineers and community members. With 70% of the work completed, he is pushing for the final phase, having budgeted an additional GH₵1.2 million to bring the project to completion. Once finished, the bridge will serve as a crucial transportation link, improving access to schools, healthcare facilities, and markets, while enhancing economic opportunities for residents.
Beyond his constituency-level initiatives, Hon. Gyakye Quayson is actively working in Parliament to strengthen Ghana’s engagement with the diaspora community. Recognizing the immense potential of Ghanaians abroad in national development, he has been a strong advocate for policies that encourage their involvement in governance and investment in local infrastructure. His efforts align with broader national strategies to leverage the expertise, resources, and networks of the diaspora to drive economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. Through his advocacy, he aims to bridge the gap between Ghanaians at home and abroad, fostering stronger connections that benefit both the diaspora and local communities.
As he continues to deliver on his promises, Hon. Quayson remains steadfast in his mission to uplift Assin North through strategic development projects and progressive policies that empower his constituents. The Tweanka Bridge is just one of many steps toward ensuring a more connected, developed, and prosperous future for the people he serves.

## Early life and education

James Gyakye Quayson hails from Assin Bereku in the Central Region of Ghana. He had his secondary education at the prestigious Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast, completing in 1969. He moved to Toronto, Canada, where he graduated from York University with two bachelor's degrees, one in Social Sciences and another in General Arts with Majors in Political Science and Sociology. He also obtained a master's degree in Urban Planning and Community Development as well. He became a naturalized Canadian citizen before renouncing it in order to run for Member of Parliament for Assin North.

## Career

Prior to being in parliament, he worked as a District Manager for the City of Toronto Employment and Social services from 2020. He is also a Social Services and Community Development Administrator and manager, as well as a part time framer.

## Election controversy

Quayson, who was a citizen of Canada, was found in violation of Article 92, Clause 2a of Ghana's constitution, when he ran for MP for Assin North during the 2020 parliamentary election, which states "a person shall not be qualified to be a member of parliament if he owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana". The Supreme Court of Ghana later declared the 2020 parliamentary election held in the Assin North constituency, null and void. He was re-elected after a by-election held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 and sworn in on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

### Court proceedings

A Cape Coast High Court presided over by Justice Kwasi Boakye ordered fresh parliamentary elections to be conducted in the Assin North constituency after declaring the election null and void, Mr. Quayson went on to challenge the decision of the High Court at the Appeals Court in which his application was dismissed.
Michael Ankomah-Nimfah, the plaintiff/applicant who filed an election petition against Mr. Quayson has initiated another action at The Supreme Court of Ghana requesting that, the court allows the Cape Coast High Court judgement to take effect as well as prevent further breach of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana by restraining him as member of parliament (MP) since he continued to sit in parliament as MP and this was challenged within the house as well.
On 13 April 2022, The Supreme Court by a 5-2 majority decision ruled that he should stop holding himself as a member of parliament. He indicated his intention to contest the Supreme Court ruling by filing an application for The Supreme Court to review its own decision. The Supreme Court set 13 June 2022 for the trial against Quayson after postponing his application review for restraining him to hold himself as MP and preventing him to attend Parliament to conduct business on behalf of the people of Assin North constituency.
In a unanimous decision by The Supreme Court of Ghana consisting of Justices Jones Dotse, Nene Amegatcher, Mariama Owusu, Gertrude Torkonoo, Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu, Emmanuel Kulendi and Barbara Ackah Ayensu, presiding Judge Justice Jones Dotse on 17 May 2023 ruled that the Electoral Commission of Ghana acted unconstitutionally by accepting the nomination of Mr. Quayson without proof of citizenship renunciation before contesting the 2020 parliamentary elections. The Apex court outline four reasons for arriving at this decision in the case against Quayson which didn't sit well with the minority, National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the defendant, Mr. Quayson expressing his disappointment at the court's decision.

## Politics

Gyakye Quayson is a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and was the member of parliament for Assin North Constituency in the Central Region of Ghana.

### By-elections

In a letter to the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) on Monday, 29 May 2023, Parliament of Ghana declared the Assin North constituency seat vacant making way for a by-election. The EC announced 27 June 2023 as the date for the by-election in Assin North constituency in a press statement on Wednesday, 31 May 2023 and nominations will be received from 12 to 14 June 2023.
Mr. Quayson, in a statement on 1 June 2023, officially declared his intention to contest in the Assin North constituency by-election with support from his party, the National Democratic Congress. On 27 June 2023, Mr. Quayson won the Assin North constituency by-election with 17, 245 votes, constituting 57.56% of votes cast. This figure indicates a significant reduction of his votes obtained in the 2020 general election, which was 17,498 votes representing 55.21%.
James Gyakye Quayson, after emerging victorious in the by-election was sworn in for the second time as the Member of Parliament for Assin North on Tuesday, 27 June 2023.

### 2024 election

He retained the seat in the ticket of the NDC to represent Assin North as MP by securing 18,023 votes, representing 56.35% of the total valid votes cast while his contender Charles Opoku secured 13,599 votes, representing 42.52% of the total valid votes cast.

### Committees

Quayson was a member of the House Committee and also a member of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee.

## Personal life

He is a Christian.