Baba Jamal, a former member of parliament for Akwatia, stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) made the decision to put forth James Gyakye Quayson, a lawmaker who had been removed from his position in Assin North, as a candidate for the by-election because they feel he should be given another opportunity to serve the people.
On Saturday, June 3, Baba Jamal stated on the program Key Points that even before Gyakye Quayson made the choice to run for office, the NDC had already made the decision to put him forward as a candidate for the by-election.
"Even before this decision came, the party had taken the decision that Gyakye Quayson will go back because we think he deserves another chance to serve the people," Baba Jamal said. "Even before this decision came, the party had taken the decision that Gyakye Quayson will go back."
When Mr. Gyakye Quasyon announced his intention to run in the byelection in a statement on Thursday, June 1, he said, "I know that you, the people of Assin North, are ready for the bye-election.
You have not had a representative in the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic ever since April of the previous year, when the Supreme Court ordered that I be prevented from carrying out my responsibilities as your representative in that body. You, the people of Assin North, have been put in the same intolerable position for well over a year, just like your counterparts in the SALL Traditional Areas, who are denied representation in this Parliament.
As the President hears the report, he asserts that there will not be any additional questionable judgment debt.
"The by-election, which must be held within thirty days of the ruling of the Supreme Court in order to satisfy the requirements of the Constitution's Article 112(5), would put an end to this predicament.
It is imperative that the will of the people of Assin North prevail.
"It is imperative that democracy be reinstated. I urge you all to come out in great numbers to vote for me so that I can return to Parliament and continue the work that I began to undertake on your behalf, towards moving the Assin North development agenda forward.