Nii Ayikoi Otoo, a former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, has advised the government to discontinue the criminal case against James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament-elect for Assin North. 

Mr Otoo, who served as a High Commissioner to Canada, emphasised that it would be politically wise to enter a nolle prosequi in the case, considering the broader public sentiment and the potential reaction of the people of Assin North.

However, Mr Otoo clarified that the Attorney-General does not have the authority to make this decision independently.

The decision to enter a nolle prosequi can only be made if the Cabinet agrees.

"While it would be a good thing to enter a nolle prosequi and show maturity, the Attorney-General cannot make that decision on their own. 

“They are part of a larger entity and bound by Cabinet decisions and secrecy," Mr Otoo stated during an interview on Accra-based Citi FM on July 3 2023.

He further emphasised the need for negotiation and a broader conversation on the matter, indicating that a Cabinet decision would be necessary to discontinue the trial.

Mr Otoo's remarks came in response to recent comments by the Dormaahene, who suggested that the state should drop the Gyakye Quayson trial in an Accra High Court.

The Dormaahene's comment was swiftly rebutted by Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame.

James Quayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of deceit of a public officer, forgery of passport or travel certificates, knowingly making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office. 

These charges stem from his participation in the 2020 polls while allegedly holding dual citizenship.

The Accra High Court has ordered a daily trial, but Quayson's lawyers have challenged this ruling in the Court of Appeal.