High court dismisses Quayson's motion for Stay of Proceedings

The Accra High Court hearing the criminal trial of Assin-North MP, James Gyakye Quayson has dismissed the MP's application for Stay of Proceedings, thus affirming its previous decision to hear the trial on a daily basis. 

In its ruling on Tuesday, the court held that the arguments made by Mr. Quayson's side does not warrant a special circumstance for the application to be granted. 

“The fact that the applicant believes his appeal will succeed does not by itself warrant and it does not warrant a special circumstance for a stay to be granted,” the presiding judge Justice Mary Yanzuh said. 

Mr. Quayson wanted the court to put on hold the criminal trial, pending the determination of their application at the Court of Appeal, where they are seeking a reversal of the 23rd June ruling of the High Court. 

The High Court on June 23 dismissed a variation motion from the accused which sought to challenge the June 16 order of the court to hear the trial on a daily basis. 

In their filing at the Court of Appeal, they maintain that the decision of the Court was per incuriam and therefore a violation of Article 129 (4) and 296 (b) of the 1992 Constitution.

Lead counsel for James Quayson has however served notice of their intention to file another application for Stay of Proceedings. 

The court meanwhile adjourned the trial to Friday, July 14, 2023, following a prayer from Mr. Tsikata of his unavailability to attend tomorrow's hearing.