James Quayson Jr.

Born on October 9, 1952, in Assin Bereku, a town in the Central Region of Ghana, James Gyakye Quayson grew up in a modest family.

He completed his high school education at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast in 1969. His pursuit of higher education led him to York University in Toronto, Canada, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences in 1996 and later a Master’s in Urban Planning and Community Development in 2015.

Prior to his political career, Quayson worked as a District Manager for the City of Toronto Employment and Social Services. In this role, he leveraged his expertise in social sciences and community development to manage social programs and support individuals in need.

A member of the NDC, Quayson clinched the seat for the Assin North constituency in the 2020 General Elections. However, his eligibility was swiftly contested based on allegations that he held dual citizenship, which violated Ghana’s constitutional provision (Article 92, Clause 2a) disqualifying individuals with allegiance to countries other than Ghana from holding parliamentary positions.

The legal tussle continued as the Supreme Court deliberated on the matter. Despite initial dismissals and challenges against court decisions, the apex court eventually ruled against Quayson, mandating him to cease acting as a member of parliament due to constitutional breaches.

A Cape Coast High Court nullified the 2020 parliamentary election in Assin North, citing Quayson’s dual citizenship. This decision led to a by-election in 2023, which Quayson participated in and won, reaffirming his position as the Member of Parliament for Assin North.