The Koforidua High Court 2, presided over by His Lordship George Krofa Addae, has granted bail of GH₵800,000 to former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Freddie Armah Blay. This decision followed the court’s acceptance of a bail application filed by Mr. Blay’s legal team, challenging an earlier ruling by the Akropong Circuit Court that had remanded him into police custody over a land dispute at Kitase.
Lead Counsel for the applicant, Godfred Yeboah Dame, argued that his client had no knowledge of the alleged offence.
He further noted Mr. Blay’s advanced age, current ill health requiring admission at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), and his distinguished career, having served at the Bar for 48 years and held various state positions. Counsel emphasised that, given his stature and service, Mr. Blay would not abscond if granted bail.
During proceedings, Lead Counsel Godfred Yeboah Dame addressed the health condition of his client, noting that Mr. Blay was stable but raising concerns over the arrest warrant previously issued by the Akropong Circuit Court. He argued that his client was being subjected to unjust punishment, emphasizing that there was no evidence of a summons being served. “How can you treat him this way, especially when there is no proof of service of summons or related processes?” he questioned.
Representing the state, Cyril Boateng Keteku acknowledged awareness of the applicant’s health status and agreed that the decision to grant bail rested within the court’s discretion, provided it was exercised fairly. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted bail set at GH₵800,000 with two sureties, initially requiring them to be public servants holding Ghana Cards. However, Counsel for the applicant requested a variation of these conditions.
Upon further consideration, the judge ruled that Mr. Blay did not pose a flight risk and adjusted the bail terms, stipulating instead that the sureties must be residents of either the Eastern Region or Greater Accra.
A number of New Patriotic Party NPP faithfuls, including Loyal Ladies and Tescon students from the Koforidua Technical University who were gathered at the forecourt of the Koforidua High Court with Freddie Blay banners, were happy about the court’s decision to grant their former Chairman bail. The Eastern Regional NPP Secretary, Tony Osei Adjei, who spoke to the media, indicated that justice has been served. “Justice has been served, and I think it is a good call for the country as a whole,” he said.
Source: Neil Kanarku