The Koforidua High Court, presided over by His Lordship George Krofa Addai, has granted former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, bail in the sum of GH¢800,000 with two sureties who must reside in either the Greater Accra or Eastern Regions.
Lead counsel for Blay, Godfred Yeboah Dame, told the court that his client, a 48-year veteran lawyer and former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, is currently unwell, and continued detention could be detrimental to his health.
He also stated that Blay was unaware of the bench warrant issued by the Akropong Circuit Court.
The prosecution did not oppose the bail application but urged the court to ensure that Blay avails himself for all future proceedings.
Delivering his ruling, Judge Addai noted Blay’s age and deteriorating health and ruled that he was not a flight risk. Consequently, bail was approved at GH¢800,000 with two sureties who must be residents in Greater Accra or the Eastern Region, a variation from the initial requirement that the sureties be public servants.
Speaking to the media, Godfred Dame expressed disappointment in the earlier decision of the Akropong Circuit Court but confirmed that Blay, currently on hospital admission, is recovering.
Eastern Regional Secretary of the NPP, Tonny Kofi Osei Agyei, described the bail grant as a victory for justice.
Supporters of the NPP in New Juaben South also gathered in large numbers to show solidarity with Blay.
The case stems from a criminal complaint filed by a landowner alleging that Blay demolished a house under construction on a disputed parcel of land in Aburi-Kitase. The complainant had made formal reports to the police, but Blay reportedly failed to respond to several police invitations.
Charges were filed in April 2025, but Blay did not appear in court, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant, which was enforced on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Blay was initially remanded and was expected to remain in custody until April 9, 2026, but was admitted to hospital due to high blood pressure.
Blay’s defence maintains that the dispute is civil in nature, linked to a parcel of land purchased in 1994 and subject to protracted litigation.
They argued that Blay did not order the demolition of any building, but only directed the clearing of weeds in January to prevent the spread of reptiles and other hazards that could endanger the neighborhood.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
