The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has been directed by an Accra High Court to find New Patriotic Party’s National Chairman Freddie Blay and serve him with a summons on its investigations into his procurement of some buses.
CHRAJ is investigating allegations of corruption against Freddie Blay in the purchase of 275 buses for the governing party.
He bought the buses in the lead up to the NPP’s National Delegates’ Conference last year to elect national officers of the party. The investigations follow a petition by a pressure group.
Mr. Blay has refuted claims that the buses were procured to influence delegates ahead of the NPP’s Conference that took place in the Eastern regional capital, Koforidua.
He said the party secured a bank facility to purchase the buses which he claims will be managed by state transport company, STC.
Mr Blay said the buses were purchased with a bank loan
But the Coalition for Social Justice in their petition stated that the purchase of the buses amounted to vote buying and a case of corruption which must be probed by CHRAJ.
CHRAJ in investigating the matter wrote to Mr. Blay two months ago requesting his response to the petition.
The Commission also asked him to produce the custom declaration forms and other forms covering duties paid for the vehicles.
This information, according to CHRAJ, was needed so they could proceed with the probe.
CHRAJ says neither Mr Blay nor his lawyers have responded to their request compelling it to file an application seeking to commit the politician for contempt.
100 of the buses were cleared at the port last year
The Commission told the court Mr Blay has refused to respond to a petition filed against him by the Coalition of Social Justice and wants a custodial sentence to be imposed on him.
Lawyers for CHRAJ said they have, so far, sent the documents to the NPP Headquarters and offices of the Daily Guide newspaper – which is owned by Mr Blay - but have yet to obtain a response from the NPP chairman.
The court, presided over by Justice George Koomson, however, directed that CHRAJ attempts reaching Mr Blay at his private residence.
The case has been adjourned to June 25.
Latest Stories
-
#JustTurned18: I now have an opportunity to use my thumb to bring someone into power – Excited prospective voters
5 mins -
OSP acted as a whistleblower transferring Cecilia Dapaah’s case to EOCO – Sammy Darko
9 mins -
IMF calls for tariff adjustment for energy sector cost recovery
31 mins -
Samson’s Take: Journalists, block the pretentious idiots
2 hours -
Real Madrid crowned LaLiga champions after Barcelona’s defeat at Girona
2 hours -
Daniel Otting Awuah elected SRC President of Ghana School of Law
3 hours -
Lawrence Ati-Zigi signs St. Gallen contract extension
3 hours -
We should be careful not to destroy our institutions without just cause – Serebour Quaicoe
4 hours -
Cecilia Dapaah’s case: EOCO hasn’t requested FBI report – Office of the Special Prosecutor
5 hours -
Andre Ayew scores 5th league goal as Le Havre beat Strasbourg
6 hours -
Ejisu by-election: NPP didn’t sanction money distribution to voters – Richard Ahiagbah
6 hours -
Ghana Health Service opens vacancies for 204 doctors, 25 dentists
6 hours -
Domestic tourism on the rebound with 1.4m visits to attraction sites in 2023 – GTA
7 hours -
Government working hard to complete Tema General Hospital project – Dr Okoe Boye
7 hours -
Ipswich Town seal Premier League promotion after 22 years absence
7 hours