Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, says he might lose his composure if summoned before the Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa-led Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee.

In an interview with Joy News, Freddie Blay expressed his readiness to appear before the committee if it is a legitimate institution with a legal mandate.

President-elect on December 18, appointed Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu MP, as Chairperson of a preparatory team towards the execution of his anti-corruption drive.

Other members of the Team are Mr Daniel Domelevo, a former Auditor-General, Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye (rtd), Mr Martin Kpebu, a Private Legal Practitioner and Mr Raymond Archer, an Investigative Journalist.

Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed satisfaction with the growing support and enthusiasm among non-NPP members for the programme.

He noted that the initiative, which seeks to recover state assets allegedly misappropriated during the tenure of the current government, has gained significant traction among citizens committed to restoring accountability and transparency.

In a recent on social media, Mr Ablakwa highlighted the critical role of ORAL in ensuring that public resources are utilised for the benefit of all Ghanaians.

Read also: Only NPP looting brigade unhappy about ORAL – Ablakwa

However, Mr Blay has accused Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of defaming him and his family, a situation he said could provoke his ire.

“If it’s a proper organisation and has a basis in law, and they invite me because they have something to discuss, I will meet Okudzeto,” he stated.

“But I must say, unfortunately, if he is the chair, I might lose my cool because of the shameful, defamatory, and libellous things he has been saying about me and my family. I don’t know how I will react.”

Mr Blay vehemently denied allegations that his family had benefited from government resources or engaged in any illegal activities.

“The Ghanaian government has not given my family a pesewa illegally. We haven’t taken any government land or engaged in anything you can hold us accountable for. Yet, Ablakwa continues to create the impression that we’ve stolen government property,” he said.

Referring to the accusations as a personal vendetta, Blay noted that he and his two sons had filed defamation suits against Mr Ablakwa.

“I have sued him for defamation, and my two children have also sued him for the same.

He’s using banners to mobilise people and create the impression that we’ve engaged in state capture. But he’s chasing shadows because we haven’t done that,” Mr Blay insisted.

The former NPP chairman criticised what he called Mr Ablakwa’s tactics of sensationalism, warning that his persistence could lead to heightened tensions.

“I’ll fight against these baseless claims. If Okudzeto thinks he can tarnish my reputation and that of my family, he is mistaken,” Mr Blay added.