The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has been directed by an Accra High Court to find New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Chairman Freddie Blay and serve him with a summon 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Source: Ghana/Joy News/Joseph Ackah Blay