The Akropong Circuit Court has ordered the remand of Freddie Blay, former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), following his arrest in connection with a disputed property demolition at Kitase in the Eastern Region.
The Freddie Blay arrest comes after a criminal warrant, said to have been outstanding for nearly a year, was executed by police in Accra on Monday, March 16, 2026. He was subsequently handed over to the Akropong Police and arraigned before the court.
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Mr. Blay is expected to remain in custody until his next court appearance scheduled for April 9, 2026.
Background
The case stems from a criminal complaint filed by a landowner who alleges that Mr. Blay ordered the demolition of a house under construction on a disputed parcel of land at Kitase.
Judicial records indicate that the matter began with a police report over alleged destruction of property. Authorities claim Mr. Blay failed to honour invitations to assist with investigations.
Charges were subsequently filed in early 2025. However, the former NPP chairman did not appear in court for a scheduled hearing in April 2025, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.
The warrant remained in force until its execution this week, leading to the Freddie Blay arrest and his subsequent remand.
Sources close to Mr. Blay have rejected claims that he evaded justice, insisting he did not know about the arrest warrant prior to his detention.
They argue that the matter is civil in nature, linked to a land purchase dating back to 1994, which has been the subject of prolonged litigation.
On the issue of the alleged demolition, the sources maintain that Mr. Blay did not order the destruction of any building.
Instead, they say he authorised the clearing of a vacant plot in January 2026 for public health reasons, specifically to prevent the area from becoming a breeding ground for reptiles and other dangerous animals.
The land in dispute has a long and complex judicial history. The complainant previously secured a favourable ruling at the High Court in Koforidua.
However, Mr. Blay’s legal team has since filed an appeal against that decision, leaving the matter unresolved.