The former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, has been admitted to hospital following a sudden deterioration in his health while in police custody.
According to sources close to the seasoned politician, he was taken to an undisclosed medical facility on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, after experiencing a sharp rise in blood pressure that required urgent medical attention.
His condition reportedly worsened shortly after he was remanded by the Akropong Circuit Court on Monday over a land dispute in Kitas
Blay’s hospitalisation comes against the backdrop of an ongoing legal tussle involving claims of unlawful demolition. The court ordered that he remain in custody until April 9, 2026, following his arrest on a warrant said to have been issued about a year ago.
The dispute concerns a piece of land in Kitase, which Mr. Blay is said to have acquired in 1994. Prosecutors allege that he directed the demolition of a building under construction on the property.
Police indicate that the arrest warrant was issued in April 2025 after he allegedly failed to respond to multiple invitations to assist with investigations or to appear in court as required.
An aide to the former chairman confirmed the medical emergency, linking it to stress triggered by his arrest and detention. The aide also stressed that Mr. Blay continues to deny any wrongdoing.
The defence team disputes the prosecution’s claims, insisting that no structure was demolished. They argue that in January 2026, Mr. Blay only authorised the clearing of an undeveloped plot to remove what they described as a habitat for dangerous reptiles.
They further maintain that the matter is civil in nature, noting that an earlier High Court ruling in Koforidua in favour of another party is currently under appeal.
It is not yet known whether his lawyers will seek bail on health grounds ahead of the next court date on April 9.
