The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has welcomed a lawsuit filed against him by Freddie Blay, Board Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and his sons regarding the sale of SSNIT Hotels.
The National Democratic Congress lawmaker, in bold remarks, reacting to the report of the lawsuit, expressed confidence in his ability to emerge victorious in the legal battle.
He described the lawsuit as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against what he terms “State Capture” under the New Patriotic Party administration led by President Akufo-Addo.
“They say better late than never — even though I am yet to be served, this is great news after many weeks of countless threats. The battle to reclaim Labadi Beach Hotel’s beachfront just got exciting”.
Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu Member of Parliament
The North Tongu Member of Parliament, a vocal critic of the transaction between the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and Rock City Hotel, which is owned by the current Minister of Food and Agriculture, Honorable Bryan Acheampong further underscored his commitment to continue to pursue his demand for the halt of the sale despite the suit.
He expressed his unalloyed dedication and firm resolve to challenge the sale and hold those responsible accountable.
“Justice does not always belong to those who are first to seek refuge in the courts — if you doubt this, ask the double identity champion. No matter the intimidation theatrics, State Capture shall surely be defeated!”.
Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu Member of Parliament
Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa further pointed out that his firm commitment to the cause is underscored by his long-standing dedication to the service of God and humanity, particularly to Ghana.
He emphasized his dedication to fighting for the national interest, touting his belief in the righteousness of his cause.
Lawsuit
In two separate lawsuits, former New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman, Freddie Blay and his son, Kwame Blay, have sued Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for defamatory publications falsely implicating them in the alleged theft of state property.
While Kwame Blay’s lawsuit is directed solely against the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Freddie Blay’s suit also includes Media General and Johnnie Hughes as defendants.
Kwame Blay, in his lawsuit, emphasized that he is a distinct individual from his brother, Kwaw Blay, and has no involvement in the activities of the Polo Beach Club or any affiliated entities.
He specifically pointed out that he has never dealt with Loic Devos Jnr, who is currently in a legal dispute with one of his brother’s businesses, Press Xpress.
Kwame Blay firmly stated that Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s allegations of him stealing state land and being involved in a scheme to cheat Loic are entirely false and have significantly damaged his business and reputation.
He also questioned Honorable Ablakwa’s decision to deliberately publish documents involving a private dispute, suggesting it was done to cause public disaffection for one of the parties.
On the other hand, the former National Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Freddie Blay, in his suit alleged that Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s actions were driven by malice, especially given the timing close to the elections, with the intent to damage his hard-earned reputation.
Mr Blay contended that the information published about his sons and family is entirely false, accusing Media General and its presenter Johnnie Hughes of disseminating untruths aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
He emphasized that Media General’s presenter, Johnnie Hughes, on his show “Johnnie’s Bite,” echoed Honorable Ablakwa’s statements, presenting them as factual and further harming his reputation.
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