Freddie Blay’s law firm justifies decision to defend Aisha Huang’s accomplices

Blay & Associates, the law firm belonging to former National Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Freddie Blay, has justified its decision to defend four accomplices of Aisha Huang, who were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal small-scale mining.

On Tuesday, October 11, it came to light in court that Blay & Associates was representing the suspects.

This move by Mr Blay has sparked discussions among the public as many say it suggests a lack of principle and defeats the government’s fight against the canker.

Director of Legal Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Abraham Amaliba observed that the involvement of the NPP’s affiliated defence lawyers in the case involving Aisha Huang and her accomplices might create an impression of a ‘fixed match’ if the prime suspect is acquitted and discharged by the court.

“There are accusations and fingers pointing at government officials complicit in this ‘galamsey’ issue. Already Nkrabeah Effah Dartey, who is known to be connected with the NPP, is the one representing Aisha Huang. Now to have the immediate past Chairman of the NPP joining forces to defend these ‘galamseyers’, it gives the impression that ‘yes’, government, as it were, is not interested in fighting the menace”.

But in a statement responding to these concerns, Blay & Associates said: “It has come to our attention that there have been some misconceptions and the deliberate misconstruction of our decision to represent our clients in the case of the Republic Vs Shi Yang, Shi Meizhi, Li  Wei Zuo and another (Our Client), we as a firm will like to clarify these issues.

“To us, it would seem that our clients are collateral victims of a matter that is of great national concern. We understand the deep-seated anger and sentiment on any story on illegal mining evokes in Ghanaians. Even worse is when those accused are foreign nationals because of the extensive degradation and pollution of water bodies laid at their doorsteps.