Freddie Blay

Hon.
Freddie Blay
Member of Parliament
for Ellembelle
In office
1997–2008
Succeeded by Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah
Personal details
Born 1942
Nzema
Nationality Ghana Ghanaian
Political party New Patriotic Party
Children 3
Alma mater University of Ghana
Profession Barrister
Religion Catholic

Frederick Worsemao Armah Blay, popularly called Freddie Blay, is a lawyer and politician. He was a Member of Parliament in Ghana and served as the First Deputy Speaker in the Fourth Parliament of Ghana. He lost his seat in the December 7th 2008 general elections to Armah Kofi Buah of the NDC. He was member of the Convention People's Party (CPP), but resigned to join the New Patriotic Party[1] after being criticized by some CPP stalwarts for not campaigning for the CPP flagbearer Paa Kwesi Nduom but rather endorsed the NPP’s Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo.[2]

He is currently the Senior Partner at Blay and Associates.

He is also the board chairman and majority shareholder of Western Publications Limited, publishers of Daily Guide, Ghana's premier newspaper, the flagship of the Group, Business Guide, News-One and Young Blazers.

Analysts had said Mr. Blay’s seeming betrayal of the CPP contributed to his loss because CPP members as well as NPP members who voted for him were fed up.

But Mr. Blay has refuted these suggestions, insisting that the election was rigged by the NDC in the constituency. He buttressed his claim with the fact that close to five thousand ballots which could have gone to him were declared spoilt and subsequently rejected, consequently he is now a member of the NPP party.[3]

Asked whether he would relish being the Speaker of Parliament in future, Mr. Blay said he would be glad to accept that opportunity when it comes his way. “Thank God, those who say so I would be happy with them. It is only a bad soldier who doesn’t want to become a general in the army. I will definitely accept any position to serve my country if it is not in conflict with my own beliefs and convictions” he said.

References

Parliament of Ghana
Preceded by
?
Member of Parliament for Ellembelle
1997 2008
Succeeded by
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah
Political offices
Preceded by
?
Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament
1997 2001
Succeeded by
Kenneth Dzirasah
Preceded by
Kenneth Dzirasah
First Deputy Speaker of Parliament
2001 2008
Succeeded by
Edward Doe Adjaho