Adwoa Safo Cannot Be Removed Without Fair Hearing – Freddy Blay

Freddie Blay, the immediate past chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said that Adwoa Safo deserves a fair hearing before Parliament takes any decision on her long absence from the chamber.

President Nana Akufo-Addo revoked her appointment as gender minister two weeks ago as the petition to remove her from Parliament was pending. 

Speaking on The Big Bulletin, Blay said no matter how people perceive things, Safo must be heard.

“It is not easy that people have elected an individual and she’s in Parliament,” he said. “It is, according to the rules in Parliament, but there’s one cardinal rule that’s beyond Parliament. It is even beyond the constitution, you need to give her a hearing. That hasn’t been done from what I gather.”

“She’s been out of the country for health reasons or whatever reasons, I can’t tell. But I’m saying that if she’s given the opportunity to avail herself and make her case then based on that one could pass judgement.”

‘It’s not right’

According to him, “you cannot just say that you want to remove someone from her seat when you have not heard her. As a lawyer, it is not right and I will not agree with this stance.”

“But maybe she might have a good reason, she might not have a good reason but I’m talking specifically on what ought to be done in Parliament. And from my experience she should be given a hearing.”