Ghanaians on social media have been taken aback by the decision of former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to defend the accomplices of the 'galamsey' queen Aisha Huang in court.

Most of them are surprised to see NPP stalwarts defend persons who have been accused of illegal mining whilst their government has pledged commitment to fighting against 'galamsey'.

On Tuesday, October 11, 2022, a feeling of surprise erupted in the Criminal Court 5 when it was announced that Freddie Blay, will be representing four accomplices of ‘galamsey’ queen Aisha Huang who are being held by the state for their involvement in illegal mining.

Lucy Ekeleba Blay, a private legal practitioner announced in court that she was holding brief for Freddie Blay in the case of the four accomplices of Aisha Huang namely; Gao Jin Cheng, Lu Qi Jun, Haibin Go and Zhang Zhipeng.

The 'galamsey' queen, Aisha Huang herself is also being represented by Nkrabea Effah Dartey.

In light of this, some Ghanaians on social media say the NPP administration is strongly behind the illegal mining menace in the country.

One of the comments shared on Twitter said the NPP's supposed commitment to fighting 'galamsey' is just to deceive the citizenry.

Freddie Blay as a lawyer for Aisha Huang's accomplices? It is evident that they never stopped galamsey from the beginning. Everything they did was a smokescreen to hoodwink the public.

— Ebo Hudson🗽 (@Citizen_Ebo) October 11, 2022

This is shocking oo how can a former NPP National chairman, A prestigious person like Freddie Blay defend people who wronged this Ghana and it’s people. I can’t wrap my head around this😱.

— Certified Damu🤑😇 (@Uncertaineddamu) October 12, 2022

Freddie Blay represents Aisha Huang in Court? This NPP leadership is fool of evil men and women! People destroying our country and same pple’s leaders are defending them? Chaiii!!! NPP? Never again!

— Mens D MC 🎤😎 (@Mc_Mens1) October 11, 2022

Look at the lawyers defending the Chinese galamseyer's; Effah Darteh and Freddie Blay, NPP stalwarts and you tell me they are fighting galamsey 😤 pic.twitter.com/5iHm1hKZ8g

— I'm John Carter (@nyavorx) October 11, 2022

Freddie Blay and Effah-Dartey representing Aisha Huang and other foreigners in court today? I'm not surprised because I already knew the NPP is going to provide for Aisha, lawyers to defend her in court.

— Kweku Baako J. (@Baakojeremiahg1) October 11, 2022

Some are also of the view that the former National Chairman is just doing his work as a lawyer to defend the accomplices of the 'galamsey' queen.

They are of the view that persons who have been accused in illegal mining also deserve legal representation in court, hence, the move by Freddie Blay places no impediments against the 'galamsey' fight.

Freddie Blay Vs Nathan Quao... It resembles your eyes

Well, I don't think his law firm representing any of the accused persons should be a bone of contention in the first place. Those persons deserve legal representation. It places no impediments against the galamsey fight

— Uncle-Jasper (@EOwiafe) October 12, 2022

I am not surprised former NPP National Chairman, Freddie Blay is now defending Aisha Huang’s accomplices. After all isn't he a lawyer. That's his duty. To defend.

— Kennedy Twumasi (@kenny_twumasi) October 12, 2022

Forget that Lawyer and Law talk "Everybody is entitled to a defense"
Freddie Blay worked so hard as NPP Chairman to make a Man the President of Ghana, who is trying to fight Galamsey. But his decision to defend these Chinese galamsey pple is ethically and morally wrong.

— Owura Yaw Agyiri (@YawDominc) October 12, 2022

Meanwhile, the former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, says his law firm is ready to defend the four accomplices of Aisha Huang because they are innocent.

He said they have no reason to believe or act otherwise, adding that the four Chinese nationals deserve full legal representation in court.

https://www.myjoyonline.com/my-clients-are-not-guilty-weve-sworn-an-oath-to-defend-them-freddie-blay/

See more reactions below.

Even though Aisha Huang deserves legal representation, NPP stalwart, Nkrabea Effah and Freddie Blay former chairman of the NPP representing the alleged perpetrators against the Govt and the state fighting galamsey lacks principles. Mmmm noko fiooo 🔥🇬🇭😜😜🤣🤣

— Bright Anaafi (@anaafi_bright) October 12, 2022

This government making the work of common party communication look like rocket science cos no be small nkwasiasem them go defend this week following Freddie Blay coming in as Aisha Huang lawyer. Not a good time being a party communicator especially for NPP if you have conscience.

— TeiQo II 🕯️ (@JayBLARQ) October 12, 2022

What is the immediate past Chairman of the NPP Freddie Blay trying to protect in the Aisha Huang case?

Or is it true that there are some sex tapes as alleged and it concerns him?

This shows clearly the Nana Addo government can not fight galamsey. pic.twitter.com/a2Ar34curA

— Prince Tettey D (@PrinceTetteyD) October 12, 2022

As party chairman, Freddie Blay participates in shaping the npp govt's policy. Now he is defending chinese arrested for galamsey.
No wonder galamsey appears to be the party financing policy of the npp and the executive. https://t.co/3uSYC9FAcl

— Ben (@BenAdu01) October 12, 2022