The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has described President John Mahama as a weak leader for acting on the numerous calls by party members to free the Montie FM contemnors.
A press statement signed and released by the National Secretary of the party, Murtala Mohammed, pointed out: “The president’s decision to pardon the Montie 3 is in bad faith and will remain a scar on our democratic credentials. The president has proven weak amidst pressure from party members whose intentions are based on sentiments and emotions without looking at the interest of the state.”
A statement signed and released on Monday, 22 August, by Dr Edward Boamah said: “The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has, in consultation with the Council of State and in exercise of his constitutional powers under Article 72 of the Constitution, remitted the remainder of the prison sentence imposed on three persons: Salifu Maase (alias Mugabe), Alistair Nelson, and Ako Gunn, who were sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and a fine of GHS10,000.00 each for contempt of court. The remission is effective 26th August, 2016.
“The three were sentenced on 27th July, 2016 and have served part of the prison sentences imposed on them. They have also paid the GHS 10,000.00 (ten thousand cedis) fines. The decision of His Excellency the President to remit their sentences on compassionate grounds follows a petition submitted to him by the contemnors appealing to the president to exercise his prerogative of mercy even as they continue to express deep remorse and regret for the unacceptable statements they made against the judiciary.”
The PPP, however, expressed disappointment with the president for not allowing the decision of the Supreme Court to prevail and indicated that a PPP government would enforce laws in the country when voted into power without listening to emotions of party members at the expense of the country.
“We reiterate our pledge of manning a just and disciplined society when elected into power, where laws are enforced without the consideration of party colourisation and sympathy to cronies and political henchmen and women,” the statement added.
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
