I hope Sir John turns on a new leaf – Yamin

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, Joseph Yamin has cautioned the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, to be measured in his utterances after "the humiliation in court".

Sir John as he is popularly known, received tongue-lashing from the nine judges hearing the presidential election petition for making unsavory comments about the presiding judge, William Atuguba.

The NPP scribe was found guilty of intentional criminal contempt but spared jail and was rather fined GHc5,000.

He is expected to apologize on the platform on which he made the comment and sign a bond of good behavior.

After the contempt ruling, the Supreme Court has been hailed by many especially in the NPP for tempering justice with mercy.

They argued that a jail sentence for Sir John would have heightened the already charged political atmosphere as the country prepares for the final verdict on August 29.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Wednesday, Joseph Yamin said judging from Sir John’s demeanor after the ruling, "I can bet he has learnt a lot of lessons".

According to him, the embarrassment the NPP scribe has suffered before the entire nation should be enough for him to turn on a new leaf.

The Deputy Sports Minister noted that the Supreme Court has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that it will deal ruthlessly with anyone who will be summoned before it for contempt.

"The nine justices by their conduct have made the judiciary one of the most respected institutions in the country. They are an arm of government but you don’t joke with them" he said.

He urged Sir John to ponder on what ensued in court today and change his style of politicking to save him the little integrity left.

Joseph Yamin called on all politicians to take a cue from Sir John’s ordeal and be circumspect in their commentaries on the Election Petition.