Mahama pardons Montie 3

President 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 remaining prison sentence imposed on the Montie three Salifu Maase (alias Mugabe), Alistair Nelson and Ako Gunn.

The three were sentenced to four months imprisonment and a fine of GH¢10,000.00 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 GH¢10,000.00 (ten thousand Cedis) fines, according to a statement by the Communications Minister Edward Omane Boamah.

The decision of President Mahama 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 statement added that the President "takes this opportunity to remind all Ghanaians of the need to respect the institutions of State and exercise freedom of speech responsibly mindful of the need to preserve peace and national unity.

"The President reminds all concerned especially persons working in the media or appearing on its platforms to be circumspect and guard against the use of intemperate language which has the potential of causing unnecessary tension especially in this election year.

"The President is hopeful that all will draw lessons from the events leading to the conviction of the three persons and bear in mind the consequences of injudicious utterances."