I am angrier over conviction of Montie 3 – Kofi Adams

The National Organiser of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) says he has been unable to wrap his mind around the jail term handed to a presenter and two panelists of an Accra-based Montie FM.

Kofi Adams says the punishment given to the presenter; Salifu Maase popularly known as Mugabe and the two panelists, Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn was harsh considering they showed remorse for their misdeeds.

“I am angrier because it is so difficult to justify the sentencing of the three men because their action did not warrant that harsh punishment,” he said.

Supreme Court (SC)’s sentencing of the three men brought to finality a contempt case in which the trio was accused of scandalizing the court.

Spurred on by Mr Maase, the two panelists threatened to murder justices of the court if their ruling in a case in which a former National Youth Organiser of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Abu Ramadan and Evans Nimako were challenging the Electoral Commission (EC) over the credibility of the voters’ register does not favour the Commission.

They singled out the Chief Justice, Georgina Wood and Justice Nasiru Sulemana Gbadegbe for victimization if their ruling plunges the nation into chaos.

They were summoned by the court and handed a jail term of four months and a penalty of GH¢10,000 each a failure which will attract an additional one-month jail term.

The owners of the station namely Edward Addo, Ato Ahwoi and Kwesi Kyei Atuah were fined GH¢30,000 and will have to make the payment by close of day Thursday. Harry Zakour, owner of the frequency was separately fined 30,000 cedis.

Supporters of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) are angry about the turn of events have stormed the party’s headquarters to call for President Mahama’s intervention.

They have warned that if the President does not pardon the three men, they will consider voting for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Even though he has expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the sentencing, Mr Adams has appealed to party members to be patient.

“We appreciate the anger of the rank and file of the party but I am angrier,” he said, adding, may surely know what to do about the matter.

He encouraged them to take heart because they have a leader who will not interfere unnecessarily with a process because it affects persons perceived to a follower.

“Their anger is understandable because it is so difficult for anyone to comprehend what happened,” he said.

When asked if the party will support the call for President Mahama to pardon the three men, he said if there are constitutional provisions which permit the President to do so without stirring the conscience of the nation, they will support such calls.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected]