Pardon Of ‘montie 3’ Unfortunate - CPP

The Convention People's Party is appalled by President John Dramani Mahama's decision to remit the sentence of the 'Montie 3' contemnors, who were sentence by the Supreme Court last month.

Legally speaking, the President's power of pardon in cases like this cannot be questioned. He is at liberty to act as he deems fit, however, it would naturally be expected that the President exercise this power in a manner consistent with the safety and integrity of the State.

As it stands, the CPP fears the decision of the President would rather open a Pandora box for similar cause of actions in future. The reputation of the NDC vis-à-vis the Court is nothing to write home about, given the history of the painful murder of Justices in moments past.

We thought an opportunity has presented itself for the NDC to proof the country to the contrary, concerning their respect for Justices, but unfortunately this rare opportunity is allowed to slip by.

If in the wisdom of the President and the Council of State they think that the Montie three should be pardon, even when they threaten to rape Justices of the of the Supreme Court, the CPP ideally should not have problem with this; nonetheless we are extremely worried about the future of our country and the bad signal this sends outside the domain of law.

Several Ghanaians for long have expressed fear about the decisiveness of the President and the CPP minimally would have thought the President would cease the opportunity to stamp his authority against intensed pressure from his party. On the contrary, the President sacrificed the larger expectation of the people for partisan interest. The history of Ghana would always remember the President for this action.

We support the work of the media so far us it is helping us in our nation building exercise, and it is in this light that we call for a greater sense of responsibility and responsiveness in our media landscape.

Undoubtedly, the Constitution allows Ghanaians the freedom to express their views without inhibition, but where citizens threaten to kill and rape, it is admittedly outside the freedom of expression, but falls under intimidation, threats, harassment and fear. These conduct we suggest should be discourage and condemned by well-meaning citizens.

The CPP equally urges all political party commentators who mount platforms to talk on behalf of their parties, to be considerate, circumspect, and wise in their utterances. They should constantly be mindful of the feelings and rights of the millions of Ghanaians who are apolitical.

Long live Ghana.

Long live our democracy.

Issifu Kadiri Abdul Rauf
CPP Director of Communication
www.conventionpeoplesparty.org