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At a time when there is ground-swell criticism and praise over President John Dramani Mahama’s remission of the four months jail sentence of the three persons, Alistair Nelson, Godwin Ako Gunn and Salifu Maase, aka, Mugabe, now known as Montie 3, after they had been convicted for Contempt of Court, Christian clerics in the country have joined the fray.

They are thumbing up the President for the compassion he had in invoking Article 72 of the constitution which give him the power to, in consultation with the Counsel of State pardon people serving jail terms. 

One of such persons is the general overseer of Living Streams Ministries, Reverend, Doctor Emmanuel Markwei. Whether the head pastor, who was part of the influence peddlers who signed the petition for the release of the trio did so in his personal capacity or on behalf of the church, he must be silently jubilating over the release of the Montie 3.

Allies of the man of God told this paper yesterday that even though he has not and would not publicly make his views known over the release of the three, inside him (Rev. Markwei) and to his few friends and some congregants, he has expressed gratitude to the President for the remission.      

Founder of Glorious Wave Church International, Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi, also a man of God who is respected and sought-after in Ghana and beyond said during a radio interview that “even Jesus, if he were in Ghana would have pardoned the three, especially when they had shown open remorse for their actions”.

It would be recalled that President John Mahama on Monday, pardoned the three persons serving a four-month jail term for criminal contempt.

A statement signed by the Communications Minister Dr Omane Boamah said the decision was taken on the advice of the Council of State and was on compassionate grounds.

A radio host with the Accra-based Montie FM Salifu Maase and two panelists, Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako-Gunn were found guilty for scandalizing the court and sentenced to four months in prison.

 Shortly after they were sentenced there was a groundswell of petitions, mostly from party supporters, ministers of state and the contemnors themselves begging for pardon.

One of the lawyers for the contemnors, George Loh said the sentence was harsh and pleaded with the president to activate his powers of mercy under Article 72 of the Constitution.

The petitions were signed in haste and presented to the president, who in an unusual fashion announced a handing over ceremony of the petition to the Council of State for advice.

Just days after the petitions were handed to the Cecilia Johnson led Council of State, a decision was taken; an advice was given to the president and the convicts to be set free.

The statement from the presidency read:

"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 remaining prison sentence imposed on three persons: Salifu Maase (alias Mugabe), Alistair Nelson and Ako Gunn who were sentenced to 4 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 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.

His Excellency, President Mahama 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 statement said