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A lawyer and a Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa South constituency, Samuel Atta Akyea has described as shameful and disgraceful a statement by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) condemning the ruling on the Montie FM 3.

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday, sentenced a presenter; Salifu Maase popularly known as ‘Mugabe’ and two panelists (Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn) of an Accra-based radio station, Montie FM to four months imprisonment. The three were last week convicted of contempt by the SC and were fined GHC 10,000 each.

Directors of Network Broadcasting Company, operators of Montie FM as well as the owner of the frequency, Harry Zakour were not spared in the judgment as they were fined GHC 30,000.

A statement signed by Dr. Kofi Portuphy, National Chairman of the NDC condemned the ruling describing the four month jail term as severe and harsh.

“Our utter disappointment not only stems from the fact that the accused persons themselves, demonstrated considerable remorse but also there has been an overwhelming outpouring of both condemnation of their conduct and pleas for the court to be lenient in its judgment and avoid custodial sentence.The party is particularly concerned about the devastating impact that this judgment will have on the ability of citizens of Ghana in whom sovereignty resides, to express themselves freely as enshrined in the constitution,” the statement added. Click to read more

Speaking to Nana Yaw Kesse, sit-in host of Peace FM morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Atta Akyea wondered why the NDC did not criticize the judiciary when things went in their favour after the 2012 election petition ruling.

“It’s a disgrace and an embarrassment for them to condemn this ruling. It means they encourage these things. Every freedom guaranteed under the constitution has its limit . . . When the Judiciary ruled in their favour during the election petition; why didn’t’ they condemn them . . . Why should we clap for such statements in the name of press freedom? But the question is why are the NDC so worried as if the judiciary has done something so outrageous. Where they not in the country when Ken Kuranchie and co were jailed?” he queried.

Hon Atta Akyea asked the NDC to mention names of the people they (NDC) claimed to have made worst comments than that of the Montie FM 3; insisting that nobody has ever threatened to ‘kill’ judges.

“Who has ever threatened the lives of the judiciary? They should mention the names. It is true people have said things in the past but none has threatened to kill the judiciary. When the Judiciary ruled in their favour during the election petition; why didn’t’ they condemn them? Should everything go in their?"