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Government has asked for calmness in the political atmosphere as far as the Montie 3 saga is concerned.

The Minister of Communications, Dr Omane Boamah told Kwami Sefa Kayi in an interview on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Tuesday, that there is no need for people to be agitated because the President in consultation with the Council of State granted remission and not a pardon.

He pointed out that the president has an unfettered respect for all state institutions, including the judiciary.

Dr Omane Boamah stressed that the decision to remit the sentences of the Montie 3, does not in any way undermine the role of the judiciary

According to him, even though the trio have been freed, it is on record that they have been imprisoned and fined.

"This shows government respects the rule of law; the Supreme Court has finished with their ruling and petitions were forwarded to the President, and in consultation with the Council of State, the three were granted 'remission' . . . at the end of the consultation, they (Council of State) decided that the trio should not be pardoned but rather there should be remission. There is a clear difference between pardon and remission. I think we should give respect to the Council of State and the President," he clarified.

“He will continue to respect the powers conferred on state institutions and this includes the legislature, judiciary, executive, the media and citizens of Ghana which these institutions must serve. At all times he will ensure that he acts in a manner that does not offend the laws of our nation,” the Communications Minister added.

President John Mahama 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 four months imprisonment and a fine of GHȻ10,000.00 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. 

Click the audio above to listen to the full interview between Omane Boamah and Kwami Sefa Kayi.