Supreme Court hands 4 months prison term to 3 Montie FM contemnors
The Supreme Court on Wednesday morning sentenced the three Montie FM contemnors to a four months prison term each.
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The three, radio presenter Salifu Maase alias Mugabe and his two panelists Alistair Tairo Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn were convicted for making contemptious statements about the Court.
The two political commentators threatened the lives of judges of the superior court on Accra-based radio station, Montie FM. They made the statements on a programme known as 'Pampaso' a.k.a. 'Bia Gya' [Open Fire] and hosted by Mugabe.
Graphic Online's Court reporter, Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson, who was in court for the sentencing said they were also fined Ghc10,000 each and if they fail to pay the fine by close of work on Thursday July 28, 2016, they will each serve an additional one month term in prison.
The owners of the Montie FM, Network Broadcasting Company were also fined Ghc30,000 by the Supreme Court.
In addition to that, Mr Harry Zakkour’s company, Zeze which owns the Montie FM frequency is to pay a Ghc30,000 fine.
If the two companies fail to pay the fine by close of work on Thursday July 28, 2016 all their directors would be held liable to a prison term.
The court however did not indicate the prison term, the directors would have to serve,
The trio were last week found guilty of scandalising the apex court and bringing its reputation into disrepute.
Sentencing was however deferred to July 27.
The contemnors got to know their fate after the court, presided over by Ms Justice Sophia Akuffo, read their sentences to them.
Ato Ahwoi
Mr Ato Ahwoi, a former presidential advisor who is a director of Network Broadcasting Company, owners of Montie FM and was in court for the first time was also found guilty of criminal contempt, according to our reporter.
He was making his first appearance in court on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 since he was absent at the first two sittings.
Mr Ahwoi pleaded he was liable with explanation and was subsequently convicted and sentenced.
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