All People’s Congress (APC) has highly praised President John Dramani Mahama for his decision to pardon a Montie FM host and two panellists, who were last month convicted of contempt.

The Montie 3, as they have become popularly known, were granted remission by the president on Monday, August 22 after a Council of State recommendation.

The decision has attracted mixed reaction from the public with many calling the decision a constitutional abuse. On Tuesday, APC, which is led by Hassan Ayariga, said President Mahama’s decision does not in any way undermine the judiciary.

“The Judiciary used the law to convict the Montie 3 without interference from the Executive and the same law has been used by the Executive in consultation with the Council of State to set them free.” A statement signed by General Secretary Razak Kojo Opoku said what has happened requires only a constitutional amendment to prevent a future occurrence.

“This is one of the reasons why Dr. Hassan Ayariga is strongly championing the total amendment of the 1992 Constitution so that Political Power shall be separated from Economic Power as well as reduce the powers and influence of the Executive on the other two arms of Government.” It further states that since the president is vested with authority by the constitution, his decision must be respected by all.

“All powers and authority are vested in the President under the 1992 Constitution therefore let us also NOT try to undermine the powers, authority and independence of the Executive arm of Government.”