The Supreme Court has imposed a fine of GH¢5,000 on the General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party who has been found guilty of intentional criminal contempt.

Mr. Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie has to deposit the money with the court by the close of work Thursday or in default serve a prison sentence of six months.

The convict is also to retract the said offensive comments and apologise for same.

Mr. Owusu Afriyie, known in political circles as Sir John, is also to sign a bond to be of good behaviour.

A member of the Communications Team of the NPP, Hopeson Adorye, who was also found guilty of contempt, would pay a GH¢2,000 fine.

Reading out the mitigated sentence of the Supreme Court panel hearing the election petition challenging the validity of Ghana's 2012 presidential election, Presiding Judge Justice William Anaam Atuguba said the court reluctantly avoided imposing a custodial sentence on the two due to incessant pleas by the Peace Council and by the lawyer of the contemnors.

Ayikoi Otoo pleaded with the judges to temper justice with mercy and to give him a 59th birthday gift.

It appeared the judges listened to the pleas but they, especially Atuguba had some harsh words.

The Presiding Judge cut Sir John and Hopeson Adorye to size before issuing the sentences to both of them.

A subdued Sir John told the court he is humbled by the baptism of fire he has received.