Hundreds of party supporters of the governing National Democratic Congress thronged the premises of Radio Gold Friday to welcome the return of a presenter and two panelists who were released from prison on the altar of mercy by president John Mahama.
With white handkerchiefs, songs, dance and sprinkling of powder, the supporters welcomed Salifu Maase, Godwin Ako Gunn and Allistair Nelson, the famous three who were jailed four months for scandalising the court.
They had threatened to kill judges who sat on a case involving the Electoral Commission and to rape the Chief Justice, Georgina Wood, if judgement did not go the way they wanted.
They pleaded guilty for contempt and were jailed accordingly for four months but barely a month into their term, the president under Article 72 of the Constitution invoked his power of mercy and remitted the four month sentence.
Salifu Maase and Alistair Nelson were smartly dressed in silky blue jackets and with white shirts within, whilst Godwin Ako-Gunn wore a black jacket with a white shirt within.
All of them swapping gentle smiles were welcomed by an even more ecstatic crowd who gave them a heroes’ welcome with pomp and festival.
Salifu Maase popularly called Mugabe addressed the crowd but not before the MC shouted “bie gya” [open fire] the popular signature phrase which were used when the three poured invectives at the judges and threatened them.
“Bie gya! More fire! Unstoppable! Unstoppable! Unshakeable! Unstoppable!”the MC fired the crowd up. And they shouted in return.
Salifu Maase, in his freedom speech could not hide his excitement.
“We give praise and thanks to the Almighty for keeping us safe during our imprisonment and giving our wives and families strengths to cope with the situation we found ourselves in.
“We will like to take this opportunity to thank the president of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for graciously exercising his constitutional powers under Article 72,” he said.
Salifu Maase also apologised to the Chief Justice for the unfortunate comments and threats they made against her and the judges.
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