Akufo-Addo congratulates President Mahama on Election Petition victory
True to his promise to accept the judgement of the Supreme Court, irrespective of whichever way it goes, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday declared his acceptance of the court’s decision.
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“While I disagree with the court’s decision, I accept it. I accept that what the court says brings a finality to the election dispute. We shall not be asking for a review of the verdict, so we can all move on in the interest of our nation,” he told reporters at his Nima residence in Accra yesterday.
Earlier, he had called President John Mahama on phone and congratulated him minutes after the Supreme Court had pronounced its judgement.
He also urged Ghanaians to put the dispute behind them, unite, iron out their differences, ease the tension among them and “come together and work to find solutions to the challenges that confront our people”.
Wearing a grey suit over a white shirt and a blue tie, Nana Akufo-Addo, who was the first petitioner in the case, told journalists that the judgement of the Supreme Court should bring the election petition to an end.
Surrounded by party leaders, including Mr Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, the third petitioner, and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the second petitioner, he told journalists: “Everything in my bones, in my upbringing and in what I have done with my life thus far makes it imperative that I accept a decision made by the highest court of the land, however much I dislike or disagree with it.”
Reading from a prepared speech, Nana Akufo-Addo said he was saddened by the judgement and “I know that many of our supporters are saddened too”.
He stressed that for the sake and love of Ghana, all must join hands to embark on a move “that builds, rather than destroys, to deal with our disappointment”.
He made a passionate appeal to all members and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to accept the verdict of the court, adding that even in their disappointment, they could take pride in the way they had conducted themselves.
“Even in our disappointment, we can take pride that the NPP has again led the way in deepening Ghana’s democracy,” he stated, and quoted one of the Supreme Court judges who said, “After this case, elections in Ghana will not be the same.”
Nana Akufo-Addo said although the petitioners did not get the ruling they wanted, thanks to their efforts they could hopefully look forward to an improved electoral process in the country.
He recounted that since independence, the petition was the maiden presidential election petition which had been filed and pursued through the courts and cautioned Ghanaians that “the whole world has watched us in wonder and admiration. Our reaction to this judgement will be watched keenly in Africa and beyond and will set a precedent for generations to follow”.
On his future political career, Nana Akufo-Addo, who contested the 2008 and 2012 elections as the flag bearer of the NPP, said he would take some time off the hurly burly of politics, get some rest, reflect and later announce his decision.
He paid glowing tribute to his lawyers, researchers, party executives and his wife and daughters for their support in various forms.
He called on Ghanaians to wish President Mahama well and thank the Almighty God for His mercies on Ghana, while still repeating the NPP petition slogan: “The battle continues to be that of the Lord’s.”
He made a passionate appeal to all members and supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to accept the verdict of the court, adding that even in their disappointment, they could take pride in the way they had conducted themselves.
“Even in our disappointment, we can take pride that the NPP has again led the way in deepening Ghana’s democracy,” he stated, and quoted one of the Supreme Court judges who said, “After this case, elections in Ghana will not be the same.”
Nana Akufo-Addo said although the petitioners did not get the ruling they wanted, thanks to their efforts they could hopefully look forward to an improved electoral process in the country.
He recounted that since independence, the petition was the maiden presidential election petition which had been filed and pursued through the courts and cautioned Ghanaians that “the whole world has watched us in wonder and admiration. Our reaction to this judgement will be watched keenly in Africa and beyond and will set a precedent for generations to follow”.
On his future political career, Nana Akufo-Addo, who contested the 2008 and 2012 elections as the flag bearer of the NPP, said he would take some time off the hurly burly of politics, get some rest, reflect and later announce his decision.
He paid glowing tribute to his lawyers, researchers, party executives and his wife and daughters for their support in various forms.
He called on Ghanaians to wish President Mahama well and thank the Almighty God for His mercies on Ghana, while still repeating the NPP petition slogan: “The battle continues to be that of the Lord’s.”
By Donald Ato Dapatem
