After the final ruling of the Supreme Court on Thursday,
President John Dramani Mahama, who was affirmed by the nine
justices of the Supreme Court as a legally elected president,
addressed the nation and urged Ghanaians to put the election behind
them and help in the nation building.
Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party
(NPP) for the 2012 December elections and one of the petitioners in
the just-ended election petition, accepted the verdict and
congratulated President Mahama and also urged all in advancing the
nation forward.
Contributing to a discussion on ‘Kokrokoo’ and juxtaposing the two
speeches; Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jr.
said Nana Akufo-Addo’s speech carried more weight than that of
President Mahama.
He said Nana Akufo-Addo’s speech proved that he was a ‘real
politician’ because he stated his opinion of the ruling, siding
with his ‘followers’ and then accepted it just for peace to
prevail.
“He encouraged his fellow party supporters; energizing his base and
making the various concessions that will bring peace and focus on
national development at the same time. It was a classic
speech.
Unfortunately, the President’s speech did not carry the same
weight. It was not very inspiring. He didn’t energise his base at
all. All those who worked at a point in time to bring such a result
were not mentioned. Nana Akufo-Addo commended the party, and party
loyalists who have worked hard and urged them to continue. I find
that as a weakness in the president’s speech."
Before the ruling of the Supreme Court, majority of Ghanaians
neglected their work and other duties and decided to stay home for
fear of being caught up in any form of confusion. In view of this,
Kwesi Pratt says President Mahama should have assured Ghanaians and
encouraged them to go back to work. “One would have expected that
in such a major speech by the president.
Commenting on the ruling of the Supreme Court, Kwesi Pratt said
based on how the justices ruled on the election petition, “there
was no option for Nana Addo to go for review”.
Meanwhile, he has advised President Mahama to also put the election
petition behind him and ensure that he fulfill the promises he has
made to Ghanaians and improve on the economy of the country.
