I have called President John Dramani Mahama and I have now
congratulated him on being elected the fourth president of the
Fourth Republic of our country.
The Supreme Court of our nation has spoken and the result of
the December 2012 presidential election has been confirmed as
having been won by the candidate of the NDC, President
Mahama.
As I said earlier, whilst I disagree with the Court’s
decision, I accept it. I accept that what the Court says brings
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. 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.
I am saddened by the verdict and I know that many of our
supporters are saddened too. However, for the sake and love of our
country, we must embark on a path that builds, rather than
destroys, to deal with our disappointment.
I appeal to all members and supporters of our party, the NPP
in particular to accept the verdict of the court. Even in our
disappointment we can take pride in the way we have conducted
ourselves. Even in our disappointment we can take pride that the
NPP has again led the way in deepening Ghana’s democracy. To quote
one of the Supreme court judges, “After this case, elections in
Ghana will not be the same.” In other words, we might not have been
given the ruling we sought, but thanks to our efforts, we can
hopefully look forward to an improved electoral process in our
country.
I am grateful to my co-petitioners, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey and
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their hard work, dedication and their
commitment as we pursued the legal options available to us. My
gratitude goes also to the Lawyers and the technical team for their
unbelievable hard work and sacrifices. I am grateful to all the
volunteers who spent days and nights working on pink sheets,
entering data, photocopying documents, and labeling exhibits for
the Petition. I am grateful to all the well-wishers for their
prayers.
I must also thank my party the NPP, the officials, the
foot-soldiers and supporters for their unflinching support and
belief in me. The National Council of the party, having taken the
decision to go to court, has been unwavering in its
support.
I also want to thank my daughters and my wife, Rebecca, for
their love and extraordinary support. There have been friends who
have made unbelievable sacrifices of time, energy, ideas, money and
a listening ear. I am grateful to all of them.
I am sure there are many people wondering what I envisage for
my political future. I intend to take some time out of the hurly
burly of politics, get some rest, reflect and then announce
whatever decision I come to in the not too distant
future.
In Ghana’s 56 year history, this is the first time a
presidential election petition of this kind has been filed and
pursued through the courts. The whole world has watched us in
wonder and admiration. Our reaction to this judgment will be
watched keenly in Africa and beyond and will set a precedent for
generations to follow.
It is now up to all of us Ghanaians to put the dispute behind
us and come together to iron out our differences, ease the tensions
among us, and come together to build our country.
There are myriads of problems facing us as a people. This is
the time for us all to come together and work to find solutions to
the challenges that confront our people.
To my party, the NPP, I say we have a lot to be proud of;
there are more than three years left in this political cycle to be
a worthy opposition, and also position ourselves for the battle of
2016.
Today, let us wish our President well and thank the Almighty
for His mercies to our nation. The battle continues to be that of
the Lord’s.
God bless Ghana.
