Full Speech: Nana Akufo-Addo after the verdict of the Supreme Court

• Posted on August 29, 2013
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

STATEMENT BY NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO AFTER THE
VERDICT OF THE SUPREME COURT ON 29TH AUGUST 2013
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.

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