Supreme Court upholds Ghana president’s election

The land mark decision finally sealed the fate of the defeated presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Danquah Akufo-Addo, who had sought the nullification of the election on grounds of over-voting, voting without Biometric verification, and absence of the signature of the Presiding Officer among others. The nine-member panel justices of the […]

The land mark decision finally sealed the fate of the defeated presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Danquah Akufo-Addo, who had sought the nullification of the election on grounds of over-voting, voting without Biometric verification, and absence of the signature of the Presiding Officer among others.
The nine-member panel justices of the Supreme Court dissented in arriving at the decision in the novel election petition case that spanned over eight months and has heightened tension in the country. The much anticipated judgment was delayed as the justices came into the court room about 12.52pm yesterday.
Presiding Justice, Mr. Justice William Akutugba, quickly apologized for keeping the lawyers, parties and their supporters waiting and immediately went into the business of the day.  The judgment was brisk and barely lasted for 10 minutes.
Five of the justices dismissed the claims of over-voting, voting without biometric verification and absence of the signature of the presiding officer, while four justices upheld the claims.
Two of the dissenting justices separately granted the claims relating to voting without biometric verification and absence of the signature of the presiding officer and consequently ordered a re-run in the affected areas.
The court premises witnessed an unusual security presence prior to the judgment and 100 metres radius of the grounds was cordoned and vehicles were not allowed.  
There was strict restriction of movement and only accredited persons and law enforcement personnel were allowed inside the court premises.   Two armoured tanks were positioned at the gate of the Supreme Court. Heavily armed soldiers patrolled adjourning areas, while the link roads to the High Street, where the court is located were cordoned off.
The mood in Accra was quite pensive and people generally stayed indoors to avoid mob action that could fall out from the verdict. So far the city has remained calm, as there are no reports of violence.
Meanwhile some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress have been reacting to the decision.  Mr. John Jinapor, Deputy Minister of Energy said he was happy about the judgment. There are reports of heavy security presence at the party headquarters though.
NDC lawyer, Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata said the decision dismisses all the claims of the petitioners, as the apex court had unambiguously dismissed the claims of the petitioners. “I am very happy by the decision of the court “, he added.
Nana Akufo-Addo in his reaction said he was disappointed but in order to move Ghana forward he was accepting the verdict. He appealed to the party supporters to accept the decision, just as he expressed gratitude to his colleagues, lawyers and party supporters.