By Damian Avevor
As Ghanaians await the Supreme Court’s ruling on a challenge to the outcome of the country’s 2012 presidential, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference called on the country’s two political parties to accept the ruling in peace.
“As we await the court’s decision, we encourage all Ghanaians to prepare their minds and hearts to receive the judgment that the Supreme Court will give in good faith and to see it as a victory for Ghana’s democracy,” the bishops said during a news conference Aug. 8.
The court’s decision is expected Aug. 29 or Sept. 4.
Ghana is respected across Africa for its record of fair elections and the rule of law. International observers called the vote fair and free.
The bishops appealed to Ghanaians “not to celebrate or join any celebration after the verdict of the court but continue their normal daily duties to develop our country.”
The case originated with presidential candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his running mate, Mahamudu Bawumia and New Patriotic Party national chairman Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, who challenged the results of the last year’s presidential poll, citing voting anomalies that robbed their candidate of a victory.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the Electoral Commission of Ghana and the governing National Democratic Congress have denied any wrongdoing.
The bishops called on the leadership of all political parties to accept the court’s verdict in good faith and encourage supporters to do same. They also advised the media and social commentators to be circumspect in their expressed views and to use their platforms to encourage reconciliation and peace. – CNS