Exactly a year ago, Nana Addo Dakwah Akufo-Addo, the 2012 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), demonstrated his belief in the rule of law for all and sundry to see, and in its wake saved Ghana from the brink of a conflict waiting to happen.
Though many Ghanaians viewed the 29th August, 2013 election petition verdict delivered by the Justice Atuguba led panel of Supreme Court as biased, it took the words of Nana Akufo-Addo to calm tempers down.
With millions of Ghanaians glued to their television sets for almost 8 months, the 2 minute verdict handed down by the Court infuriated Ghanaians, with a clear case of �over voting� emerging in Justice Atuguba�s verdict.
However, as the saying goes, �cometh the hour, cometh the man�, Nana Addo�s words calmed a nervy and tensed situation in the country.
This was what he said: ��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.�
Even in the face of a �stolen verdict�, Nana Addo was still cheerful and believed I Ghana.
He said: �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, 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.�
Many personalities and institutions both local and international thronged to the house of Nana Akufo Addo to congratulate him for such a bold decision.
Today, at the Conference Hall of the Georgia Hotel, Nana Akufo Addo will address the nation a year after this verdict.
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