Thursday 29 August 2013 is going to be a historical day in Ghana. On this day, the Supreme Court of Ghana will deliver its judgement on a petition brought before it challenging the results of Ghana election 2012. This is the first time that such a petition has been brought forward and it has been accompanied by televised broadcasts of proceedings at the Supreme Court. It has also been accompanied by somewhat entertaining drama as would be expected from all things politics in Ghana.
As I watch from afar, I know that Ghanaians have matured past the point that violence is considered a reasonable response to political discontent. However, I cannot help but be wary of the reactions following the announcement of the outcome. In the meantime, I am listening to Lynx Entertainment's "Yen Ara Asaase Ni
(This is our Land)" from 2011. Great version.
As I watch from afar, I know that Ghanaians have matured past the point that violence is considered a reasonable response to political discontent. However, I cannot help but be wary of the reactions following the announcement of the outcome. In the meantime, I am listening to Lynx Entertainment's "Yen Ara Asaase Ni
(This is our Land)" from 2011. Great version.
5 comments:
Of the three constitutional pillars of the Ghanaian democratic experiment, the judiciary has had the least input in shaping the future of Ghana. The Executive branch then in the hands of the National Democratic Congress largely shaped the constitution that established the 4th Republic of Ghana. The legislature have in subsequent years (albeit on very partisan lines) continued to mold the nation’s democracy into a beacon of hope for all Ghanaians. The absence of the third arm of governance in shaping the future of Ghana is at very least long over due. The people of Ghana have over the years developed an ample understanding of the inner workings of the Executive and the Legislature. Their wrongs and excess have been well documented and Ghanaians have developed a political and social barometer with which to measure their work.
By gracefully accepting the verdict of the Supreme court, NPP flag bearer, Akufo-Addo has not only proved himself to be committed to the this experiment in Democracy for Ghana just as J.J. Rawlings proved his commitment when he and his NDC party handed power over to the NPP when they lost the 1996 election. This event forever defined what Ghanaians expected of the Executive branch. That act, was the Ghana’s equivalent of Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon, it completely defined Ghana’s era of the 4th Republic. Akufo-Addo’s acceptance of the Supreme Court’s decision may well prove to be of equal significance. He has defined what role Ghanaian’s expect the Judiciary to play in the 4th Republic and most importantly he has defined how the electorate, the Executive and the Legislature would and should behave toward the Supreme Court. The outcome of the Election Petition no matter whom it favored was never going to be as important as the reaction of the petitioner to the outcome. As by law established, it rulings no matter how controversial are sacred and should be graciously accepted.
God Bless Ghana
Wow @Ekow. Thanks for stopping by with your insightful comments. I am so proud of how democracy is firmly entrenched in Ghana today. We have come a long way and clearly there is no turning back now.
Honestly, I was not surprised at how peaceful the whole process was. The immediate concession by Nana Addo however was a pleasant surprise. I think as a nation we did well and we've learnt a lot going forward.
@Jerome: Thanks for stopping by. Immediate concession was really the best move. Really relieved it is all over.
@Jerome: Thanks for stopping by. Immediate concession was really the best move. Really relieved it is all over.
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