Former President John Dramani Mahama has reacted to the 2020 Election Petition ruling by the Supreme Court after the case was dismissed on Thursday, March 4, 2021.
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress in the 2020 elections, stated that he disagrees with the ruling of the Supreme Court on the Election Petition.
“Much as I’m aware that we are legally bound by the decision of the highest court of the land, the SUpreme Court of Ghana, I disagree with the process of the trial and the ruling of the court” Mr Mahama stated
According to Mr Mahama, he believes the law should not be an instrument for partisan purposes stating that the rule of law should mean one rule for all.
He further added that the trial process prevented the Electoral Commission from accounting to Ghanaians which he clearly stated undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
“Our legal team led by Mr Tsatsu Tsikata put together our case in a clear manner which left no one in doubt about the issues that were at stake. Apart from seeking to ensure compliance with the constitution and for the true choice for the people of Ghana to be respected, the petition sought to provide opportunity for transparency and accountability in the management of our electoral process.
“Anyone who followed the proceedings of the Supreme Court will be surprised with the judgement pronounced few hours ago.
“Our 1992 constitution says in Article 125 section 1 that Justice emanates from the people and shall be administered in the name of the Republic by the Judiciary which shall be independent and subject only to this constitution.
“But anchors the rule of law is equality and fairness to all irrespective of creed, background or political colouration. Justice we should remember is rooted in moral foundation.” Former President Mahama stated
Mr Mahama who re-contested the election on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), took the Electoral Commission to court, challenging the validity of the Commission’s 9th December 2020 declaration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the winner of the poll.
The Chief Justice who chaired the seven-member panel in his ruling on Thursday, March 4, 2021, said the petition is dismissed and that it has no merit.
Justice Anin- Yeboah concluded that the petition did not indicate how the errors made by the EC Chair affected the elections, and therefore dismissed the petition.