Ghana has been the ultimate winner - Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has lauded the political maturity with which the Supreme Court verdict on the election petition has been received saying “Ghana has been the ultimate winner”.

The President in a state address Thursday evening extolled the nation’s democratic credentials saying the country has once again marketed its burgeoning democracy to the entire world.

According to President Mahama, Ghana has earned praise for its leadership role on the continent since it gained independence.

He added that he is committed to uniting the country and ensuring Ghana’s peace and stability is not taken for granted. The President also used the opportunity to urge all political forces to put their differences aside and turn their attention to building a better Ghana.

Ghana’s Supreme Court on Thursday in a majority decision dismissed an appeal by the opposition NPP to annul President John Mahama's narrow victory in the 2012 presidential elections.

The NPP had alleged that President Mahama won the election fraudulently and did not deserve to be president, a charge his NDC party vehemently denied.

Presidential Candidate of the NPP, Nana Akufo-Addo, after the verdict stated that he was disappointed, but accepted the verdict and urged his supporters to do likewise.

Addressing the nation, President Mahama stated that “Nana Addo and I had a conversation and with this court case over, we can all turn our attention and develop this nation”.

The president also commended the Supreme Court of Ghana and jokingly stated that the landmark election petition has turned Ghanaians into “pocket lawyers”.

President Mahama also urged Ghanaians to use this unique history as an opportunity to continue the legacy of past leaders and build a new and a stronger Ghana which would benefit Africa and the entire world.