Speakers and panelists at the National Peace Forum held on Tuesday, August 20, in a unanimous appeal, have urged President John Dramani Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court on the Election Petition which is set to be delivered on the 29th of August.

The National Peace Forum, organised by the William Ofori-Atta Heritage in conjunction with the Christian Council of Ghana, Office of the Chief Imam and Multimedia Communications, brought together dignitaries from government, the opposition New Patriotic Party, academia, the clergy, civil society and Chiefs.

In his opening remarks, the patron of the William Ofori-Atta Heritage, The Okyehene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, stated that the key message for all Ghanaians, no matter the outcome of the decision by the 9 Justices, was “accept the verdict.”

He explained that since 1992, Ghana has had 5 terms of uninterrupted democracy and was on her way to the 6th when the petitioners said “hold on, there’s something wrong.”

He also intimated that the decision by the Chief Justice to allow for a live telecast of the case gave Ghanaians the opportunity to see what transpired in the court, adding that “we are all happy about it.”

According to the Okyehene, “The nine justices will decide the fate of our nation and I am sure they will be courageous to do justice for Ghana. We shouldn’t be fearful. We should have faith in the 9 Supreme Court Justices.”

The forum, which was on the theme: “One nation, One People, One Destiny: Sustaining Ghana’s Democracy,” sought to sensitize Ghanaians on the need to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court and to maintain the peace and stability of the nation.

Mr Samuel Okudzeto, a legal luminary, who delivered the keynote address for the event explained that Ghana’s unique position in the world imposes a duty on its citizenry to ensure that peace prevailed at all times, more so at a time when the Supreme Court is about to deliver its verdict.

Whilst admonishing all parties to accept the verdict of the Court, he explained that Ghana cannot afford to fail this all important task, considering the fact that “Ghana is the beacon of democracy in Africa.”

“After the 29th of August, no matter what the 9 Justices will decide, everyone must accept the decision of the court. This country needs to be at peace. There must be peace and unity in Ghana because we have only one country,” he stated.

On his part, Nana Dr S. K. B. Asante, Omanhene of Asokore Traditional Area, said the Supreme Court has the final say, noting that “the efficacy of the decision of the court depends on the acceptance by all organs of state.”

He explained that what Ghana needs to do is to focus on the fundamental causes and sources of polarization in the country, as the concept of winner takes all is inappropriate.

“Extreme partisan politics,” according to Nana Dr S. K. B. Asante, has been the cause of Africa’s underdevelopment and urged for the inclusion of all sides of the political divide in the decision-making process as the way to reduce tension and anxiety in the society.

The representative of the National Chief Imam at the event, Imam Awal Shuaib, implored Ghanaians to return to the Holy Books, the Quran and the Bible, maintaining that the departure from the reading of these books is what is accounting for the tension in the country.

He further noted that ostentation and selfishness had become the order of the day and once Ghanaians traced their roots back to religion, things will be right in the country.

The 1st Vice Chairman of the NPP, Mr Fred Oware, noted that the NPP has no appetite aimed at disturbing the peace of this country, explaining that if the NPP had such intentions, they would have been made manifest in December after the declaration by the Electoral Commission.

“The institutions of state which have the responsibility of making sure everyone is protected and their rights are respected, must make sure they guard these inherent rights of Ghanaians. Once this is done, there will be peace in Ghana,” he added.

Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyinah, on his part, was very happy about the clarion call for peace across the country, as he believed that it was an indication that Ghanaians want peace and are prepared for peace.

The Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, in reiterating the points made by Imam Awal Shuiab, noted that “unless we truly put the values of Christ and godly practice into effect, then we will continue to abuse each other. I am appealing to all Ghanaians that the peace we are enjoying is good for us.”

On his part, the General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress, Mr Kofi Asamoah added that the judgement will be acceptable to all, hoping that “no one will turn around and not accept the result.”

He said the TUC was committed to the total peace of this country and will ensure that the prosperity of the Ghanaians will remain paramount after the court case.