The Supreme Court will not overturn the original verdict, as there is not enough evidence for that august body to do so. The NPP simply needs to re-group and fight another day - in 2016.
The Supreme Court will not overturn the original verdict, as there is not enough evidence for that august body to do so. The NPP simply needs to re-group and fight another day - in 2016.
nico 10 years ago
Case closed! The NPPians are worrying themselves for nothing. We all know what the outcome will be.
Case closed! The NPPians are worrying themselves for nothing. We all know what the outcome will be.
TOMATO 10 years ago
THEN WAR FOR GHANA
THEN WAR FOR GHANA
TOMATO 10 years ago
THAT MEANS WAR IN GHANA
THAT MEANS WAR IN GHANA
Nana Akuffo Addo - WEE SMOKER 10 years ago
..NPP - A PARTY FOUNDED ON CRIMINALITY ARE THE BIGGEST THIEVES IN GHANA. IN JUST OVER 8 YEARS ALL OF THEM HAVE MILLIONS OF GHANA'S MONEY STASHED AWAY!!! EVEN CHIEF KUFFUOR WAS GIVING OUT CONTRACTS!! THESE CRIMINALS MUST THANK ... read full comment
..NPP - A PARTY FOUNDED ON CRIMINALITY ARE THE BIGGEST THIEVES IN GHANA. IN JUST OVER 8 YEARS ALL OF THEM HAVE MILLIONS OF GHANA'S MONEY STASHED AWAY!!! EVEN CHIEF KUFFUOR WAS GIVING OUT CONTRACTS!! THESE CRIMINALS MUST THANK LATE ATTA MILLS FOR LETTING THEM OFF...LET TO WE THE PEOPLE WE WOULD HAVE THROWN THEM IN JAIL - EVEN WORSE- ASSASSINATE THEM AND PUT THEM TO SLEEP FOR GOOD!!! NPP CRIMINALS, LOOTERS, NATION WRECKERS, ARSONISTS, MURDERERS....
nico 10 years ago
who will crown this thief president of Ghana?
who will crown this thief president of Ghana?
GOD DEY 10 years ago
then u will die first, kwasia ba. u fool like ur useless father
then u will die first, kwasia ba. u fool like ur useless father
moyo 10 years ago
Nana Addo will need majority in parliament to to be President. The fact NPP are minority in Parliament is a clear indication that President Mahama won the elections free and fair.
Nana Addo will need majority in parliament to to be President. The fact NPP are minority in Parliament is a clear indication that President Mahama won the elections free and fair.
TOMATO 10 years ago
WHAT A KIDDING COUNTRY?
WHAT A KIDDING COUNTRY?
Nyansasem 10 years ago
As usual, pretending to be neutral, his Caption is about Nana Addo and not Mahama. Even though, Akufo is the petitioner here, he is still the underdog in this race. However, Kofi wants everyone to know that, this is about Nan ... read full comment
As usual, pretending to be neutral, his Caption is about Nana Addo and not Mahama. Even though, Akufo is the petitioner here, he is still the underdog in this race. However, Kofi wants everyone to know that, this is about Nana Addo and not Mahama and that was why he started his "journey of truth" from Oxford in search of Nana's certificate. Well done, as usual you got the fool-soldiers.
Not to be accused of being bias, he finds a better way to give it to the NDC first by telling us that Lithur was wrong about his "god's given right" assertion in just one paragraph. Again, just one paragraph, about (80 words). And that is all you will about about NDC misfortune in their oral addresses. Isn't it that clever?
Then he moves on to Addison and pretending as if he sympathizes Addison, he begins by saying how he, Addison needed more time to do his work because of how his hero, Tsatsu made it difficult for him and had him trapped. Do you see that? Wow, did not even know Tsatsu knows how to trap Okusie, let alone a man he could not bully and so got frustrated and had to insult him in front of the world viewers.
But then boom, there he calls Addison's address, "illogical and fallacy" Really? Well I might have to throw in the towel and believe him, but I will only do so on one condition- to make sense or logic of his reason for "skirt and blouse" voting in NPP, because his reasoning for the "skirt and blouse" voting in NPP lacks common sense in a country like ours.
To believe him on that, he has to come and tell us that he now believes in Tribalism. That, probably, just probably the ZONGO folks among NPP decided to vote for their MPs and turned to give their votes to Mahama just because he is one of their own as he pleaded to the people of the North before the election. I can only accept this reason because Asantes and Akyems have been accused of tribalism and wouldn't vote for anybody except their own and their Party NPP have been accused of Asante-Akyem Party. So I am wondering how they decided to vote for Mahama who was on NDC ticket and who is a Northner. WOW, how brilliant. I hope our friend Paul will come and applaud him for that.
Fasting your seat belt for this last toli and bias from our usual non-partisan author. He believes that even if Nana is blessed with victory of this petition, he could not rule the country. Could you believe that bull-crap? The same person who believes that skirt and blouse voting is possible in our country does not believe IN government with minority in Parliament. In essence, Kofi, is saying, hey Atuguba and co, because we have NDC as majority, don't look into any facts, but use your common sense and throw away the petition. Great.
Well, Kofi can't wait to see Nana being defeated once for all. On this, I side with him. I want the SC to maintain Mahama in the name of peace. I don't want my country to be burnt to ashes by some fool-soldiers who can't understand anything. They have already started burning stuff in the North and Volta, so please SC do us the favor and throw away the petition as Kofi wished. After that, another thing I can't wait is, to see Kofi Ata finding something better to write on, like- How many kids our President have? GYEEDA, Judgement debt, What happened to investigation about Mahama's deal with the Brazilians, Zoomlion, Mahama and Hope City, Where is the better Agenda? Where is our OIL?
Baffour Agyemang 10 years ago
Hello Nyansasem I admire your critical analysis. However the other time you did not critically answer my question which is; why should anybody praise Nana Addo and also ask others to do same for going to court which is the du ... read full comment
Hello Nyansasem I admire your critical analysis. However the other time you did not critically answer my question which is; why should anybody praise Nana Addo and also ask others to do same for going to court which is the due process according to the constitution?
You answered you never praised Nana Addo for going to court but rather it is his right.That is your personnal view but what is your critical view of others who praise Nana because it baffles me.
ILLITERATE APONKYI SARPONG 10 years ago
Very well written article, unbiased and fair but the notorious controversial Kofi Atta pronounced the winner in his article that there is no chance Akuffo Addo can win his case.
Kofi also did a good analysis and drew his c ... read full comment
Very well written article, unbiased and fair but the notorious controversial Kofi Atta pronounced the winner in his article that there is no chance Akuffo Addo can win his case.
Kofi also did a good analysis and drew his conclusion from the addresses orally by each contender. Kofi's article ended well but not on the side of the petitioners as they have performed poorly.
As also stated by Tsatsu, the petitioners performed poorly in arithmetic, and are logically inept. That was a big blow of insult.
NANA KUFUOR 10 years ago
The fact is NPP has no case. Ghanaians!!!! put up your thinking caps. Can anybody give me a single reason why Nana Addict should be declared winner? NONE. They did not bring a single evidence to prove that Mahama or someone ... read full comment
The fact is NPP has no case. Ghanaians!!!! put up your thinking caps. Can anybody give me a single reason why Nana Addict should be declared winner? NONE. They did not bring a single evidence to prove that Mahama or someone else stole Nana Addict's vote. Their star witness said he was not there. What do they want now?
Kofi 10 years ago
"Kofi also did a good analysis and drew his conclusion from the addresses orally by each contender."
You are an illiterate indeed. Next time write in your dialect because English is not kind to you.
"Kofi also did a good analysis and drew his conclusion from the addresses orally by each contender."
You are an illiterate indeed. Next time write in your dialect because English is not kind to you.
Nyansasem 10 years ago
Baffour, I can only talk about myself and not what others think. But I don't see why someone should praise Nana for going to court or others attacking him for going to court.
It is his constitutional rights to go to court ... read full comment
Baffour, I can only talk about myself and not what others think. But I don't see why someone should praise Nana for going to court or others attacking him for going to court.
It is his constitutional rights to go to court and it is silly for any to criticize him or praise him. That is my personal view on that.
But just like what I said, it is not about who wins this case; but rather what we can learn from it. Are we going to make changes to help the staff at EC or we are going to leave it like that? That is what I care about.
Those who believe that the Mahama's presidency will add a lit bit their lot should go ahead and celebrate.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
Nyansaesm or whatever your name is, I am not sure if you take delight in taking me on or this is part of a personal attack on me. I note that from your responses to my comment on Otabil's claims, when you accused me of intell ... read full comment
Nyansaesm or whatever your name is, I am not sure if you take delight in taking me on or this is part of a personal attack on me. I note that from your responses to my comment on Otabil's claims, when you accused me of intellectual dishonesty as well as being the most bias contributor on Ghanaweb, you are continuing with your attacks here. For your information, I do not claim to be neutral on Ghanaian politics but instead I try to be objective. I have my views on socio-economic and political matters in Ghana but no matter how bias I may be, I know what is wrong and able to criticise whatever is wrong irrespective of where it is from. I am not a fundamentalist.
All what you achieving in doing is to point out what in your view were biases in the article, instead of providing a critical and constructive review. In fact, I encourage contributors disagreeing with me and putting forward the alternative view/s, instead of pointing out my lapses and leaving them at that.
When I attended Effective Communication Strategy training, I learnt how best to get a message across and that is what I practise in my articles, especially in choosing the title. There is no doubt that Akufo-Addo is a well known politician but also his name attracts attention on Ghanaweb and that is why I used his name. As simple as that but not because I am bias towards him.
I think Nana Akufo-Addo and his supporters should be grateful to me for ending the argument about whether he attended Oxford University or not. That was my objective when I submitted the FOI request to Oxford University and I am glad to say that I achieved it. I guess, I also weakened former SCJ Kpegah's misguided court action by contacting Middle Temple in London and confirming that Nana Addo was called to the English Bar with the supporting evidence. If you will not be grateful to me for my contributions, then, do not hang me. If I had ulterior motive when I contacted the two institutions, I would not have made public information that were favourable to Nana Akufo-Addo. I was after the truth but not to damage him.
You make a case of me pretending to sympathise with Addison. That is my honest view and if I were in his shoes, I would have argued for more time for the same reasons I alluded to in the article.
Regarding my assertion that Tastsu might have set a trap for Addison, again, that was my view, though I have no concrete evidence to support it. These were not pretences. I do not consider Tsatsu as my hero, even if he is a hero to NDC supporters. I am not an NDC supporter.
You also made a case of me not spending enough on Tony Lithur's claim that the right to vote is a God given right. There was too much to add, except of course, if I wanted to write a whole article on natural rights. In fact, I am glad I did not because after I sent the article to Ghanaweb on Wednesday evening, I read Prof Prempeh's contribution on the subject the next day. It's not because I am favouring him.
On your claim that I spent too much on Addison's analysis on the link between total NPP MPs versus NDC MPs in parliament and winning the presidency. That definitely needed an alternative analysis to explain why I concluded that it was illogical and a fallacy.
I did not say that if Nana Akufo-Addo is declared President, he could not rule. I said he could rule with concessions to the majority NDC and that is what happens across the democratic world. Obama offers concessions in order to get his policies that require legislation passing through Congress and sometimes in the Senate, especially when two-thirds majority is required.
You see, your problem is that because you have preconditioned your mind that I am bias against Nana Akufo-Addo/NPP you do not open your eyes wide enough to read the contents of the article or read it with an open mind but draw prejudiced conclusions. Your main aim of reading my comments and articles is to find fault and that is very unfortunate.
Regarding the claims of tribalism, it's an area I will avoid because there is no basis whatsoever.
Nyansasem, there is nothing wrong with having a different opinion from me but could you kindly stop labeling me as being bias and pretending to be neutral. I am not neutral but objective. Even if I am neutral, I am still a human being and could get it wrong sometimes. I am not writing to please you or anyone but to share my views and open up debate on the issues I raise.
My wish is for development in Ghana and for the SC to make their ruling based on the truth as it happened in the court room, apply the law and do justice as I described in my last article.
Kojo T 10 years ago
" People will talk of you" If you are tall, theynwill talk. If you are short they will talk, if you are thin they will talk, fat they will talk, balck they will talk so just let him talk
" People will talk of you" If you are tall, theynwill talk. If you are short they will talk, if you are thin they will talk, fat they will talk, balck they will talk so just let him talk
Paul Amuna 10 years ago
I wouldn't bother responding to this idiot called "Nyansasem" who has declared himself a "self-styled cyber warrior". I believe he is an NPP propagandist along with a small group he belongs to who have nothing tangible to con ... read full comment
I wouldn't bother responding to this idiot called "Nyansasem" who has declared himself a "self-styled cyber warrior". I believe he is an NPP propagandist along with a small group he belongs to who have nothing tangible to contribute to any debate on this forum, but to seek out and attack well-meaning people.
I find him obnoxious and of an inferior intellectual capacity, not interested in debate but ready for a fight. I have stopped responding to him and advise you do the same. He is not worth your precious time, effort and intellect.
Nyansasem 10 years ago
I will just say wow. You could not debate with Ama, and decided not to deal with her again. You told me you are not going to respond to me because I had the temerity to challenge you on issues. Cardinal and Ama will bear me w ... read full comment
I will just say wow. You could not debate with Ama, and decided not to deal with her again. You told me you are not going to respond to me because I had the temerity to challenge you on issues. Cardinal and Ama will bear me witness. I had not insulted you before, but you find it necessary to insult me when you are not even in the equation. Trying to form a posse here and calling Kofi Ata to you against those you perceive as your challengers. A complex?
Well, I have not claimed to an "intellectual" here. It is you who want everyone to know that you have your PhD degree. Paul, the idiot "Nyansasem" is a cleaner where he is now but he holds his head higher everywhere he goes. He has never set foot in a classroom. But he will beg you to take your superior knowledge to go to your impoverished people to help them. Don't use your intellect to sit here on Ghanaweb to prove to anyone that you have acquired all the degrees in the world. Seriously, I don't want to see someone with that superior knowledge who can't even visit his people. After you have been able to help your people, then we can talk about your superior intellect.
Talking about intellectuals, with inferior complex syndrome.
Nyansasem 10 years ago
Kofi, why would you think I will make it my mission to attack you. There is not much here to debate on so I just try to find a better article to "chew" on. Yours probably might be the only one I found it interesting to debate ... read full comment
Kofi, why would you think I will make it my mission to attack you. There is not much here to debate on so I just try to find a better article to "chew" on. Yours probably might be the only one I found it interesting to debate on. The same goes with the bloggers or the forumers, who just come here for fun but not for critical analysis of any article.
On this topic, I am done with my comment. Actually, I am drained to the fullest. No room up there to talk about anything. Enjoy your weekend. But before then, may be you will not forget your effective communication training when Addo is long gone and we are left with Mahama.
boobuoo 10 years ago
we can experience heart attacks after the judgement day and korle bu cardio department must prepare for this,it will be more than earth quakes and its after shocks,this will happen SO LET MINISTRY OF HEALTH PREPARE FOR THAT!
we can experience heart attacks after the judgement day and korle bu cardio department must prepare for this,it will be more than earth quakes and its after shocks,this will happen SO LET MINISTRY OF HEALTH PREPARE FOR THAT!
boobuoo 10 years ago
"NO PATAPAA PRESIDENT IN GHANA,NANA CANNOT FORCE HIS PATAPAA AGENDA ON GHANAIANS PERIOD!
"NO PATAPAA PRESIDENT IN GHANA,NANA CANNOT FORCE HIS PATAPAA AGENDA ON GHANAIANS PERIOD!
JUDA 10 years ago
ATA KOFI CROWN HIM KING FOR WHAT? MAYBE KING OF WEE,PRIDE, ARROGANCE & "TRUMU".HOW IS THAT, KOFI? .
ATA KOFI CROWN HIM KING FOR WHAT? MAYBE KING OF WEE,PRIDE, ARROGANCE & "TRUMU".HOW IS THAT, KOFI? .
Ama Serwah in Mampong 10 years ago
WOFA ATA PAA! December 9, 2013. ?
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
WOFA ATA PAA! December 9, 2013. ?
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
Steve 10 years ago
I was shocked when the NPP withdrew the vote padding allegations. From then on I knew the unknown.
I was shocked when the NPP withdrew the vote padding allegations. From then on I knew the unknown.
Ghanaian, NY 10 years ago
I incline to agree with you on some of your observations and analyis, which seem to be fair, except your disagreement of the right to vote "a God given right".
If you agree that life is God given right to mankind why then ... read full comment
I incline to agree with you on some of your observations and analyis, which seem to be fair, except your disagreement of the right to vote "a God given right".
If you agree that life is God given right to mankind why then do you discredit God the right to vote. Votes are cast by qualified living beings. People with no lives, dead, cannot vote. Unfortunately, they lost the God given right they had to vote. Their registered names and photo Ids become unusable.
The Bible states that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, we read and believe. If election registrations were taking place then and Lazarus was found dead when they went to his house, he would not be registered, because his right to register to vote had been lost. If they heard Lazarus' life (right to register) had been restored, they could go back to register him to be able to exercise his voting right.
Lazarus would have regained his God given right and privilege to cast his vote before he died the second time.
God given life enables one to breathe, reason and choose wisely considering his/her welfare. Life (right to live), given to us by God, was here before politics, governments and democracy came about. We were equiped with the right to doing anything we choose before systems and order of things began. We should learn to put God first and give Him the deserved accolade.
princewilly@ymail.com 10 years ago
An infamous Gigolo with a long list of conquests walked into his neighborhood bar and ordered a drink. The bartender thought he looked worried and asked him if anything was wrong."I'm scared out of my mind," the stud replied ... read full comment
An infamous Gigolo with a long list of conquests walked into his neighborhood bar and ordered a drink. The bartender thought he looked worried and asked him if anything was wrong."I'm scared out of my mind," the stud replied. "Some pissed-off husband wrote to me and said he'd kill me if I didn't stop doing his wife." "So stop!" the barkeep said. "I can't," the womanizer replied, taking a long swill. "The jerk didn't sign his name on the pink sheet he send me!"
BRAVEBOY 10 years ago
Prince.. and who is a Gigolo? I feel too lazy to google.
Prince.. and who is a Gigolo? I feel too lazy to google.
Kwaku asimenu-forson 10 years ago
Lawyer Addisson would have been rightin the calculations if there only two parties. Now, there were many independent parliamentary candidates , some winning actually.Did those who voted for them also voted for any Prez Candid ... read full comment
Lawyer Addisson would have been rightin the calculations if there only two parties. Now, there were many independent parliamentary candidates , some winning actually.Did those who voted for them also voted for any Prez Candidate? this makes the logic poor and mathematically deficient.
Yaw Amofa 10 years ago
In the unlikely event of Nana Addo being declared president, how is going to rule, when most of his bills will pass through parliament? His appointees would never pass the parliamentary vettings. NDC majority will block his e ... read full comment
In the unlikely event of Nana Addo being declared president, how is going to rule, when most of his bills will pass through parliament? His appointees would never pass the parliamentary vettings. NDC majority will block his every move, and Ghana will come to a standstill.
Bomfaboy. 10 years ago
Agya Atta, why are you picking and choosing, concerning the "knowns', as were revealed during the trial? is it because if you were to list the known irregularities and violations it will overwhelm and make you dizzy, that is ... read full comment
Agya Atta, why are you picking and choosing, concerning the "knowns', as were revealed during the trial? is it because if you were to list the known irregularities and violations it will overwhelm and make you dizzy, that is why you deliberately dwelt on the inconsequential submission by Addison?? The biggest thing we know is that there were over 6000 POOLING STATIONS WITH SAME NAME, SAME CODE NUMBER, AND SAME SERIAL NUMBERS WHICH WERE EITHER DUPLICATESOR TRIPLICATES. What do you do with two different results from the same pooling station, which the EC Chairman admitted? I am pretty sure by law both are not admissible, and we do not know which is real, therefore those results are invalid! This neither the EC nor the NDC or the President's lawyer contested, because they could not. We also know that the EC was confident the Pink Sheet was designed to RECORD ACCURATELY AND FULLY WHAT HAPPENED AT THE POOLING STATIONS AND THAT WAS VERIFYABLE. This aspect was seriously and completely read by Mr Idun to debunk the assertion that the famous "you and I were not there" which luther and Tsikata tried to rely on. What is also known is that there was a vehement protest by the NPP through their leaders as reflected in the written address of the EC. so the respondents claim of agents not protesting was childish. The design of the Pink Sheet took care of the protestations which could have grag the process for days. The fact that party agents were there made it possible for all occurences to be properly recorded and so we had the opportunity to verufy them. The party agents couldn't have done any better, without risking their lives. An example was when in 2008 Dr Ohene, brother of Elizabeth Ohene, who was an NPP agent was severely beaten I the Volta Region for raising objections and protesting. We know that when a president does not append his signature to parliamentary passed bills, it does not become law, even though all parties of parliament sign unto it. So for a presiding officer who is mandated by an entrenched provision in our constitution to sign the record of election at a pooling station, not to sign, what must become of that record? I believe the answer is the, record is INVALID. What is also known is that the EC admitted in their address that Irregularities, omission and some statutory violations occurred. They just failed to recognize the quantum of votes affected by the irregularities and statutory violations. By our laws governing the elections, any vote associated with these violations are INVALID and must be expunge to make the election result credible. so do we expect the Justices to UPHOLD our laws and rules and regulations or be sentimental?? as the highest court of the land they have no other choice than to UPHOLD OUR LAWS AND APPLY THE SANCTIONS THAT COMES WITH ITS VIOLATION.
Wiafe 10 years ago
Stop the false claims. This is an election. And elections everywhere in world are never perfect. What do you expect from near illiterate election presiding officers. Fix the root cause of the problem--which is poverty, il ... read full comment
Stop the false claims. This is an election. And elections everywhere in world are never perfect. What do you expect from near illiterate election presiding officers. Fix the root cause of the problem--which is poverty, illiteracy, corruption, etc.
Declaring Akuffo president will not accomplish anything. The root problems will still be there.
Bomfaboy. 10 years ago
all what some people are pleading now bothers on ignorance. The problem is that ignorance of the law is no defense. Why di Afari Djan and the EC decided to use NDC illiterates instead of TEACHERS who has been part of election ... read full comment
all what some people are pleading now bothers on ignorance. The problem is that ignorance of the law is no defense. Why di Afari Djan and the EC decided to use NDC illiterates instead of TEACHERS who has been part of elections for a long time? This is because there was a grand scheme between the EC and the NDC to steal.
Bomfaboy. 10 years ago
You failed to recognize that there are over 20 parliamentary results that are in the various high courts. I believe the courts are waiting on the Supreme court to decide on the various issues. As the lawyers call Star decisis ... read full comment
You failed to recognize that there are over 20 parliamentary results that are in the various high courts. I believe the courts are waiting on the Supreme court to decide on the various issues. As the lawyers call Star decisis or something like that, they can also rule on their cases. So it is possible the tide in parliament could change.
Nana B 10 years ago
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joe bee 10 years ago
Nana should go on pension.not to become president in nowhere
Nana should go on pension.not to become president in nowhere
LONTO-BOY 10 years ago
MASSA KOFI, there's no doubt that the final Supreme Court decision will have far-reaching implications for the future of NPP, NDC and the long held ambition of Nana Akufo-Addo and the Presidency of John Mahama. Should Nana Ak ... read full comment
MASSA KOFI, there's no doubt that the final Supreme Court decision will have far-reaching implications for the future of NPP, NDC and the long held ambition of Nana Akufo-Addo and the Presidency of John Mahama. Should Nana Akufo-Addo lose, it will leave him at the mercy of those who want to challenge him for NPP's leadership. Should the SC decision favour Nana Akufo-Addo, John Mahama's Presidency will be short lived, and this will play into the hands of JJ Rawlings.
I believe, at the end of the day, the outcome of this petition can only be healthy for Ghana's democracy. The SC will likely recommend changes to the administrative structure and operations of the EC, among when to conduct Investiture in the face of legal challenge to election results.
However, as I've always maintained, Nana Akufo-Addo will be sacrificed by the Supreme Court in order to uphold Mahama's presidency. Nana Akufo-Addo will be crowned by the SC with the "Crown of Thorns" based on the larger context of political calculations than just rulings on the arguments and evidence played out in the court.
Konfanko 10 years ago
Is also a craqture of thissame 1992 Constitution. How can the SC make changes to the administrative structure and operations of the EC,that is intertere with the functions of the EC without exceeding its own powers? I mean yo ... read full comment
Is also a craqture of thissame 1992 Constitution. How can the SC make changes to the administrative structure and operations of the EC,that is intertere with the functions of the EC without exceeding its own powers? I mean you do not need to be a constitutional lawyer to determine that it would be patently ultra-vires for the Sc to that.
And when it comes to putting one`s house in order, I think the court itself has a lot of house- cleaning to do. How could the total mess we saw unfold under our eyes take place at the registry of our higherst court? Has anyone giving any thought to how it was that key court documents(exhibits)duly filed, if you believe Addison and his team,did not get to Justices sitting on this case?
I was not in the least impressed with the courtroom officials,some of whom had difficulty with such mundane stenographical duties as assigning exhibit #`s,reading documents, etc.
Again the court,absent any formal amendments to the provision relating to the office of the President cannot do anything when to swear in the president,legal chalenge pending or not! You also tend to underestimate the stranglehold Akuffo and his cabal have on the NPP, as well as the level of scycophancy Ghanaians exhibit when they have to take bold and truthful positions on important matters.
listen, I am one of the individuals who believes the Rawlingses are a spent force. Jerry is a smart guy and I believe he will rather choose to exert a moderating influence than let his wife loose! Yes they may elect to thwart the hidden ambitions of those who have double-crossed them,but remember they to not hold total sway over the organisation they founded any longer.
concerned ghanaian 10 years ago
This issue of the MPs votes as against the result of the Presidential results is most unfortunate.
A desprate lawyer trying to hold on to any thing that will save his case from drowning.
The differences in MP votes are ... read full comment
This issue of the MPs votes as against the result of the Presidential results is most unfortunate.
A desprate lawyer trying to hold on to any thing that will save his case from drowning.
The differences in MP votes are nothing to write home about, the fact is that Nana Addo won in only two regions.
What I have observed about this case is the number of lies that this addisson guy was prepared to tell the SC just to make a point. He might be a good lawyer but for me, he came through as a lier, arrogant and self conceited.
KUKRUDU 10 years ago
KOFI - CAMBRIDGE?
DO YOU MEAN CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY OR LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE?
Hmmmmmmmm - GHANAIANS WITH QUALIFICATIONS!!!!!!
KOFI - CAMBRIDGE?
DO YOU MEAN CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY OR LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE?
Hmmmmmmmm - GHANAIANS WITH QUALIFICATIONS!!!!!!
TROUBLE-MAKER 10 years ago
Cambridge is a city in Englland and anyone can choose to live there,work and educate.What`s your problem?
Cambridge is a city in Englland and anyone can choose to live there,work and educate.What`s your problem?
TROUBLE-MAKER 10 years ago
England.
England.
JIM CROW 10 years ago
AKUFFO-ADDO WILL BECOME PRESIDENT AND RETRIEVE ALL STOLEN MONIES, MAJORITY OR NO MAJORITY. THERE WILL BE NO WAR IN GHANA. WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF ANYBODY!
AKUFFO-ADDO WILL BECOME PRESIDENT AND RETRIEVE ALL STOLEN MONIES, MAJORITY OR NO MAJORITY. THERE WILL BE NO WAR IN GHANA. WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF ANYBODY!
Kwobia ( Toronto ) 10 years ago
Well done Kofi.The quote got me thinking of the
Unknown issues that might cause JDM to lose God forbid.
Well done Kofi.The quote got me thinking of the
Unknown issues that might cause JDM to lose God forbid.
Nurdeen 10 years ago
No bcos it has already occupied by H.E JM.
No bcos it has already occupied by H.E JM.
tiger shark 10 years ago
ghana is not a kingdom so nobody will be crowned king least of all conmann akufo addo
ghana is not a kingdom so nobody will be crowned king least of all conmann akufo addo
Zaga 10 years ago
I should think that The right to life means and is actualised by the right to choose who should lead and govern you. Who should harness and harmonise the various human and natuaral resources belonging to you, the State, the B ... read full comment
I should think that The right to life means and is actualised by the right to choose who should lead and govern you. Who should harness and harmonise the various human and natuaral resources belonging to you, the State, the Body Politic that is the collective you, for your sole and ultimate benefit. This should see expression in the construction of infrastural projects such as roads, schools and factories etc,etc.
Baffour Agyemang 10 years ago
Mr Kofi Atta could you please explain what is a republic? (1st, 2nd, ...)
Mr Kofi Atta could you please explain what is a republic? (1st, 2nd, ...)
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
Baffour Agyemeng, did you ask the question because I used the word King instead of President? I know Ghana is a constitutional republic and not a constitutional monarchy. That was just for the sake of the article.
The simp ... read full comment
Baffour Agyemeng, did you ask the question because I used the word King instead of President? I know Ghana is a constitutional republic and not a constitutional monarchy. That was just for the sake of the article.
The simple answer to your question is 1st Republic - under constitutional rule after Ghana was declared a Republic and gained total freedom to make her own decisions free from Britain under Nkrumah. 2nd under Dr Busia, 3rd under Dr Liman and now the 4th Republic since 19992/3. I am sure this will be the last republic (constitutional republic) as it will last forever.
Alex 10 years ago
Your articles are always interesting reading. A careful analysis of the way you write always show that you write in favour of NDC. I like your articles but always try and stay neutral as much as possible.
Your articles are always interesting reading. A careful analysis of the way you write always show that you write in favour of NDC. I like your articles but always try and stay neutral as much as possible.
BRAVEBOY 10 years ago
Ghanaians don't elect or are not ruled by Kings/Queens and your use of King in place of President leaves some bad taste in the mouth of some of us.
I did rebuke someone just yesterday for using the same word. We run a bl ... read full comment
Ghanaians don't elect or are not ruled by Kings/Queens and your use of King in place of President leaves some bad taste in the mouth of some of us.
I did rebuke someone just yesterday for using the same word. We run a blend between a Presidential and a Parliamentary system of government and which means all the various organs of government are subject to certain checks and balances as opposed to a Kingly position.
It is good to hit this home and let our people know that, no one in Ghana is born a President.
We are all potential leaders and time and place decides. Being a leader in Ghana is a chance to serve and not to be king. Don't be deceived.
Otherwise, we must as well make Ashantihene King and see the war we will get from the Akwamus, Akyems, Ewes, Dogomba, Gas, name it.
Our leaders are elected servant leaders not Kings.
For the issue of the petition, I have decided only to make peripheral comments till after the case, so I rest my case. Have an excellent day.
BRAVEBOY 10 years ago
PARAGRAPH 3.
....., no one in Ghana is born a 'leader'.
PARAGRAPH 3.
....., no one in Ghana is born a 'leader'.
Woman's wisdom 10 years ago
There is every evidence put forward by the petitioners making the known unknowns clearly known that the elections was flawed by a number of statutory violations, irregularities, malpractices,thievery and rigging as admitted b ... read full comment
There is every evidence put forward by the petitioners making the known unknowns clearly known that the elections was flawed by a number of statutory violations, irregularities, malpractices,thievery and rigging as admitted by the EC(KwadwoAfariGyan). The reality is that, Nana Addo will be crowned as president on August 29. Mahama will therefore be out of the presidency. In this case, Mahama will be Ghana's shortest ever president of Ghana. In fact, this would prove that Mahama has never been president of Ghana even as he once occupied the seat of the presidency. First, NDC automatically crowned him their president at the demise of ex president Mills. Again it has been admitted by Afari Gyan that the elections was rigged and that Mahama became president by errors and mistakes. when all these errors and mistakes are rectified, Mahama will be out of office and thus making it clear that Mahama has never in fact been voted for genuinely by Ghanaians to be president. NDC is a thievery party, prove me wrong! Bad party! evil party and a curse to Ghana, that is why all these market burnings in Ghana. The country will never be well governed until jon Mahama is ousted and imprisoned for life or for firing squad as instituted by his own party.
KWAKU DARLING 10 years ago
"The “known unknowns” among others include the fact that, had it not been this petition, most Ghanaians would not have known that, the 2012 presidential election or perhaps the general elections were supervised by polling ... read full comment
"The “known unknowns” among others include the fact that, had it not been this petition, most Ghanaians would not have known that, the 2012 presidential election or perhaps the general elections were supervised by polling station officers who could not record information and data accurately." Kofi Ata
Do you honestly think that the pooling station officers could not record the information and data accurately?
I don't belive this. It was all part of the rigging. Just try to understand the 17 pink sheets that afari gyan smuggled in during his re-examination and you'll understand that the EC and Mahama cooked figures on the duplicate and triplicate pink sheets.
BOY KOFI 10 years ago
Nana Addo cannot be crowned as King because Ghana is not a monarchy.He will niether not be declared as the president of the Republic because his petition is based on falsehood.The KPMG audit exposed all the anomalies in the e ... read full comment
Nana Addo cannot be crowned as King because Ghana is not a monarchy.He will niether not be declared as the president of the Republic because his petition is based on falsehood.The KPMG audit exposed all the anomalies in the evidence which fall short of constitutional demands.I do agree with the SC given 30 minutes each to all the parties.In the first place,the petitioners did not protest the proposal.Secondly,the petitioners are 3 individuals,why did they not engage 3 different lawyers to have equal 90 minutes?Apparently, the judges could have dash some few minutes more for Addison but he misbahaved and disrespect the judges. On the contrary,Addison insulted all the African Supreme Court judges by refering to cases in Kenya,Nigeria,Uganda and Zambia where the petitioners have failed in few instances because of"technicalities and numbers" to effect the outcome.This in itself is a resignation address for the petitioners.Addison in his frustration,menaced the judges that if the losers are not satisfied they will have reasons to cause chaos in the country.Who are the losers here? I am hoping that the judges will demand clarification on this declaration.Besides,he has not been able to proof his case with concrete evidence.For this reason,I don't see how a competent court will favour the petitioners.Thank you.
David King A. 10 years ago
A blnced n fair observation. I like this piece but the right to vote shld b seen as the right to make a choice or decision - it's natural n on higher realm, supernatural. God bls Ghana!
A blnced n fair observation. I like this piece but the right to vote shld b seen as the right to make a choice or decision - it's natural n on higher realm, supernatural. God bls Ghana!
jam nalerigu 10 years ago
to ur knowledge 38 parlimentry seats are been challenged at the law court.do not be deceive by 'know and know,known and unknown or unknown and unknown'' theory.
to ur knowledge 38 parlimentry seats are been challenged at the law court.do not be deceive by 'know and know,known and unknown or unknown and unknown'' theory.
maxwell, u.k. 10 years ago
Kofi, i think you have been quite objective in your analysis. KUDOS
Kofi, i think you have been quite objective in your analysis. KUDOS
AKAY 10 years ago
when ever i hear people talking about war in Ghana,i can feel very bad, is because we never fight war before or what? you people should go and ask our African brothers,Liberia Sudan and Mali to tell you how war is like,the on ... read full comment
when ever i hear people talking about war in Ghana,i can feel very bad, is because we never fight war before or what? you people should go and ask our African brothers,Liberia Sudan and Mali to tell you how war is like,the only fools and stupid Ghanians can talk about war,let the war come and see if you fools will enjoying the peace you has now,talk about better things happening in your country and stop predict war.Do you want to be a refugee? or beg for food? my fellow Ghanians, let's be happy for our motherland Ghana,Ghana is the only peaceful country in Africa now, except you never travel out of Ghana before,than you may know what am talking about,let's talk good things happening in our country and stop inviting war, i don't think anybody will like to beg for food,or shalter.A word to a wise is enough,May God bless our Motherland Ghana.
Tsatsu Tsikata LLB 10 years ago
This article is baseless and lacks common sense because forming a government in Ghana is not by proportional representation like the system in Germany,UK,France,Australia and others.Ghana's System is similar to the system in ... read full comment
This article is baseless and lacks common sense because forming a government in Ghana is not by proportional representation like the system in Germany,UK,France,Australia and others.Ghana's System is similar to the system in America.NPP can govern whether NDC takes a hardline stances or not in parliament.
Yes,I appreciate that NPP will face difficulties getting bills through parliament and may tend to offer concessions but this would put a check on their activities anyway and strengthen our democracy.Good presidents like Ronald Reegan,Bill Clinton and Barack Obama has ruled America with their party being minority in congress ie House of representatives. yet they did rule very well.
Yes,its strange for NPP MPs be a minority in parliment but yet had more total votes than the NDC Majority.This is a fact as it stands now and I do not agree with the writer that this was not pleaded so therefore can't be mentioned in the address.This is a fact that something went wrong in this elections that must be unraveled by the judges.Its may as well be the missing link that explains the whole election was compromised to favour Mahama.
On the face of the pink sheets,I do not buy this scrap argument that what is on the face of the pink sheets are errors.Yes,there were blank spaces but majority were accurate information of what transpired on that day as was recorded.The EC trained this polling officers how to record this information and I accept that people can make errors but not to that magnitude..this proves that something was fundamentally wrong with the 2012 elections and the primary record used to declare John Mahama was inaccurate and this makes John Mahama president an error.
Humans can make errors but not to that tune.If all this information on the face of the pink sheets as claimed by EC and NDC were indeed errors,then that is the most obvious reason why Mahama was made president by error and this error must be corrected.
Konfanko 10 years ago
Our hybrid model of executive presidency! I hope you have not forgotten about the unpardonable errors the army 'legal luminaries',who handled the petitioners case in the relative comfort of air-cooled offices,also made in thi ... read full comment
Our hybrid model of executive presidency! I hope you have not forgotten about the unpardonable errors the army 'legal luminaries',who handled the petitioners case in the relative comfort of air-cooled offices,also made in this case. And remeber they , unlike the temporary EC officials did not have to deal with a partisan public,in a politically-charged atmosphere!
Adongo 10 years ago
Unwarranted and uncalled for... the whole episode! A mountain out of a mole hill1 by the abominable NLM/MATE MEHO "offspringers" What a ride this hyenas has put this country through. A loss is a loss, Kofi Atta. Nana and his ... read full comment
Unwarranted and uncalled for... the whole episode! A mountain out of a mole hill1 by the abominable NLM/MATE MEHO "offspringers" What a ride this hyenas has put this country through. A loss is a loss, Kofi Atta. Nana and his abominable jungle NPP lost, period.
Adongo
ERIC 10 years ago
VERY VERY BALANCED ANALYSIS,KEEP IT UP
VERY VERY BALANCED ANALYSIS,KEEP IT UP
Humility 10 years ago
Thanks for your objectivity Kofi,Cambridge, Uni ,UK.
Thanks for your objectivity Kofi,Cambridge, Uni ,UK.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
Humility, I have no connection with the famous Cambridge University. I only reside in the city of Cambridge and I add the UK to differentiate it from Cambridge in Massachusetts, USA.
Humility, I have no connection with the famous Cambridge University. I only reside in the city of Cambridge and I add the UK to differentiate it from Cambridge in Massachusetts, USA.
GENERAL DeGAULE 10 years ago
There are 26,002 polling stations in Ghana.
Why would any petitioner of a sound mind, ask the Supreme Court to declare him President based on a sample of 24,000 polling station pink sheets citing for adjudication and delibe ... read full comment
There are 26,002 polling stations in Ghana.
Why would any petitioner of a sound mind, ask the Supreme Court to declare him President based on a sample of 24,000 polling station pink sheets citing for adjudication and deliberations, matters other than wilful conduct, criminality and fraud.
Irregularities sieved from 24,000 polling station still leaves 2006 pink sheets sieved and yet to go through the grinder. The unanswered unknown is would Akuffo Addo still have 53% of the votes if the known missing pink sheets had been scrutinized to reveal the unknown?
This mind boggling unknown unknown which remains unanswered by the petitioner should disqualify him from ever wasting our time or threatening violence
GENERAL DeGAULE 10 years ago
still leaves 2006 pink sheets un-sieved
still leaves 2006 pink sheets un-sieved
K Gyamfi 10 years ago
Are you that stupid? Nowhere did the petitioners say that they are basing their case on 24000 pink sheets. They said they could only have access to 24000 pink sheets out of which they have problems with 10,119. Indeed the pet ... read full comment
Are you that stupid? Nowhere did the petitioners say that they are basing their case on 24000 pink sheets. They said they could only have access to 24000 pink sheets out of which they have problems with 10,119. Indeed the petitioners applied to the court to compel the EC to provide all the 26002 pink sheets but the court refused the application. The analysis is based on 10119 pink sheets that they think have irregularities,malpractices, ommission and violations that when anulled will invalidate Mahama's presidency. Because the petitioners are relying on 10119 pink sheets it is assumed that the rest of the pink sheets are clean. If they are not clean they go to strengthen the petitioners case. The EC had every opportunity to challenge the petitioners on the pink sheets but they did not. This is the problem with NDC supporters, they do not realise that the petitioners are on solid grounds.
GENERAL DeGAULE 10 years ago
They only has access? They had all the pink sheets from the North but not their stronghold in Ashanti and Eastern Region. Does it take rocket science for you to figure that they were being economical with the truth and evasiv ... read full comment
They only has access? They had all the pink sheets from the North but not their stronghold in Ashanti and Eastern Region. Does it take rocket science for you to figure that they were being economical with the truth and evasive. Only access? Bring the other one.
K Gyamfi 10 years ago
You insulted the petitioners that they were not of sound mind but you don't like it when I used the same on you. If you cannot stand the heat don't stand in the kitchen.
You insulted the petitioners that they were not of sound mind but you don't like it when I used the same on you. If you cannot stand the heat don't stand in the kitchen.
GENERAL DeGAULE 10 years ago
The Kwasia was in in relation to "they did not have access" When did they ever say that?
The Kwasia was in in relation to "they did not have access" When did they ever say that?
GENERAL DeGAULE 10 years ago
have you ever heard of the principle of equity which says if you come to equity you must come with clean hands. The EC's responsibility to look for the remainder? How daft can you get.
? The only presumption worth making if ... read full comment
have you ever heard of the principle of equity which says if you come to equity you must come with clean hands. The EC's responsibility to look for the remainder? How daft can you get.
? The only presumption worth making if they were hiding irregularities which would probably have reduced Akuffo Addo's vote to nil.
K Gyamfi 10 years ago
They applied to the court to compel EC to produce all the pink sheet but they were denied. That is not the behaviour of someone who wants to hide. In any case why couldn't the Ec produce the pink sheets to counteract the peti ... read full comment
They applied to the court to compel EC to produce all the pink sheet but they were denied. That is not the behaviour of someone who wants to hide. In any case why couldn't the Ec produce the pink sheets to counteract the petitioners?
GENERAL DeGAULE 10 years ago
Collation forms not pink sheets and they were told that copies were issued to all the parties. Copies of Pink sheets were also issued to all the parties. What did they do with the 2002? Incinerate them?
Collation forms not pink sheets and they were told that copies were issued to all the parties. Copies of Pink sheets were also issued to all the parties. What did they do with the 2002? Incinerate them?
K Gyamfi 10 years ago
The petitioners did ask the Supreme court to compel the EC to provide the original pink sheets and also the collation sheets but the SC did not grant any of them. Did you follow the proceedings?
The petitioners did ask the Supreme court to compel the EC to provide the original pink sheets and also the collation sheets but the SC did not grant any of them. Did you follow the proceedings?
Paul Amuna 10 years ago
If you wish to know the truth, why not start by being truthful yourself? The petitioners were not denied copies of pink sheets for all polling stations which they already had!! They were asking the court to compel the EC to p ... read full comment
If you wish to know the truth, why not start by being truthful yourself? The petitioners were not denied copies of pink sheets for all polling stations which they already had!! They were asking the court to compel the EC to produce "ORIGINALS", something against EC law as enshrined in the constitution.
That said, is it not true that the petitioners were selective in their choice of pink sheet exhibits? Why can't we simply deal with and handle to truth my friend?
Ekuma 10 years ago
Kofi Atta, do u know the unknown knowns of knowledge of the 'KAPWEPWE ? Nonsense.
Mahama osafo President and u say wetin ? Even the ANUS of the pink sheets can't give NPP the victory.
HAIL. HAIL . HAIL the 'KAPWEPWE' ... read full comment
Kofi Atta, do u know the unknown knowns of knowledge of the 'KAPWEPWE ? Nonsense.
Mahama osafo President and u say wetin ? Even the ANUS of the pink sheets can't give NPP the victory.
HAIL. HAIL . HAIL the 'KAPWEPWE', King of the dwarf forest. Nonsense
Nana Otchere 10 years ago
First and foremost , Mahama will not be the shortest ever ELECTED president since if removed by SC, his election will be void . ...and if Mahama wins the SC case and wins a second term in 2016 , he will not be the the longe ... read full comment
First and foremost , Mahama will not be the shortest ever ELECTED president since if removed by SC, his election will be void . ...and if Mahama wins the SC case and wins a second term in 2016 , he will not be the the longest serving president in Ghana..it will be jerry rawlings ....
Skirt and blowse is when people vote for presidential candidate and neglects the parliamentary candidate .....
If that was so in Mahamas case , it means the same number of people would have voted for him hence that gap between himself and his parliamentarians wouldn't be that much.....what is curious is the gap between Nana and Mahama and Mahama and his Parliamentarians...... These two numbers are very close in terms of percentage and statistically insignificant.....
but look at the gap in numbers between that of the Npp parliamentarians and Nana .....is also statistically insignificant .... And a true reflection .....
Look at the gap between that of Nana and Ndc parliamentarians and the gap between that of npp parliamentarians and Ndc parliamentarians......The figures are equal ...and the difference between these two figures are not significant....
It all matters .
Pinkus 10 years ago
Indeed, who dash monkey banana? Elections are won during elections by majority votes not through the law court. The winner of the elections is already known. Nobody is waiting to know the legally elected president. What we ar ... read full comment
Indeed, who dash monkey banana? Elections are won during elections by majority votes not through the law court. The winner of the elections is already known. Nobody is waiting to know the legally elected president. What we are waiting for is the endorsement or none endorsement of a candidate who Ghanaians have already chosen to be their president. Note that it is only the EC in Ghana that can determine the winner of an election not even the supreme court.
K Gyamfi 10 years ago
I just want to draw Kofi Ata's attention to the fact that the authorities cited by the petitioners and respondents were also not pleaded. Addison's use of the NPP and NDC parliamentary numbers is logic that can sway some mind ... read full comment
I just want to draw Kofi Ata's attention to the fact that the authorities cited by the petitioners and respondents were also not pleaded. Addison's use of the NPP and NDC parliamentary numbers is logic that can sway some minds that indeed something sinister went on.
GENERAL DeGAULE 10 years ago
The Courts decide cases based on EVIDENCE not suspicions and unsubstantiated allegations.
The Courts decide cases based on EVIDENCE not suspicions and unsubstantiated allegations.
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
K Gyamfi, who told you authorities are pleaded? They may be cited in support of pleadings or defence but their proper place is in written or oral submissions.
How do you explain the fact that in the US often the Democrats ... read full comment
K Gyamfi, who told you authorities are pleaded? They may be cited in support of pleadings or defence but their proper place is in written or oral submissions.
How do you explain the fact that in the US often the Democrats control the Presidency but Congress and or Senate is controlled by the Republicans and vice-versa (though in the US only a portion of Congress or Senate is elected)during election years?
K Gyamfi 10 years ago
So what is so wrong for Addison to cite the figures?
So what is so wrong for Addison to cite the figures?
GENERAL DeGAULE 10 years ago
In advocacy you don't make statements and leave them hanging is suspended animation. You demonstrate causal links and show proof.
Addison just cited figures. What did he prove? What evidence did he present?
In advocacy you don't make statements and leave them hanging is suspended animation. You demonstrate causal links and show proof.
Addison just cited figures. What did he prove? What evidence did he present?
CHE 10 years ago
I do not see how the Supreme Court judges will muster the courage to disenfranchise a large swarthe of qualified Ghanaian voters asthe petitioners seek them to do.The human errors pointed out by the petitioners are not of suc ... read full comment
I do not see how the Supreme Court judges will muster the courage to disenfranchise a large swarthe of qualified Ghanaian voters asthe petitioners seek them to do.The human errors pointed out by the petitioners are not of such magnitude to seriously affect the results of the elections. The petitioners made their case even worse by making errors in the filing of their evidence. They have lost the case and should concentrate on 2016 by getting a new candidate who is electable.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago
Kofi, I have only just read your 'scenario analysis' in the opinion piece. I too was amazed that Counsel Addison could make such a weak argument based on total number of votes cast for MPs. I simply cannot see the logic here ... read full comment
Kofi, I have only just read your 'scenario analysis' in the opinion piece. I too was amazed that Counsel Addison could make such a weak argument based on total number of votes cast for MPs. I simply cannot see the logic here at all.
If this were the case, why is it that the Republicans carry the House of Representatives, yet the elected president (on two occasions) is a democrat? We also saw this during president Clinton's second term. Some may argue that the US system is not the same as Ghana's e.g. the fact that they use electoral colleges but that is precisely the point. Electoral college votes depend on the size of States so that New Hampshire for instance has 4 college votes against 29 for Florida.
It is clear that in many established democracies (including if I may add Ghana's) there is almost a 40/40 split between the two dominant parties in a strongly 'two party system'. The independent 20% often decide the outcome of the poll, and they are the ones who need to be persuaded before and during elections.
For whatever reasons, in the Ghanaian context, people may choose to vote for an individual from one party because that individual is popular locally, or because the other candidate has done something to incur their displeasure e.g. the case of Moses Asaga vs. Boniface Agambilla in the 2012 Nabdam constituency parliamentary vote. My understanding is that although Asaga had carried the constituency in the last two election cycles, he was 'voted out' by the people because 'he had over-stepped his mark, interfering in local chieftaincy issues'.
Boniface who had lost the seat on two previous occasions was preferred as the 'lesser of two evils' if you like. The constituency however voted overwhelmingly for Mahama for president despite rejecting the NPP candidate, because they could separate local issues from national ones.
That counsel Addison could not even recognise or understand that this simple logic has a bearing on the electoral arithmetic comes as no surprise to me because he and his team have shown a degree of 'naivety' and demonstrated ignorance on a number of issues including understanding basic electoral laws and procedures. Having said that, one would also argue that at this very 'last minute' counsel, being a 'smart lawyer' and wanting to win his case at all costs, threw in 'this spanner' to hopefully 'influence' some of the judges' thinking. I don't believe we can rule out that impression as a 'tactic' on the part of Addison.
Whatever the case, the judges are the final arbiters and one would hope that they will judge fairly and justly based on a collection of all the evidence and consideration of all the circumstances, issues and constitutional provisions.
I just happen to believe that the weight of the evidence is so light and the arguments made by petitioners so weak that in my view any ruling in favour of the petitioners would be a gross miscarriage of justice. For me, that would be the 'great unknown, unknown' in this case.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago
It should have read "...despite rejecting the NDC candidate..."
It should have read "...despite rejecting the NDC candidate..."
Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK 10 years ago
Paul, the scenario you described in the Nabdam Constituency is a typical skirt and blouse voting, which I understand is becoming common in Ghana for various reasons. A similar thing happened in Central Region where a candidat ... read full comment
Paul, the scenario you described in the Nabdam Constituency is a typical skirt and blouse voting, which I understand is becoming common in Ghana for various reasons. A similar thing happened in Central Region where a candidate was imposed on the constituency by NDC which forced the popular candidate to go independent. NDC lost what was considered a safe seat but the NDC presidential vote was solid for Mahama. I do not know where Addison has been if even those of us outside Ghana know that skirt and blouse voting happens even among the party members and supporters. I only gave the example of independent voters who are most likely to vote for candidates of different parties (one vote for parliamentary candidate of party A and the other for presidential candidate of party B). I am not sure if Addison was playing mischief or simply, his analytical skills are weak.
Are you that optimistic to know the unknown unknowns?
Whatever 10 years ago
As for this one, you might as well as stuck the tongue out than writing this tongue-in-cheek which has sent me laughing. You made my day.
As for this one, you might as well as stuck the tongue out than writing this tongue-in-cheek which has sent me laughing. You made my day.
The Supreme Court will not overturn the original verdict, as there is not enough evidence for that august body to do so. The NPP simply needs to re-group and fight another day - in 2016.
Case closed! The NPPians are worrying themselves for nothing. We all know what the outcome will be.
THEN WAR FOR GHANA
THAT MEANS WAR IN GHANA
..NPP - A PARTY FOUNDED ON CRIMINALITY ARE THE BIGGEST THIEVES IN GHANA. IN JUST OVER 8 YEARS ALL OF THEM HAVE MILLIONS OF GHANA'S MONEY STASHED AWAY!!! EVEN CHIEF KUFFUOR WAS GIVING OUT CONTRACTS!! THESE CRIMINALS MUST THANK ...
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who will crown this thief president of Ghana?
then u will die first, kwasia ba. u fool like ur useless father
Nana Addo will need majority in parliament to to be President. The fact NPP are minority in Parliament is a clear indication that President Mahama won the elections free and fair.
WHAT A KIDDING COUNTRY?
As usual, pretending to be neutral, his Caption is about Nana Addo and not Mahama. Even though, Akufo is the petitioner here, he is still the underdog in this race. However, Kofi wants everyone to know that, this is about Nan ...
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Hello Nyansasem I admire your critical analysis. However the other time you did not critically answer my question which is; why should anybody praise Nana Addo and also ask others to do same for going to court which is the du ...
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Very well written article, unbiased and fair but the notorious controversial Kofi Atta pronounced the winner in his article that there is no chance Akuffo Addo can win his case.
Kofi also did a good analysis and drew his c ...
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The fact is NPP has no case. Ghanaians!!!! put up your thinking caps. Can anybody give me a single reason why Nana Addict should be declared winner? NONE. They did not bring a single evidence to prove that Mahama or someone ...
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"Kofi also did a good analysis and drew his conclusion from the addresses orally by each contender."
You are an illiterate indeed. Next time write in your dialect because English is not kind to you.
Baffour, I can only talk about myself and not what others think. But I don't see why someone should praise Nana for going to court or others attacking him for going to court.
It is his constitutional rights to go to court ...
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Nyansaesm or whatever your name is, I am not sure if you take delight in taking me on or this is part of a personal attack on me. I note that from your responses to my comment on Otabil's claims, when you accused me of intell ...
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" People will talk of you" If you are tall, theynwill talk. If you are short they will talk, if you are thin they will talk, fat they will talk, balck they will talk so just let him talk
I wouldn't bother responding to this idiot called "Nyansasem" who has declared himself a "self-styled cyber warrior". I believe he is an NPP propagandist along with a small group he belongs to who have nothing tangible to con ...
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I will just say wow. You could not debate with Ama, and decided not to deal with her again. You told me you are not going to respond to me because I had the temerity to challenge you on issues. Cardinal and Ama will bear me w ...
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Kofi, why would you think I will make it my mission to attack you. There is not much here to debate on so I just try to find a better article to "chew" on. Yours probably might be the only one I found it interesting to debate ...
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we can experience heart attacks after the judgement day and korle bu cardio department must prepare for this,it will be more than earth quakes and its after shocks,this will happen SO LET MINISTRY OF HEALTH PREPARE FOR THAT!
"NO PATAPAA PRESIDENT IN GHANA,NANA CANNOT FORCE HIS PATAPAA AGENDA ON GHANAIANS PERIOD!
ATA KOFI CROWN HIM KING FOR WHAT? MAYBE KING OF WEE,PRIDE, ARROGANCE & "TRUMU".HOW IS THAT, KOFI? .
WOFA ATA PAA! December 9, 2013. ?
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
I was shocked when the NPP withdrew the vote padding allegations. From then on I knew the unknown.
I incline to agree with you on some of your observations and analyis, which seem to be fair, except your disagreement of the right to vote "a God given right".
If you agree that life is God given right to mankind why then ...
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An infamous Gigolo with a long list of conquests walked into his neighborhood bar and ordered a drink. The bartender thought he looked worried and asked him if anything was wrong."I'm scared out of my mind," the stud replied ...
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Prince.. and who is a Gigolo? I feel too lazy to google.
Lawyer Addisson would have been rightin the calculations if there only two parties. Now, there were many independent parliamentary candidates , some winning actually.Did those who voted for them also voted for any Prez Candid ...
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In the unlikely event of Nana Addo being declared president, how is going to rule, when most of his bills will pass through parliament? His appointees would never pass the parliamentary vettings. NDC majority will block his e ...
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Agya Atta, why are you picking and choosing, concerning the "knowns', as were revealed during the trial? is it because if you were to list the known irregularities and violations it will overwhelm and make you dizzy, that is ...
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Stop the false claims. This is an election. And elections everywhere in world are never perfect. What do you expect from near illiterate election presiding officers. Fix the root cause of the problem--which is poverty, il ...
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all what some people are pleading now bothers on ignorance. The problem is that ignorance of the law is no defense. Why di Afari Djan and the EC decided to use NDC illiterates instead of TEACHERS who has been part of election ...
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You failed to recognize that there are over 20 parliamentary results that are in the various high courts. I believe the courts are waiting on the Supreme court to decide on the various issues. As the lawyers call Star decisis ...
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?????????????????
Nana should go on pension.not to become president in nowhere
MASSA KOFI, there's no doubt that the final Supreme Court decision will have far-reaching implications for the future of NPP, NDC and the long held ambition of Nana Akufo-Addo and the Presidency of John Mahama. Should Nana Ak ...
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Is also a craqture of thissame 1992 Constitution. How can the SC make changes to the administrative structure and operations of the EC,that is intertere with the functions of the EC without exceeding its own powers? I mean yo ...
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This issue of the MPs votes as against the result of the Presidential results is most unfortunate.
A desprate lawyer trying to hold on to any thing that will save his case from drowning.
The differences in MP votes are ...
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KOFI - CAMBRIDGE?
DO YOU MEAN CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY OR LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE?
Hmmmmmmmm - GHANAIANS WITH QUALIFICATIONS!!!!!!
Cambridge is a city in Englland and anyone can choose to live there,work and educate.What`s your problem?
England.
AKUFFO-ADDO WILL BECOME PRESIDENT AND RETRIEVE ALL STOLEN MONIES, MAJORITY OR NO MAJORITY. THERE WILL BE NO WAR IN GHANA. WE ARE NOT AFRAID OF ANYBODY!
Well done Kofi.The quote got me thinking of the
Unknown issues that might cause JDM to lose God forbid.
No bcos it has already occupied by H.E JM.
ghana is not a kingdom so nobody will be crowned king least of all conmann akufo addo
I should think that The right to life means and is actualised by the right to choose who should lead and govern you. Who should harness and harmonise the various human and natuaral resources belonging to you, the State, the B ...
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Mr Kofi Atta could you please explain what is a republic? (1st, 2nd, ...)
Baffour Agyemeng, did you ask the question because I used the word King instead of President? I know Ghana is a constitutional republic and not a constitutional monarchy. That was just for the sake of the article.
The simp ...
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Your articles are always interesting reading. A careful analysis of the way you write always show that you write in favour of NDC. I like your articles but always try and stay neutral as much as possible.
Ghanaians don't elect or are not ruled by Kings/Queens and your use of King in place of President leaves some bad taste in the mouth of some of us.
I did rebuke someone just yesterday for using the same word. We run a bl ...
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PARAGRAPH 3.
....., no one in Ghana is born a 'leader'.
There is every evidence put forward by the petitioners making the known unknowns clearly known that the elections was flawed by a number of statutory violations, irregularities, malpractices,thievery and rigging as admitted b ...
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"The “known unknowns” among others include the fact that, had it not been this petition, most Ghanaians would not have known that, the 2012 presidential election or perhaps the general elections were supervised by polling ...
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Nana Addo cannot be crowned as King because Ghana is not a monarchy.He will niether not be declared as the president of the Republic because his petition is based on falsehood.The KPMG audit exposed all the anomalies in the e ...
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A blnced n fair observation. I like this piece but the right to vote shld b seen as the right to make a choice or decision - it's natural n on higher realm, supernatural. God bls Ghana!
to ur knowledge 38 parlimentry seats are been challenged at the law court.do not be deceive by 'know and know,known and unknown or unknown and unknown'' theory.
Kofi, i think you have been quite objective in your analysis. KUDOS
when ever i hear people talking about war in Ghana,i can feel very bad, is because we never fight war before or what? you people should go and ask our African brothers,Liberia Sudan and Mali to tell you how war is like,the on ...
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This article is baseless and lacks common sense because forming a government in Ghana is not by proportional representation like the system in Germany,UK,France,Australia and others.Ghana's System is similar to the system in ...
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Our hybrid model of executive presidency! I hope you have not forgotten about the unpardonable errors the army 'legal luminaries',who handled the petitioners case in the relative comfort of air-cooled offices,also made in thi ...
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Unwarranted and uncalled for... the whole episode! A mountain out of a mole hill1 by the abominable NLM/MATE MEHO "offspringers" What a ride this hyenas has put this country through. A loss is a loss, Kofi Atta. Nana and his ...
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VERY VERY BALANCED ANALYSIS,KEEP IT UP
Thanks for your objectivity Kofi,Cambridge, Uni ,UK.
Humility, I have no connection with the famous Cambridge University. I only reside in the city of Cambridge and I add the UK to differentiate it from Cambridge in Massachusetts, USA.
There are 26,002 polling stations in Ghana.
Why would any petitioner of a sound mind, ask the Supreme Court to declare him President based on a sample of 24,000 polling station pink sheets citing for adjudication and delibe ...
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still leaves 2006 pink sheets un-sieved
Are you that stupid? Nowhere did the petitioners say that they are basing their case on 24000 pink sheets. They said they could only have access to 24000 pink sheets out of which they have problems with 10,119. Indeed the pet ...
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They only has access? They had all the pink sheets from the North but not their stronghold in Ashanti and Eastern Region. Does it take rocket science for you to figure that they were being economical with the truth and evasiv ...
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You insulted the petitioners that they were not of sound mind but you don't like it when I used the same on you. If you cannot stand the heat don't stand in the kitchen.
The Kwasia was in in relation to "they did not have access" When did they ever say that?
have you ever heard of the principle of equity which says if you come to equity you must come with clean hands. The EC's responsibility to look for the remainder? How daft can you get.
? The only presumption worth making if ...
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They applied to the court to compel EC to produce all the pink sheet but they were denied. That is not the behaviour of someone who wants to hide. In any case why couldn't the Ec produce the pink sheets to counteract the peti ...
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Collation forms not pink sheets and they were told that copies were issued to all the parties. Copies of Pink sheets were also issued to all the parties. What did they do with the 2002? Incinerate them?
The petitioners did ask the Supreme court to compel the EC to provide the original pink sheets and also the collation sheets but the SC did not grant any of them. Did you follow the proceedings?
If you wish to know the truth, why not start by being truthful yourself? The petitioners were not denied copies of pink sheets for all polling stations which they already had!! They were asking the court to compel the EC to p ...
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Kofi Atta, do u know the unknown knowns of knowledge of the 'KAPWEPWE ? Nonsense.
Mahama osafo President and u say wetin ? Even the ANUS of the pink sheets can't give NPP the victory.
HAIL. HAIL . HAIL the 'KAPWEPWE' ...
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First and foremost , Mahama will not be the shortest ever ELECTED president since if removed by SC, his election will be void . ...and if Mahama wins the SC case and wins a second term in 2016 , he will not be the the longe ...
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Indeed, who dash monkey banana? Elections are won during elections by majority votes not through the law court. The winner of the elections is already known. Nobody is waiting to know the legally elected president. What we ar ...
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I just want to draw Kofi Ata's attention to the fact that the authorities cited by the petitioners and respondents were also not pleaded. Addison's use of the NPP and NDC parliamentary numbers is logic that can sway some mind ...
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The Courts decide cases based on EVIDENCE not suspicions and unsubstantiated allegations.
K Gyamfi, who told you authorities are pleaded? They may be cited in support of pleadings or defence but their proper place is in written or oral submissions.
How do you explain the fact that in the US often the Democrats ...
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So what is so wrong for Addison to cite the figures?
In advocacy you don't make statements and leave them hanging is suspended animation. You demonstrate causal links and show proof.
Addison just cited figures. What did he prove? What evidence did he present?
I do not see how the Supreme Court judges will muster the courage to disenfranchise a large swarthe of qualified Ghanaian voters asthe petitioners seek them to do.The human errors pointed out by the petitioners are not of suc ...
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Kofi, I have only just read your 'scenario analysis' in the opinion piece. I too was amazed that Counsel Addison could make such a weak argument based on total number of votes cast for MPs. I simply cannot see the logic here ...
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It should have read "...despite rejecting the NDC candidate..."
Paul, the scenario you described in the Nabdam Constituency is a typical skirt and blouse voting, which I understand is becoming common in Ghana for various reasons. A similar thing happened in Central Region where a candidat ...
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As for this one, you might as well as stuck the tongue out than writing this tongue-in-cheek which has sent me laughing. You made my day.