Accra goes quiet as nation awaits election petition verdict

Many streets in the capital, Accra appear deserted and eerily ahead of the momentous judgment on the petition challenging the declaration of John Dramani Mahama as winner of the 2012 presidential election.

The usual brisk vehicular and human movements that characterise working days have disappeared hours before the nine-member panel of judges takes their seats at the Chief Justice's Court to pronounce the judgment. Accra is unusually quiet.

It took commuters less than 10 minutes to drive from Achimota to the Central Business District - a journey that usually takes about an hour due to the heavy vehicular traffic.

This is partly because a number of organisations have directed their staff to take the day off and stay indoors to avoid being caught in a possible outbreak of violence although many believe nothing untoward will happen.

Another reason possibly, could be that people have heeded the calls from civil society and religious organisations for the need to remain calm and not to do anything that will lead to chaotic situations.

Perhaps the only noticeable scene that cannot escape one is the presence of security personnel at most intersections and their noisy patrol vehicles combing the city. Same has been reported from across the regional capitals.

A few traders who appear to care less are however conducting their business.