By Fadi Dabbousi
In 2013, when the court began proceedings in the election petition matter, the NDC reverted to their dogged violence and terrorism by violating the tenets of civility, convening at the periphery of the court with canes and machetes in a show of brute defiance. Session after session, the issues were deliberated. Ghanaians watched in horror as events unfolded. It was clearer than a lone star in the darkness of a clear sky that the elections were rigged in favour of John Dramani Mahama, as opined by majority of Ghanaians. I tend to understand why the Justices ruled the way they did. They were wary of the possible pernicious crisis that could unfold given the history of JJ Rawlings' Party, the NDC.
The Grand Finale came! That moment that could either sway into lawlessness and bloody strife or ease tensions and bring tranquility to a politically unhealthy nation. The whole country stood on ends as the Supreme Court pronounced its verdict. The first few hours seemed to move in such slow motion as if time had come to a near standstill. Fleeting moments now felt like long boring hours of anxiety. Many shops remained closed. The streets were deserted. The security agencies were on high alert. The seconds ticked by, drumming the beat of a sinister anticipation of the final Armageddon.
I remember standing adjacent to Nana Akufo-Addo's desk in his study at the Nima residence. The room was packed with icons of the NPP leadership. The man of peace, Nana Akufo-Addo, was going over his concession speech. Honourable Elisabeth Ohene made a few corrections that he pointed out. Outside, the trees were dead silent! The leaves refused to lull in the gentle breeze that tried to assuage people's fears with a soft melody. It seemed to comfort the edgy citizens that all was well so long as it was a Nana Akufo-Addo affair. And it certainly was! A surreal space of breathless minutes, and it was all over.
"Hello, this is Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, may I please speak to the President?" He spoke with a resolute voice more confident that it ever was, adding his words of courtesy, "please", "thank you". "may I", etc. The person on the other end of the phone line at the FlagStaff house seemed confused as Nana repeated his request. I could almost imagine them whisper, "OMG, it is Akufo-Addo," as they fumbled a reply, "Yes Sir, Yes Sir!" Soon, President John Mahama connected. The congratulatory words just flowed with all the love that a peaceful patriot, as Nana Akufo-Addo, would sum up, "Hey Johnny, this is Nana Addo. I am calling to congratulate you, Your Excellency. I wish you well!"
I shed a tear, I must concede, not for any loss at all, but for the great show of love that Nana Akufo-Addo had for Ghana. I shed a tear not because Ghanaians were disenfranchised, but because the lies that were spoken in an attempt to malign this man of peace were once again proven to be in vain. I shed a tear not because Nana was robbed off his victory, but for the dreadful jitters and uncertainty that our frail elders, women and children must have felt.
He stepped, gallantly, onto the garden amidst the loud clamour of supporters and well-wishers. With a lion heart, he read his infamous speech. I wish to use it to remind all of us that Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo is the reason why our peace continues today. I am sharing excerpts to let the whole world know the truth about the murderous, scandalous NDC that has on its payroll criminals like the disgraced Salifu Maasi (aka Mugabe Maasi), Alistair Nelson, Ako Gunn, and many others. I am highlighting those salient portions that allude to the ingenuity of Nana Akufo-Addo's wisdom, his love for Ghana, his care for Ghanaians, and above all, his begging need to maintain the enviable status quo of peacefulness that has become associated with our story:
"..............I accept that what the Court says brings finality to the election dispute. We shall not be asking for a review of the verdict so we can all move on in the interest of our nation. Everything in my bones, in my upbringing and in what I have done with my life thus far makes it imperative that I accept a decision made by the highest court of the land, however much I dislike or disagree with it............. However, for the sake and love of our country, we must embark on a path that builds, rather than destroys, to deal with our disappointment....I appeal to all members and supporters of our party, the NPP in particular, to accept the verdict of the court. Even in our disappointment we can take pride in the way we have conducted ourselves. Even in our disappointment we can take pride that the NPP has again led the way in deepening Ghana’s democracy........... In Ghana’s 56 year history, this is the first time a presidential election petition of this kind has been filed and pursued through the courts. The whole world has watched us in wonder and admiration. Our reaction to this judgment will be watched keenly in Africa and beyond and will set a precedent for generations to follow. It is now up to all of us Ghanaians to....ease the tensions among us, and come together to build our country. There are myriads of problems facing us as a people. This is the time for us all to come together and work to find solutions to the challenges that confront our people.... Today, let us wish our President well and thank the Almighty for His mercies to our nation. The battle continues to be that of the Lord’s.”
My name is Fadi Dabbbousi and #IAmForNana
