Kumasi remains calm
Kumasi, the stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), that has mounted legal challenge of the 2012 presidential poll results is calm with less than 24 hours to the landmark declaration of the court’s verdict.
People are going about their normal routines with the Central Business District, Central Market and Kejetia Terminal bustling with economic activity.
People interviewed by the Ghana News Agency expressed optimism that “whichever way the decision goes” they do not anticipate political violence.
They said conduct of the regional leadership of the two major political parties engaged in the legal tussle, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the NPP, has added weight to the growing optimism about peace.
The NPP and NDC are vigorously engaged in the education of their members to act responsibly and stay away from trouble.
Mr Fredrick Fredua Antoh, Regional Chairman of the NPP, said the party believes in the rule of law and would respect the ruling of the court.
“We abhor violence and would go with the decision of the Justices.”
His NDC counterpart, Mr Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, said the leadership of the party has held meetings with members and supporters to accept the outcome of the election petition in good faith.
He said the nation’s peace and stability should be put ahead of any other interest or consideration.
Ms Akua Asiedua, a trader, said she is confident that Ghanaians would once again demonstrate that the country’s multi-party democracy has come to stay, a view shared by Mr Samuel Kofi Boateng, a mechanic.
The security services appear to be leaving nothing to chance as the police is showing visible presence.
Meanwhile, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi Chirano, Okogyeman Kwaku Gyamerah III, has added his voice to calls for Ghanaians to do everything to protect the peace.
He asked supporters of the political parties not to taunt or cast vile insinuations likely to anger their opponents.
The Chief, who is also a Member of the Council of State, reminded the police and other security agencies to be professional in the performance of their mandate of maintaining law and order.
Source: GNA