Kumasi goes quiet after election verdict

Kumasi, the country’s second largest city and stronghold of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), is quiet and peaceful, after the Supreme Court’s ruling on the legal challenge tothe 2012 presidential poll results.

Many private businesses remained closed, the streets empty and the usual bumper-to-bumper vehicular traffic that clog the roads virtually absent.

The day looked more like an unofficial holiday as  a large section of the population chose to stay in their homes with their families to watch and monitor the court proceedings on television  and radio.

Despite the general calm that has enveloped the metropolis, there is strong police presence to make sure that no nasty incident happened.

Some people, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said they were happy that the uncertainty that convulsed the nation was over.

Ms Akua Domfeh, a trader, said although she was disappointed, she was not bitter and that “life continues”.

Kofi Boa-Amponsem, a mechanic, said it was time for all to put the elections behind them and work together to bring progress.

“The court has spoken and we all have to go with it” distraught-looking Kwabena Gyawu, a second-hand clothes dealer, chipped in.

Surprisingly, Aboabo Number-One, Asawasi, Yelwa and Akwatia-line communities, where the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) draws massive support there were no signs of jubilation.

Gariba Alhassan, a known supporter of the NDC, said the intensive pre-verdict peace campaign had done the trick.

Source: GNA