The die is cast, the ground rules set and the epic election petition about to commence after many false starts and apprehensions.
With the attention of Ghanaians and the rest of the world transfixed on how the Supreme Court discharges this onerous responsibility, there can be no messing around with what by all standards is the most profound cause célèbre in the country’s legal history.
So far, we have no cause to doubt the readiness of the Supreme Court to address the challenge placed on their bosom, even if the Kenyan case received an expedited adjudication and, therefore, provided cause for widespread concern among a broad spectrum of Ghanaians.
There are varying chasms between our circumstances and those of the East African country and this we must consider when making informed analysis. We have taken note of the myriad instances of frivolities and the alacrity with which they were dismissed by the Supreme Court, something which deserves plaudits from all Ghanaians.
The Supreme Court and, for that matter, the judiciary has never preoccupied the attention of Ghanaians than now. It is one institution whose strength defines the extent of democracy, the principle of separation of powers and generally the health of governance in a given country.
The attention on them as they lace their boots for the landmark electoral petition adjudication is justifiable, given the seriousness of the petition.
In some dispensations, the outcome of disagreements over election results has been sanguinary. Ours is a different ballgame; we have an election dispute resolution mechanism in the name of the Supreme Court and level-headed opposition politicians who believe in the rule of law.
The judges need our prayers and support as they embark on this critical project in our political history, the outcome of which would shape the future of our democracy and economic prosperity. Whether we would be able to attract investments into the country, the future of our fledgling oil industry et al will all depend on the ability of the judiciary to adjudicate impartially in major disputes such as the petition under review.
People in the streets, who would ordinarily not be bothered about the work of the Supreme Court, have so far continued to show adequate interest in the work of this highest echelon of the judiciary against the backdrop of the case under review.
Let politicians counsel their supporters to continue comporting themselves as the wheels of justice grind by avoiding unnecessary remarks which have the tendency to impair the work of the judges.
May the Almighty God see us through this momentous period as the judges listen to the germane personalities and read the evidence before them so that at the end of it all, the truth and nothing but the truth will prevail for the good of the country.