After the final ruling of the Supreme Court on Thursday, President John Dramani Mahama, who was affirmed by the nine justices of the Supreme Court as a legally elected president, addressed the nation and urged Ghanaians to put the election behind them and help in the nation building.

Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2012 December elections and one of the petitioners in the just-ended election petition, accepted the verdict and congratulated President Mahama and also urged all in advancing the nation forward.

Contributing to a discussion on ‘Kokrokoo’ and juxtaposing the two speeches; Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jr. said Nana Akufo-Addo’s speech carried more weight than that of President Mahama.

He said Nana Akufo-Addo’s speech proved that he was a ‘real politician’ because he stated his opinion of the ruling, siding with his ‘followers’ and then accepted it just for peace to prevail.

“He encouraged his fellow party supporters; energizing his base and making the various concessions that will bring peace and focus on national development at the same time. It was a classic speech.

Unfortunately, the President’s speech did not carry the same weight. It was not very inspiring. He didn’t energise his base at all. All those who worked at a point in time to bring such a result were not mentioned. Nana Akufo-Addo commended the party, and party loyalists who have worked hard and urged them to continue. I find that as a weakness in the president’s speech."

Before the ruling of the Supreme Court, majority of Ghanaians neglected their work and other duties and decided to stay home for fear of being caught up in any form of confusion. In view of this, Kwesi Pratt says President Mahama should have assured Ghanaians and encouraged them to go back to work. “One would have expected that in such a major speech by the president.

Commenting on the ruling of the Supreme Court, Kwesi Pratt said based on how the justices ruled on the election petition, “there was no option for Nana Addo to go for review”.

Meanwhile, he has advised President Mahama to also put the election petition behind him and ensure that he fulfill the promises he has made to Ghanaians and improve on the economy of the country.