A former President of the Ghana Bar Association, Mr. Sam Okudzeto has admonished parties in the election petition to begin to prepare their minds to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court.

According to him, the court is the final arbiter in all disputes involving citizens and, therefore, the need for both the petitioners and the respondents to respect its judgment to be delivered latest by August 15, 2013.

"We need to respect them (Courts) because they are the final arbiter; if we don't like them, then let's go back to the jungle...if you are holding office and the law says you should not be there...just respect the law," he stated.

The legal luminary made the admonition in Accra on Friday July 19,2013, while delivering an address at the "National Summit" on the theme: "Justice, Peace and Reforms will strengthen Ghana".

The forum is intended to sensitise the nation on the need to live in peace after the judgment is delivered.

The Supreme Court has scheduled July 30 for counsel for the petitioners and the respondents to file their addresses after hearing ended Wednesday, July 15. Judgment is expected to be delivered within 15 days afterwards.

Mr. Okudzeto said that Ghana chose to be the light on the continent of Africa by leading the struggle for freedom and it must bear that responsibility with dignity.

"I have seen many flaws in our constitution but the law is the law...it must be applied the way it is. It is our responsibility to correct the flaws in the law".

He said Ghanaians have a duty to commit to live in peace, even after the determination of the case challenging the declaration of John Mahama as winner of the 2012 elections.

He commended the Chief Justice for allowing a live telecast of the court's sittings.

He also praised the panel of judges hearing the case, for ensuring that no individual disrespected the court's orders.

Mr. Okudzeto recounted situations where statutory procedures were bypassed by the law makers in the process of making laws for the nation.

He urged the security services, particularly the Police Service, to remain neutral in the discharge of their duties to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere as the nation awaits the ruling of the Supreme Court.