Prez Mahama optimistic judgement will be in his favour

The President, Mr John Mahama, has expressed optimism that the judgement by the Supreme Court in the ongoing presidential election petition will be in his favour.

This, he said, was because he did nothing wrong by emerging winner of the 2012 presidential election as declared by the Electoral Commission.

Mr Mahama made the affirmation at Fadama in Accra yesterday when he visited the National Chief Iman, Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu Sharabutu, ahead of the celebration of the Eid-ul-Fitr festival to climax the 30 days of fasting in the month of Ramadan.

He presented food items, comprising rice, sugar and cooking oil to various Muslim organisations, some of which have already been sent to the various regions.

The food items are meant to support needy Muslims to join in the observance of the fast and the celebration of Eid-ul Fitr.

President Mahama said the truth was on the side of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) “because we have not done anything to influence the results of the election”.

He reiterated his resolve to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court, pointing out that "We have no other option than to accept the final Supreme Court verdict.”

“We have to accept the verdict. That is the Supreme Court. The Constitution gives it the power to adjudicate," he added.

Touching on the Hajj, President Mahama said the Saudi Hajj authorities had reduced Ghana's quota from 6,700 to 5,400.

He, therefore, urged prospective Muslim pilgrims to pay their Hajj fares on time since the deadline for the payment would not be extended.

The President commended Muslim leaders for co-existing peacefully with one another and with other religious faiths in the country.

An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Armiyao Shuaib, who spoke on behalf of the National Chief Imam, said Muslims had dedicated the whole of the fasting period praying for peace to prevail in the country after the pronouncement of judgment in the election petition.

He said Muslims would also use the occasion of the Eid-ul Fitr to continue the prayer for continuous peace and development in the country.

Sheikh Armiyao thanked the President for the donation, and said it would go a long way in supporting needy Muslims.

The National Chief Imam presented a framed picture that he took with President Mahama to the President.

By Musah Yahaya Jafaru/Daily Graphic/Ghana