Doing it properly

NINE months after a presidential poll, campaign signs still festoon Ghana’s countryside. Now that the supreme court has endorsed the result, they may finally come down. On August 29th the court rejected an appeal by the losing candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, confirming John Mahama as president. The legal battle charted new ground for African democracy. With more than two decades of fair government under its belt, Ghana is regarded as a model for the continent. It has seen six peaceful elections in a row since its transition to civilian rule in 1992. The presidency has twice changed hands without violence. Nonetheless, Mr Akufo-Addo’s camp cried foul, asking the court to annul 40% of the 11m votes cast.