NO VIGILANTISM IN 2020 ELECTIONS

Vigilantism is any law enforcement undertaken without legal authority by a self-appointed group of people. This is not a new feature in Ghana politics as research shows that, it has its roots in the country`s independence movement from British rule where The CPP and NLM had vigilante groups.

THE TWO MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES IN GHANA

Vigilante groups like the Azorka boys, Aluta boys, 66 bench and the hawks work for the NDC and then invincible forces, Bolga bulldogs, Action troopers and Delta forces work for the NPP .This has grown to become a major problem in recent times in our political circle. They have disrupted and caused violence during by-elections in areas like, Atiwa, Akwatia, Chereponi, Talensi, Amenfi West and recently in Ayawaso West Wuogon .

INVINCIBLE FORCES in action at Ayawaso West Wuogon

They have chased government officials from offices forcefully, seized properties and broken into police custody to free their members.To prevent vigilantism in the upcoming general elections in December 2020, the following and measures can help.

1. All political parties must support the Vigilantism and Related Offences Bill which was passed in 2019. This law sends a strong signal to the youth, “macho men” and politicians who fund these groups. Politicians should educate their followers when they mount political platforms that vigilantism is unlawful so they should not allow political parties to use them for such acts.

2. Political interference in law enforcement must stop since it leads to mistrust of the security apparatus especially when in opposition. The police and other security agencies should have nothing to do with politics and must always sit on the fence so that they can perform duties diligently.

3. The Ghana Police service must be independent, well-resourced and prevented from partisan politics. This will give them authority to arrest and prosecute vigilantes.

4. Unemployment and poverty among large number of the youth is a major cause of vigilantism. Because they have no work to do they follow politicians who mislead them. Jobs should be provided by government in order to keep the youth busy since the devil finds work for the ideal hands to do.

5. The 1992 constitution should be amended to make the position of IGP competitive rather than appointed by the president. When presidents appoint the IGPs it is easy for them to control and manipulate them which renders them incapable of delivering.

6.Lastly, All Ghanaians must add their voice and protest against vigilantism to send a strong warning and signal to the government since Political vigilantism only bring about both physical and psychological violence to the people of Ghana.

The IGP James Oppong Boanuh has sent a strong warning to all vigilantes, political parties and trouble makers who seek to perpetrate violence in the upcoming December 2020 elections. Let There Be Peace In 2020.