National Security Coordinator COP Osman Abdul Razak has sounded a high alert for Ghana, warning that organised groups of political vigilantes pose a significant threat to the country's electoral processes and national security.
Speaking at the Election Watch Ghana dialogue on vigilantism on Tuesday, August 25, COP Abdul Razak revealed that what initially began as youth mobilisation for political visibility had evolved into structured groups with uniforms, command systems, and in some cases, weapons.
The Evolution of Vigilantism in Ghana
COP Abdul Razak traced the roots of political vigilantism in modern Ghana to the 1950s, when informal party task forces gradually evolved into organised groups involved in election-related violence. He warned that this development poses serious threats to Ghana's democracy, constitutional order, and peaceful transfer of power.
The Vigilantism Act: A Timely Response
COP Abdul Razak praised the passage of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), as a timely response to growing public concern, civil society advocacy, and incidents of violence associated with political vigilantism. He explained that the law was not intended to dissolve party youth groups but to prohibit the creation, organisation, recruitment, training, arming, funding, and support of vigilante groups engaged in political activities.
The Threat to State Authority
COP Abdul Razak cautioned that groups attempting to perform security functions outside the constitutional framework could undermine lawful state authority. He cited activities such as guarding ballot boxes, conducting armed patrols, seizing property, detaining persons, and intimidating communities as examples of conduct that could threaten the authority of the state.
Strengthening Democratic Governance
COP Abdul Razak commended political parties that have increasingly relied on the Ghana Police Service to provide security during their internal elections and primaries. He praised the Inspector-General of Police and personnel of the service for using such assignments to demonstrate professionalism and strengthen public confidence in the security sector.
The National Security Coordinator called for sustained commitment to enforcing Act 999 and strengthening democratic governance anchored in peace, legality, and public confidence. He urged all stakeholders to work together to prevent the resurgence of vigilantism and ensure a peaceful transfer of power in the country's electoral processes.
In a country where the peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of democracy, the threat of vigilantism is a matter of grave concern. COP Abdul Razak's warning serves as a reminder that the fight against vigilantism requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the government, political parties, civil society, and the general public. The consequences of inaction could be dire, undermining public confidence in elections, weakening trust in state institutions, and threatening Ghana's democratic stability.
Source: Joy Online
