COP Abdul Razak Osman, the National Security Coordinator, has slammed the politicisation of Ghana's Vigilantism Act (Act 999), calling for proactive and non-partisan enforcement to combat political violence.
Politicisation of Anti-Vigilantism Law Undermines Enforcement
In a statement, COP Osman urged security agencies to rise above political pandering and enforce the law without bias. He noted that the politicisation of the Vigilantism Act undermines its effectiveness in preventing and punishing offences. Mr. David Asante-Apeatu, a former Inspector-General of Police, had earlier urged Ghanaians to unite against vigilantism.
Vigilantism: A Dark Tradition of Law Enforcement
Vigilantism has been a long-standing issue in Ghana, with the law often seen as not going far enough in preventing and punishing offences. As scholar Regina Bateson noted in her 2021 article, "The Politics of Vigilantism," vigilantism suggests that the law does not go far enough in preventing and punishing offences. Vigilantes act to extend the reach of the law, or to fill the gaps left by the state.
Call for Government Action
Amnesty International South Africa has urged the government to take action against rising anti-migrant vigilantism. The organisation cited a rise in unlawful, violent actions against migrants and businesses. Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed warned that vigilante groups must be stopped from targeting migrants and businesses.
Implications for Ghana's Security
The politicisation of the Vigilantism Act has serious implications for Ghana's security. If the law is not enforced impartially, it could lead to further instability and violence. As COP Osman noted, the security agencies must rise above political pandering and enforce the law without bias.
Next Steps
The government must take concrete steps to address the politicisation of the Vigilantism Act. This includes providing training to security personnel on impartial enforcement and increasing public awareness about the dangers of vigilantism. Only then can Ghana hope to combat political violence and ensure that the law is upheld impartially.
Source: 3News
