Executive Director, Irbard Security Consult, Mr. Irbard Ibrahim has charged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Asante Appeatu to disband all vigilante and security groups within all political parties.
Speaking in an interview with Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, the security and international security expert indicated that, such groups threatens our national peace, and undermines our democracy.
He further argued that ‘’the activities of such groups may affect the stability of the country. The IGP should disband all these groups no matter the party they are affiliated to. Their existence is unlawful and should not entertained under any circumstance.’’
Mr. Ibrahim urged political parties to rely on the police for their security needs rather than relying on such vigilante groups. He also slammed political party leaders who sponsor these groups.
‘’Some political party leaders hide behind these vigilante groups to commit crimes, engage in lawlessness. We cannot allow that to happen anymore. The IGP must crack the whip on these vigilante groups once and for all. Political parties leaders sponsoring these groups should also be sanctioned,’’ he added.
In 2016, the immediate past IGP, John Kudalor, cautioned political parties against forming vigilante groups ahead of the November polls.
He warned that the police will crack down on all these groups and urged individuals not to join such groups.
Meanwhile, the immediate past Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, Oye Lithur has written to President Akufo-Addo appealing to him to disband all vigilante groups in the country.
She said the peace the country had enjoyed over the years must not be allowed to be eroded by such activities.
The issue she noted must be made a major priority by the government and the various security agencies must be fully involved to arrest the situation.
The letter from the Human Rights Campaigner and Lawyer read: ‘’Mr. President, Minister of Interior, National Security Advisor, please address with urgency, the operation of vigilante groups and the unlawful extra judicial unorthodox methods being used by the Invincible Forces, Delta Force and other vigilante groups to seek justice or address issues in Ghana.
We have read news reports this evening, 24th March, 2017, that the Delta Force, a vigilante group of the NPP, has forced the Ashanti Regional National Security Director out of his office. The forceful removal of a lawfully appointed public official was violent and blood was shed, with Government property being destroyed.
This adds on to the list of forceful seizure and management of state property, that is, the Kintampo Falls tourist facility, seizure of toll booths, seizure of vehicles etc.
These unlawful acts have dire national security implications. For four months and since elections were held in Ghana on 7th December, 2016, there have been numerous reports of extra judicial and unlawful violent acts by these groups.
Ghanaians are peace loving and law abiding. We have been sustained as a nation by respect for the rule of law. We do not want this violence to escalate, neither do we want this situation to degenerate.
I strongly urge our national security agencies to get a grip of this national security issue and solve this security problem. This should be a top priority for Government. Protect our right to security, our right to human dignity and preserve the rule of law in Ghana. Freedom and Justice.’’
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