The Coalition of Domestic Elections Observers (CODEO) has called for the immediate disbandment of politically aligned vigilante groups in the country.
Describing the actions of vigilante groups as an immortal danger to Ghana’s Democracy, CODEO urged the political parties to join forces with the police to disband these groups..
The call was among key recommendations raised as part of the election monitoring group’s observation during the 2016 general elections.
“The existence of political vigilante groups is illegal and the Ghana Police Service should ban and disband these groups immediately as a matter of national security.
“The leadership of the NPP and the NDC who are largely responsible for the emergence of these groups in the 4th Republic should own up to their responsibilities and work together with the police to disband all politically affiliated vigilante groups.
“In the medium to long term, there should be a concerted effort amongst key election stakeholders to make the Inspector General of Police independent by insulating him/her from political interference by securing his/her tenure across regimes and ensuring such appointments are transparent and consultative,” a communique issued on the assessment of the 2016 presidential and general elections.
The emergence of politically aligned vigilante groups have become issue of national discussion following the activities of the Invisible Forces and the Delta Forces which are aligned to the NPP.
Several calls have been made for the government to disband the groups which have been considered threats on the country’s security.
Source: Ghana | Adomonline.com | KWAKU NTI | nanakwakunti@gmail.com @NanaKwakuNti