NDC, NPP agrees to seek help to disband vigilante groups

The two major political parties namely the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have all agreed to have other stakeholders involved in the political vigilantism.

The representatives shall include representatives of Civil Society Organisations, Security Agencies and religious bodies.

The Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Samuel Ampofo had earlier called for broader stakeholder consultation in the disbandment of party militia but that plead was called off.

However in a communiqué issued after Monday’s meeting, said the immediate scope of the dialogue was agreed by the representatives of the NPP and the NDC.

“After an open and exhaustive deliberation, the parties agreed on the immediate scope of the dialogue. In this regard, the parties agreed to commence a discussion on the elimination of vigilantism with other stakeholders and experts. These stakeholders shall include representatives of Civil Society Organisations, Security Agencies and religious bodies.” part of the statement reads.

Meanwhile consideration of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Bill currently before Parliament has been delayed to allow for more consultations.

According to the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Osei Mensah Kyei Bonsu, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament informed him that “further consultation is required” before the Bill could be passed.

The Majority Leader indicated that the delay is also necessary to enable the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee receive recommendations from the anti-vigilantism dialogue between the governing New Patriotic Party and the opposition National Democratic Congress and being mediated by the National Peace Council.

“…As honourable members may recall, the House was informed of a possible recall from recess to consider amongst others, the Vigilantism and Related Offences Bill, 2019. However, indications from the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs reveals that further consultation is required, including the Professor Emmanuel Asante Committee Report on the Bill. In the circumstances, consideration of the Bill at this Emergency Meeting may not be done,” Osei Mensah Kyei Bonsu told Parliamentarians on Monday.