We ready to ‘eradicate inimical vigilantism’ – NPP, NDC

Finally, the words of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ordering the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disband their vigilante groups or he would apply legislation to disband them himself has fallen on listening ears.

At the start of a dialogue to disband militia groups which was mediated by the Peace Council, the two parties have come to a conclusion to disband their groups associated to their parties.

Chairman of the dialogue, Prof. Asante speaking to the media after the meeting said; “The National Peace Council met with key members of the two main political parties in Ghana, namely the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in response to a call by the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his state of the nation address to eradicate political vigilantism.

“After an open and exhaustive deliberation, the parties agreed that vigilantism is inimical to Ghana’s democratic system and must be eradicated.

“With respect to the immediate focus of the mediation or dialogue, the NDC is of the view that it should be the eradication of ‘political vigilantism in all its ramifications’ while the NPP is of the opinion that the focus should be ‘political party vigilantism in all its ramifications’.

“Significantly though, both parties agree to engage in deliberations aimed at:

1. disbanding vigilante groups operating within political parties or for political purposes

2. prohibiting the ownership, hiring, or utilisation of such groups by the political parties or members thereof

3. cooperating with state agencies and stakeholders in the total eradication of such groups or incidents of vigilantism in the country

“It should be noted that the two parties are also committed to exploring other processes in relation to the elimination of vigilantism”.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the dialogue was led by National Chairman Freddie Worsemao Blay. In attendance was a former General Secretary, Daniel Botwe, who is the current Member of Parliament for Okere Constituency, John Boadu  among others.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), on the other hand saw attendance from the National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo. General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Communications Director Kakra Essamuah, former National Security Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi and legal team member Abraham Amaliba.