Disband all vigilante groups now – Police ordered

The Minister for the Interior, Prosper Douglas Bani, has ordered the Ghana Police Service to immediately disband all security and vigilante groups within political parties in the country ahead of the November polls.

He argues that the activities of such groups may affect the stability of the country.

Speaking at the national Police command conference in Accra, Mr Bani urged political parties to rely on the police for their security needs rather than relying on such vigilante groups.

“Of the greatest importance is the need to keep an eye on all the activities of all the so-called private security forces that are being linked to political parties. You must ensure the immediate disbanding of each and every one of them,” he said.

Mr. Bani observed that some political parties hide behind such groups to commit atrocious crimes in the country charging the Police not to give them such chances.

“Political parties and their leaders are expected to rely on the only legitimate and approved security organization in the country to provide security at all times and this organization is the Ghana Police service. I am informed that the Police in recent times in consultation with the political parties have completed training of personnel to provide protection to the presidential and the running mates of the political parties. I understand also that special arrangements are being made for the two female presidential candidates as well. We cannot afford to leave the safety and security of this country and its people in the hands of faceless individuals and groups who in the end might become the very weapons used to derail what has been so gloriously achieved,” he added.

IGP warns vigilante groups
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor, had earlier cautioned political parties against forming vigilante groups ahead of the November polls.

According to him, the Police will act professionally before, during and after the November general elections.

“Our personnel have been warned of the possible negative implication of taking a partisan position in the discharge of their duties” hence will not hesitate to take action against violent groups belonging to the political parties because professionalism is our watchword.”

“As a result, I will entreat you to avoid joining or making use of vigilante groups since these groups are illegal and alien to our laws,” he added.

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By: Godwin  A. Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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