Vigilante groups still have potential violent impact on Ghanaian political discourse — Report

A new research report from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) has found that vigilante groups aligned with Ghana's two main political parties-the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress continue to operate, despite legislation banning their activities.

The report, titled "Political Party Youth 'Vigilante' Groups in Ghana: Rebranded, but Business as Usual," analyzed the composition, interactions, and social networks of vigilante groups active across eight of Ghana's regions.

Through surveys and interviews with over 500 vigilantes, community members, and political stakeholders, researchers mapped how these groups have responded since the passage of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act in 2019.

Key findings from the report indicate that while many vigilante groups have rebranded and now pose as "youth bases" and "party security," their structure, leadership, and close ties to political parties remain largely the same.

The report warns that this continued operation of vigilante groups in the political sphere threatens to escalate tensions ahead of Ghana's 2024 national elections.

Community members also voiced concerns about intimidation at polling stations if opposing vigilante groups are monitoring ballot boxes.

The research team is calling on Ghana's government, security forces, and electoral bodies like the National Peace Council to urgently implement the recommendations in the report.

These include strictly enforcing the Vigilantism Act through arrests and prosecutions, ensuring fairness of the electoral process, promoting education campaigns, and transforming vigilante groups into constructive political organizations.