Upper East NDC Youth calls for probe into alleged formation of NPP-linked 'The Lions' group

The Upper East Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to investigate reports of the formation of a group known as "The Lions," which is alleged to be affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the region.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the youth wing said the reported formation of the group raises concerns under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), which prohibits the establishment, financing, promotion, operation or participation in political vigilante groups.

According to the statement, Ghana must remain committed to eliminating political vigilantism and preventing any development that could undermine the country's peace, security and democratic stability.

The NDC youth wing noted that in 2019, political parties signed the Vigilantism and Political Party-Related Violence Pact under the auspices of the National Peace Council, committing themselves to disband vigilante groups and promote peaceful political engagement.

It added that Parliament subsequently enacted Act 999 to reinforce those commitments and provide a legal framework for tackling political vigilantism.

The group is therefore urging the security agencies to undertake what it described as a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the reported activities of "The Lions."

It maintained that if investigations establish that the group's structure, objectives or activities contravene Act 999 or any other law of Ghana, the authorities should take the necessary legal action against those responsible, irrespective of their political affiliation.

“The laws of Ghana must be enforced fairly, consistently, and without exception. No individual, political party, or group should enjoy immunity where the rule of law is concerned,” the statement said.

The youth wing also called on the leadership of the New Patriotic Party to publicly clarify the status, purpose and activities of the reported group and reaffirm its commitment to the Vigilantism Pact and the country's laws.

It stressed that political parties have a duty to safeguard Ghana's peace by discouraging the formation of groups capable of creating fear, insecurity or political tension.

The statement, signed by the NDC's Deputy Upper East Regional Youth Organiser, Samson Samari, reaffirmed the youth wing's commitment to defending democratic governance and speaking out against any development it believes could threaten the country's peace and security.