BNI allegedly detains two over launch of NPP's Lions Security group in Bolgatanga

Two prominent members of the recently launched Lions of NPP security volunteer group in the Upper East Region have been detained by the Bureau of National Investigations (NBI) following the inauguration of the 42-member team in Bolgatanga.

Adure Anthony, leader of the Lions of NPP, and Dr. Ajene Abongo Mashood, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Russia Branch Chairman, both officially announced the creation of the security group during its launch on Wednesday. The BNI reported that the two were ‘invited’ on Tuesday, but it is yet to give a reason for their arrest.

The development occurred after the launch of the private security volunteer group, Lions of NPP and the subsequent criticism of it as a political vigilante group by some quarters.

At the group's launch, Adure Anthony, leader of the Lions of NPP, stated that the group was formed to assist with security in the region, especially during the party’s events, such as elections.

“The security situation in our communities necessitates that political parties have volunteer groups to complement the efforts of the Ghanaian Police in maintaining security during political events,’ Anthony said.

According to the NPP Russia Branch Chairman, Dr. Ajene Abongo Mashood, the criticisms leveled against the formation of the security group were simply attempts to portray the NPP as a political party that promotes violence.

"It is important to note that the formation of the Lions of NPP as a volunteer group to complement the security agencies is to ensure internal peace within the party during our political activities and not to create divisions and mistrust among Ghanaians," said Ajene Abongo. He confirmed that members of the group had been advised to ‘always conform to the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999)’ and that they would not intimidate, threaten, or use violence to achieve the party’s goals.

The formation of the volunteer group sparked widespread condemnation, including questions about the legality of having political security details since Ghana’s government has banned ‘political vigilante groups’ under Act 999. On the other hand, supporters of the NPP claimed the accusations against the party were misplaced because the volunteers in the 42-man security team would provide assistance and not serve as a militia to promote violence.

As of the time of this report, the BNI had not released any information about why the two men were asked to appear before it, and the NPP has not responded to queries.