IGP 'begs' political parties to disband vigilante groups

The Inspector General of Police, David Asante-Appeatu, has appealed to political parties in the country to disband vigilante groups. He indicated that activities of these vigilante groups pose serious threats to Ghana’s democracy. Addressing the media in Accra on Thursday, February 14, the IGP  said the police are going out in full force to clamp down on activities of these groups. He noted that the police have the full support of the President to deal with these groups; hence they will not fail in ensuring that these groups are wiped out. Over the past few years, activities of vigilante groups have become rampant in the country, with these groups destroying state property, attacking individuals and leaving many injured in most cases. There have been calls from security analysts and well-meaning Ghanaians for the police and other security services to put an end to this menace. Despite these calls, the country is still battling with political vigilantism. The IGP said the issue cannot be dealt with by the police alone since most of these groups are formed along political lines. “The truth is that if we prescribe a security solution to a politically motivated problem, you may only be reducing the pain but not curing the disease,” he said. David Asante-Apeatu therefore charged political parties to disband their vigilante groups and also rule out any intention to form new ones. “We want to appeal to all political parties to immediately denounce their vigilante groups to create the necessary awareness that will embolden the police.” The IGP expressed worry over the politicization of criminality in the country, stating that it only works against the vulnerable in the country. He stated that the police is declaring zero tolerance to political violence and vigilantism. By Irene Amesimeku| 3news.com Ghana    ]]>