Former President Rawlings has in the past spoken against political vigilantismFormer President Jerry John Rawlings has admonished the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress to comply with President Akufo-Addo’s directive to disband their militant groups. These groups have for years unleashed violence on civilians, some of their activities have been deadly, all in the name of vigilantism, serving the interest of their political masters. The bloody clashes at the recently held Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election are said to have been instigated by these groups, some of whom have infiltrated the security services. In respond to calls by Ghanaians to deal with the activities of these groups, President Akufo-Addo said in his State of the Nation Address to Parliament Thursday that, political parties should voluntarily disband these groups. On Monday, for instance, a vigilante group aligned with the opposition NDC shot and killed one person and injured others during a meeting of the party. “If voluntary disbandment by the parties is not feasible, then I will initiate a legislation on the matter,” President Akufo-Addo warned. Read: Akufo-Addo wants NDC, NPP to disband vigilante groups or else… Former President Rawlings is solidly behind the president to disarm these militias. “I do hope the NDC @OfficialNDCGh and the NPP @NPP_GH will heed the call to join forces in combating the scourge of party militias and violent vigilantism,” the former president tweeted. The call on political parties to disband the militant groups would be an uphill task as they enjoy the support of some party bigwigs whose interest these groups serve.
President @NAkufoAddo‘s #SONA2019 was disarming. I do hope the NDC @OfficialNDCGh and the NPP @NPP_GH will heed the call to join forces in combating the scourge of party militias and violent vigilantism.
