The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) says attempts to get the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to meet and find ways to end political party vigilantism is good for the country’s democracy.
Whilst calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians to rally behind the efforts of State Institutions and Civil Society Organisations to finding a lasting solution to this matter, the NCCE said it is ready to help in the disbandment process.
President Akufo-Addo indicated that he had instructed the leadership of the governing NPP to extend an invitation to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to discuss how to disband their respective vigilante groups.
In a statement, the NCCE, however, asked the political parties to rise above their parochial interest and work together for the good of the country.
“The Commission therefore calls on politicians and political parties to act in good faith in seeking national interest above partisan interest. The NCCE, with support of Ghanaians is committed to playing a pivotal role in stamping out political violence and nurturing governance on the tenets of democracy for the collective benefit of Ghanaians and nation building. In this regard, the Commission after multiple stakeholder engagements is poised to facilitate a process of dialogue among the parties and relevant stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the menace of political violence and associated party militia activity”.
The Commission reiterates the need for political parties and all Ghanaians to uphold the rule of law, respect the rights of all citizens and work towards safeguarding the peace, security and stability of Ghana’s Constitutional democracy.
Stop party vigilantism or I’ll do so with legislation – Nana Addo to NDC, NPP
Akufo-Addo has said the phenomenon of political vigilantism has the potential of destabilizing the country and reversing the democratic gains the country has made over the years.
Citing the recent violence that marred the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency due to activities of supposed politically-aligned vigilante groups, President Akufo-Addo promised to use legislation to stop the phenomenon of political vigilantism if the two parties fail to stop it voluntarily.
“I have asked the leadership of the NPP to extend an invitation to the leadership of the NDC for such a meeting. The security services of the country will be on standby to assist this meeting… If voluntary disbandment by the parties is not feasible, then I will initiate legislation on the matter. Vigorous debate and the exchange of ideas should be the true basis of political dialogue and competition in our country, not the activities of party vigilante groups.”
Political Vigilantism
The phenomenon of vigilantism has become a topical issue in the country following a surge in acts of physical attacks and assaults carried out by members of vigilante groups aligned to Ghana’s major political parties, NDC and NPP.
Some of these attacks have resulted in death and injuries on victims including innocent citizens.
Recently, the presence of some masked and armed men at a polling station during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election sparked conversations on the matter.
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By: Nii Larte Lartey | citinewsroom.com |Ghana |[email protected]
