Call On Political Parties To Disband Vigilante Groups By President Akufo- Addo

NEWS COMMENTARY ON PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO’S CALL ON POLITICAL PARTIES TO DISBAND ALL POLITICAL MILITANT GROUPS OR FACE LEGISLATION.

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for the immediate banning of all political militant groups in the country. In his State of the Nation Address, in Parliament, he expressed dissatisfaction with the rampant unleashing violence by these groups, especially for political expediency. His pronouncement has brought some level of relief to the peace-loving people of this country. Political militancy popularly referred to as ‘vigilantism’ in Ghana has put so much fear in people and has, to some extent, tinted the enviable image of the country.

The President has not only shown great leadership by directing the two major political parties in the country to find possible means of finding a lasting solution to the menace, but has also with this, positioned himself as the man of the heart of many Ghanaians. He told the entire nation most of whom are in genuine fear to come together, shoulder to shoulder, and be guided by the inspirational words of (the second stanza of) the national anthem.

From ‘all die be die’ to ‘boot for boot’, we are now happy as a country to completely do away with this dangerous societal cancer. He was quick to add that if voluntary disbandment by the political parties is not feasible, then he will initiate a 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. The issue with this matter in relation to the President’s intention to initiate a legislation to halt the menace if need be, makes one wonder about the usefulness of the many laws in the country as well as the many security institutions.

We then remind ourselves with the popular statement that “Ghana needs strong institutions and not strongmen. With this show of statesmanship as well as institution of the commission of enquiry into the recent violence at the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency by-election, President Akufo Addo has demonstrated his desire to bring to a complete halt what has been acceptable to some politicians but dangerous for citizens. “We must not take our peace and security for granted. Our children and the future generation will not forgive us if we compromise our peace and stability.” It is there understandable and refreshing to hear the President say that he will not permit that to happen under his watch.

As we continue to grow as a nation and especially, as a democratic society, there is an urgent need to eschew all forms of negativity that has the potential of marring the reputation of the country. In deed “what was tolerated over the years cannot and must not be accepted anymore. The President has spoken frankly and expressed his heart’s desire while showing the way forward. He has suggested vigorous debate and the exchange of ideas between the topmost political parties in the country. The entire nation is waiting to hear in the next few weeks or months that the NDC and the NPP have come together with clear conscience and without prejudice to help find a lasting solution to this canker.

BY NANA SIFA TWUM, MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT, UK.