The dialogue by the National Peace Council on ending political vigilantism is expected to resume today [Thursday, November 21, 2019] at Peduase.
Today’s expanded dialogue will focus on examining the draft roadmap and code of conduct prepared by the Technical Committee as part of steps to tackle the menace.
It will also bring together stakeholders such as the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Ghana Police Service, Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center among others.
The dialogue was instituted by the National Peace Council following the events that unfolded at the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency by-election.
Though there were initial disagreements between the NDC and the NPP, both parties say they’re committed to ending political vigilantism.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has given his assent to the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019, which bans acts of vigilantism in the country.
The Act also disbands vigilante groups, including political party vigilante groups and land guards.
According to President Akufo-Addo, “a person who directly or indirectly instigates or solicits the activity of a vigilante, facilitates or encourages vigilantism, or conceals a vigilante to avoid lawful arrest, commits an offence, and is liable, on conviction, to a term of imprisonment of not less than ten (10) years and not more than fifteen (15) years.”
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had warned of imminent political disturbances in the 2020 general elections if existing laws are not enforced to deal with vigilantism and other related crimes.
He has therefore admonished national leaders to boldly speak against issues that could destroy the peace and stability of the country.
Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews
