The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, has raised alarm over the growing menace of political vigilantism, describing it as a greater threat to Ghana’s national security than violent extremism.
In an interview on JoyNews, the Assin South MP emphasized that party-affiliated thugs are undermining the country’s democracy, posing a direct challenge to the rule of law and the legitimacy of electoral outcomes.
“Today, as ranking member on defence and interior, I can tell you authoritatively that the threat of political vigilantism is way higher than the threat of violent extremism and terrorism in this country,” he stated.
Rev. Fordjour warned that if left unchecked, vigilantism could render Ghana’s elections meaningless.
“A time will come we will have no democracy because whoever becomes MP, whoever becomes president, will not be by the determination of the thumbs of our citizens… but by whichever political party has the most macho men.”
Citing the Ablekuma North Rerun Violence
The MP pointed to recent violence during the Ablekuma North constituency rerun, alleging the involvement of thugs linked to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“NPP boys will never attack their former minister. They are known NDC people. Their pictures are out there and their videos are out there,” he asserted, lamenting that no arrests had been made.
He said the Ghana Police Service remains competent and professional but is being politically restrained.
“The only challenge is that somebody is holding their hands back… We have a professional, fair police force who do not know political colour.”
Call for Independent Policing
Rev. Fordjour urged political actors to remove their influence over the police, allowing them to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of election-related violence without fear or favor.
“We are urging whichever that political hand is to stop the interference and allow the police to cause the arrest.”
Drawing Parallels with Ayawaso West Wuogon
He recalled how the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence under the NPP was met with swift condemnation and the establishment of a presidential commission of inquiry.
“What is bigger in holding people accountable than a commission of inquiry? That brought every actor to the table. If we had tolerated violence, that wouldn’t have happened.”
He emphasized that the commission’s work helped expose hidden dimensions of the violence and served as a deterrent to others.
Final Warning
Rev. Fordjour closed with a stern warning:
“If the culprits are not dealt with, you are going to find a political vigilantism emboldened. It’s going to be a recipe for disaster.”
The MP’s remarks come at a time when Ghanaians are increasingly concerned about the growing influence of political thugs, especially as the 2024 general elections approach.
