Vigilante groups in Ghana increased from 27 to 72 – Bonaa

A security analyst, Dr. Adam Bonaa has disclosed that the number of vigilante groups operating in the country has increased from 27 to about 72.

Dr. Bonaa stated that many of these groups have transitioned from vigilante organizations to registered private security agencies, while others act as escorts for political parties, complicating their identification.

Addressing the second democratic lecture series in  Accra, Dr. Bonaa highlighted that the number of vigilante groups in Ghana has significantly risen.

“We have about 27 vigilante groups such as the Hawks, the Invisible Forces, the Delta Forces, and the Crocodiles that were captured under Section 2 of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019 (Act 999). But now the number has gone up to about 72, and who is taking note of this?” Dr. Bonaa asked.

He also urged the Minister of National Security, Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah, to look into their activities and make sure that the leaders of these groups are arrested and prosecuted as a warning to others.

“The National Security Minister can’t tell me he doesn’t know of this. It is his duty to ensure that when these things come, and on one or two occasions, you investigate, and get some people arrested and prosecuted, it will serve as a deter¬rent,” Mr Bonaa added.

The security analyst again noted that, despite the progress made since the implementation of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act 2019 (Act 999), including the dismissal of the first 27 vigilante groups, recent events in Bawku and the clash between supporters of the two major political parties in Maamobi are concerning.

He also mentioned that the slow prosecution of those involved in vigilantism, such as during the Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-election violence that resulted in eight deaths, has caused the public to lose faith in the country’s justice system, particularly with elections approaching this year.

Mr. Bonaa stressed the importance of dialogue among stakeholders to fight issues related to electoral violence, as well as the need to strengthen law enforcement agencies.

He also warned against deploying the military during the upcoming December 7 elections, emphasizing that their role is defined by the constitution.