NPP concludes talks with militia to halt vigilantism

A delegation of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has concluded talks with its militia groups in northern Ghana to halt political vigilantism.

The National Organiser of the NPP, Sammy Awuku, led the team of national and regional organisers and their deputies.

The tour follows the shooting incidence that occured during the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency by-election as government continues to reel under heavy public condemnation.

Speaking at the press conference to wrap up the tour, Mr Awuku explained that he was acting upon instructions from the party’s national chairman, Freddy Blay, and the president “to also engage our party folks, the vibrant youth, many youth groups and opinion leaders spread across the five regions up north as part of the NPP’s genuine commitment to discourage activities of political party vigilantes.

“The mission of the regional engagements is to help bring down the “tension” and “pressure” in the country caused by the continued media spotlight on issues of political party vigilantism ahead of the 2020 elections, activities of the political vigilantes are “unfortunate situations”, there must be unconditional efforts from stakeholders, particularly the NDC, to nib the growing national threat of vigilantism in the bud.

 “NPP hasn’t played ostrich about the issue of political vigilantism, the party has had some of its groups engaged in politically motivated violence, we in the NPP will do our part, that’s why we’ve been in the north over the past six days engaging various groups.

“We had the opportunity of engaging members and the leadership of the Kandahar, Rock and the leadership of the Invincible Forces, we did same in the Upper East and Upper West, our men also see reason with the president and see reason with the NPP leadership. Resolved not to be aggressive, cooperate with party leadership, we can eliminate politically affiliated violence during by-elections and general elections,” Mr Awuku stressed.

 Touching on a call by the Minority for the president to resign over a documentary exposing the alleged activities of a militia group at the Osu Castle, he insisted that the video was overhyped and denied its claims.

“Again, let me use this opportunity to respond to the NDC’s Minority press conference calling on the president to resign over the video of my good friend and brother, Manasseh Azure Awuni, first of all, it’s unfortunate the call from the minority, because for us as a party, the NPP, hadn’t called for any group called the De-Eye however, we thank the investigative journalist for his efforts,” Mr Awuku noted.

–starrfmonline.com