Once again, political vigilantism has been called out. 

“I am against vigilantism in any shape or form,” a member of the Council of State said Monday morning while denouncing the phenomenon which is increasingly gaining ground in Ghanaian political space.

Speaking on the Joy Super Morning Show, Lawyer Sam Okudzeto expressed regret at the violence which marred last Thursday’s election. 

“Vigilantism has no place in politics, no place in society,” he said, adding that this should not be happening at a time “we have a lawyer as president.”

The veteran lawyer’s remarks are predicated on last Thursday’s by-election in Ayawaso West Wuogon which turned violent.  

Just hours into the by-election, some armed men clothed in National Security apparel stormed the La Bawalashie Presby polling station.

 Eyewitnesses said the armed men fired shots and attacked some agents believed to be opposition NDC agents.

According to the report, the shots lasted 20 minutes. Police intervened as the attacks continued. The men, according to eyewitnesses, also stormed the home of NDC candidate, Delali Kwesi Brempong.

Following the violence, the National Chairman of the NDC, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo told Joy FM’s Super Morning Show that the party has withdrawn from the elections for security reasons.

 

Read more: By-election chaos: Minority vows not to recognise elected MP

As a result, the respected statesman is calling for an end to electoral-related violence. Stressing that “we all have one nation and destiny. We are all Ghanaians irrespective of our political party, religion.”

Mr. Okudzeto who is troubled about what these conflicts portend for this nation asserted that without “peace and tranquility, no investors will come to Ghana.”

Unlike others who have earlier condemned the violence and called on the government to act, Mr. Okudzeto is advocating for a citizen-driven solution.

“You need the public to take up these issues,” he said. “People don’t appreciate that they can also be victims.”