The Ghana Police Service has sent the strongest indication yet that it would prosecute political vigilante groups such as the Azorka Boys, Bamba Boys, Invincible Forces and Bolga Bull Dogs.

The police said they would also prosecute the leadership of such groups that have gained notoriety for engaging in acts of lawlessness during political activities.

The police in a statement issued on Wednesday served notice that a Special Investigation Task Force has been established to investigate the membership of “such illegal groups and their leadership”.

“The Police recognizes the constitutional rights of individuals to form and belong to associations, as provided in Article 21 (1) of the 1992 Constitution.  However, we want to emphasize that it is unlawful for political parties, groups, organizations or individuals to encourage the formation of vigilante groups and other associations that assume the character of a security organization, unless that person, group or organization has been granted a licence for that purpose under Police Service (Private Security Organisation) Regulation, 1992 (LI 1571).”

Some pockets of violent acts were recorded during Tuesday’s by-election in Talensi, in the Upper East Region which nearly marred the otherwise peaceful election. Political actors from both the governing National Democratic Congress and opposition New Patriotic Party claimed they were attacked by the opposing side.

The police said investigations into the violent conducts are “advanced” and, “On completion of the investigations, we shall forward all the dockets to the Attorney General’s Office for requisite action.”

It added, “The Police wishes to state that it takes a serious exception to activities of political vigilante, and wishes to condemn them in no uncertain terms. “

The police reemphasised that prior to the by-election, they mounted snap checks at strategic locations within the constituency and all highways leading to the constituency. 

“Generally, these policing strategies and measures worked perfectly with isolated incidents of violence which we condemn in no uncertain terms.  Indeed, at various snap checks points, a number of offensive weapons including cudgels, cutlasses, daggers, guns and ammunition were seized from a number of individuals.”

 The statement said persons in possession of these weapons have been identified for further investigations.