Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has raised alarm over what he describes as an escalating threat of political vigilantism in Ghana, warning that it now poses a greater danger to national security than violent extremism or terrorism.
In an interview on JoyNews, the Assin South MP cautioned that unchecked political thuggery could erode the country’s democratic foundations.
“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,” Rev. Fordjour asserted.
He warned that if swift action is not taken, electoral outcomes could be dictated by force rather than by the will of the people.
“If we don’t nip it in the bud, a time will come when we will have no democracy. Whoever becomes MP or president will not be decided by the thumbs of citizens, but by whichever political party has the most macho men,” he said.
Violence at Ablekuma North Cited
Rev. Fordjour cited the recent violence during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun as a disturbing example. He alleged that operatives linked to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) were behind the attacks, claiming they targeted a former NPP minister.
“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 said. “To date, not a single arrest.”
He expressed concern about the lack of accountability, despite the Ghana Police Service’s competence, suggesting that political interference may be preventing law enforcement from taking necessary action.
“We have a professional, fair police force who do not know political colour,” he said. “The only challenge is that someone is holding their hands back. If that instruction is removed, even today, they will go and arrest them.”
Calls for Political Will and Accountability
Rev. Fordjour called on political actors to stop interfering in police work and allow justice to take its course.
“We are urging whichever political hand is responsible to stop the interference and allow the police to cause the arrest,” he said.
He recalled how a similar episode of political violence during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election in 2019 was met with bipartisan condemnation and a presidential commission of inquiry. He praised that response as a model for transparency and accountability.
“During our time, when the Ayawaso West Wuogon violence took place, we all condemned it. There was a commission of inquiry to investigate the matter thoroughly,” he said. “That kind of open, national response is what is needed again.”
He stressed that beyond arrests, a holistic approach—including public interrogations of instigators—would serve as a stronger deterrent.
“If culprits are not dealt with, political vigilantism will only become more emboldened. That’s a recipe for disaster,” he warned.
Rev. Fordjour concluded by emphasizing his party’s stance against political violence, asserting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had never condoned such actions and had responded responsibly during its tenure in similar situations.
