Former Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, discussed the rise of political party vigilante groups at the VOTE DEMOCRACY Dialogue, organized by Care for Free and Fair Elections Ghana (CARE Ghana). Ofosu Ampofo attributed this trend to a deep mistrust in the state security apparatus, leading political parties to form their own security groups for protection.
He explained that party security is distinct from vigilante groups, as it is specifically tasked with safeguarding party property during events. According to Ofosu Ampofo, party security members undergo thorough training and background checks by experienced personnel and are often given uniforms to easily identify them.
Highlighting the lack of trust in institutions such as the police and the Electoral Commission (EC), he pointed to a recent survey showing a significant decline in public confidence in these bodies. He argued that if these institutions cannot ensure fair and transparent processes, political parties may feel compelled to handle security themselves.
The former chairman also called for increased transparency in the EC’s election processes, raising concerns over inconsistencies in the nomination and selection of returning officers, which he believes favors certain political groups. He challenged the media to investigate the nomination process, asserting that it would reveal significant flaws in the system.
Additionally, Ofosu Ampofo urged that while smaller parties should be encouraged, larger parties should be given a stronger voice in decision-making processes, given their size and influence in Ghana’s democratic landscape.
