NPP defends ‘Lions’ group as NDC raises vigilantism concerns
NPP says the newly formed "Lions" group is for internal party security, while the NDC warns it could undermine Ghana's anti-vigilantism laws and democratic governance.
The formation of the “Lions of NPP,” an internal security group by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region has generated sharp debate between the party and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with both parties taking opposing positions on its legality and implications for Ghana’s democratic governance.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, July 8, Jacob Asomadawine, a member of the NPP Communications Team for the Navrongo Central Constituency, defended the establishment of the group, saying it was created to provide internal security during party activities and help maintain order.
According to him, the “Lions” are intended to complement, not replace, the work of the state security agencies particularly during internal party elections and other organisational events where security personnel may be overstretched.
“This group is formed to support internal activities, provide security assistance and prevent harassment and misconduct during political activities. It is not a vigilante group,” Asomadawine said.
He argued that the group was publicly inaugurated with an identifiable leadership structure, unlike outlawed vigilante groups that operated clandestinely.
He maintained that if law enforcement authorities determine that the group has breached any law, they should take the appropriate legal action.
Asomadawine also accused the NDC of double standards, citing previous incidents of political violence allegedly involving members of the the party.
He said the focus should instead be on improving security at political events rather than revisiting past political confrontations.
However, Mercy Abada, a member of the NDC Communications team for the Navrongo Central Constituency strongly criticised the formation of the group, describing it as a political vigilante organisation that contravenes the spirit of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).
She argued that the responsibility for providing security rests solely with the state security agencies, warning that political parties establishing their own security structures could undermine democratic governance and pose a threat to national peace and stability.
“We cannot allow political parties to create private armies to protect their interests. If there are security concerns, they should seek assistance from the Ghana Police Service,” Abada stated.
She further referenced the activities of former political vigilante groups, including Delta Force and Invisible Forces, noting that those experiences informed the decision by political parties to endorse legislation outlawing vigilantism.
Abada called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the formation of the “Lions,” establish whether the group is operating within the confines of the law and take appropriate action if any legal violations are identified.
The debate follows the recent inauguration of the “Lions of NPP” by the party in the Upper East Region, a development that has reignited public discussion over political party security arrangements and the enforcement of Ghana’s anti-vigilantism laws.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | Elizabeth Apusaama
