Disbanding vigilantism: What problem would inclusion of clergy, CSOs, others cause - Gen. Mosquito quizzes

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been accused by the General Secretary of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, of dragging his feet in ensuring that the roadmap towards disbanding vigilantism.

The NDC General Secretary expressed surprised at President Akufo-Addo’s adamant stance against tackling political vigilantism which mar peaceful elections in the country.

Speaking on Okay FM’s Ade Akye Abia Morning Show, General Mosquito as the NDC General Secretary is affectionately called, said, "we were expecting the President to thank us for the proposition we have brought on board, but he being the President who claims to be committed in ensuring the disbandment of the vigilante groups, is being difficult and dragging his feet in bringing finality to the problem. You don’t know the reason why he will write a letter back to us insisting the two parties sit down on the matter and not include other stakeholders."

The NDC Chief Scribe further bemoaned the decision by the President to kick against the NDC's call for the inclusion of stakeholders like the clergy, Paramount Chiefs, Peace Council and Security Expert from Kofi Anan Peacekeeping Training Centre.

“The suggestion we made to include all these people, what is the problem with the President involving others from Peace Council and Kofi Anan Peacekeeping Training Centre in the course of disbanding vigilantism? What does the President finds it a challenge in the suggestion made by us? Or the inclusion of the clergymen and the chiefs, what problem will there be for the President?” he quizzed.

To him, the posture of the president regarding the inclusion of these stakeholders in the discussion on vigilantism is indicative that “anybody who does not want these people who can help promote peace in election to be part of the roadmap to disbanding vigilantism is rather the stumbling block”.

“The President is acting as the stumbling block to disbanding vigilantism and installing peace”, he accused.