Ghana’s security is at risk – ExLA Group tells government

Following the shooting incidence at the Ashanti Regional Office of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), ExLA Group is pointing out to the government that the nation's security at risk, hence, security institutions must take appropriate measures to disband political vigilante groups.

According to ExLA, the actions of these vigilante groups pose a threat to not only the personal safety of citizens but also the democratic values of the country.

"While there are claims and counterclaims regarding where the suspected arm men may have come from, it is clear that there may be political underpinnings to the shooting incident," a statement from the group reads.

Four members of pro-National Democratic Congress (NDC) vigilante group, the Hawks have been declared wanted by the Ashanti Regional Police Command for their roles in Monday’s shooting that led to the death of one person with another injured.

According to the Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASP Godwin Ahianyo one Warrior, Damos, Mejimah and Abu Taliban, who are members of the NDC Vigilante Group, The Hawks are major suspects adding that the Police is pursuing them in connection with the violence.

Read the full statement below

PRESS RELEASE|| ExLA GROUP

18/02/2019|| ACCRA, GHANA

SHOOTING INCIDENT AT NDC PARTY OFFICE: A SERIOUS SECURITY THREAT — ExLA GROUP

It has come to our notice, a shooting incident that took place at the Ashanti Regional Office of the major opposition party in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), that has led to the death of one person and left another in a critical condition. The incident is said to have taken place on Monday, 18th February, 2019 during a meeting between some National Executives and Regional Executive Committee of the party.

We condemn the act outrightly and wish to express our outrage at the level of impunity with which this incident occurred.

We at ExLA Group believe and have always maintained that the security of this nation is at risk if the security institutions and their agencies as well as the Government, refuse to take proactive measures to forestall and disband Political Vigilante groups and the ease of access of the ordinary Ghanaian to guns and ammunitions in the country. While there are claims and counterclaims regarding where the suspected arm men may have come from, it is clear that there may be political underpinnings to the shooting incident. This is a threat to not only the personal safety of citizens but also a threat to the democratic laurels of the nation.

We are therefore calling on the Police, once again, to carry out a thorough investigation into the matter and keep members of the public updated on the outcome of the investigation while assuring us of their maximum protection. We also want to urge all political leaders to desist from making comments that may incite their followers to perpetrate violence.

We commiserate with the family of the bereaved and also wish the injured victim of the incident, a speedy recovery.

Signed

Daniel Osei Tuffuor

Executive Director

ExLA Group