NPP, NDC don't trust themselves to disband vigilante groups - Allotey Jacobs

Social Commentator and a former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Allotey Jacobs has diagnosed the problem with the ruling New Patriotic Party and opposition NDC to disband vigilante groups in the country.

According to Allotey Jacobs, both political parties have trust issues because none of them believe the other to let go of their vigilante groups.

He told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme that the formation of the vigilante groups came about as a result of the snatching of ballot boxes during elections, something he admitted was fueled by the parties.

He explained that because the parties don't trust each other to guard the ballot boxes among other factors, the vigilante groups became relevant to protect the interest of the parties.

President Nana Akufo-Addo has directed the two main political parties - NPP and NDC - to hold a meeting and find lasting solutions to political vigilantism by disbanding the various groups charged with the responsibility of vigilantism.

Following the President's directive, the NDC has asked for an independent participation of the Peace Council and civil societies to arbitrate the meeting but their plea has not yielded any fruitful results.

Allotey Jacobs, in his submissions on 'Kokrokoo', disagreed with the NDC's appeal for the involvement of other parties saying "we don’t need international observers or international involvement. I disagree with my party".

To him, Ghanaians should take keen interest in the directive by President Akufo-Addo and not just leave it in the hands of the political parties because they play a crucial role if vigilante groups will be dissolved or not.

"Power belongs to the people"; he stated, not believing the parties will come to a consensus and comply with the order by the President.

“There is no trust and sincerity in this discussion to disband vigilante between these two political parties. You ask yourself why? Is it for the desire of power? Power belongs to the people. It doesn’t belong to us as politicians. We’re treading on dangerous ground but cannot see,” he said.