Vigilantism Bill: Akufo-Addo contradicting himself - Wa Central MP

The Member of Parliament for Wa Central, Hon. Rashid Pelpuo has wondered why President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will contradict his own words in dealing with vigilantism in the country.

He opined that the President had indicated he would only bring in legislation after the two main political parties: National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) fail to chart a path in ending the canker and so "what has prompted him to violate his own idea?"

The Wa Central MP was speaking to the political vigilantism bill that was laid in Parliament by the Attorney General, Gloria Afua Akuffo.

The AG is asking parliament to under a certificate of urgency, approve the “vigilantism and related offences bill 2019”. The bill when approved will be used to end acts of violence perpetuated under the guise of vigilantism.

However, the NDC has questioned the urgency attached to the bill. They claim this action by government will affect discussion between the two parties which started last week.

Rashid Pelpuo who was speaking on TV3's The Key Point Programme, Saturday said "the bill has come as a big surprise…The President gave a condition that if the political parties fail to address the issue, then he was going to legislate on it…he got them to start talking and then he is legislating…what has prompted him to violate his own idea…it’s confusing..."

"The president is too much in a hurry, why the certificate for urgency…we all think vigilantism is unacceptable and that something should be done…but to violate this cordiality...he still has a lot to do" he added

However, the Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Osei Bonsu Amoah (O.B Amoah) disagreed; insisting that the President "is moving in a positive direction"

According to him, the President took such a step for the two main political parties to see that the issue of vigilantism needs urgent attention.