Be proactive in dealing with vigilantism – Catholic Bishops to Nana Addo

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has charged the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to be proactive in arresting vigilantism.

It said the fight against land guards, political vigilante groups and nomadic herdsmen is long over due.

In a communiqué issued by the Ghana Catholic Bishops said after their annual Plenary Assembly in Ho, Volta region, it challenged government to walk the walk in curbing the menace.

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference advised Ghanaians to respect due process which is a basic tenet of democratic dispensation.

It further condemned mob justice urging Ghanaians to imbibe in them patient when they are arrest suspected thieves.

“We cannot ignore the fact that land guards, political vigilante groups and nomadic herdsmen have unleashed violence on Ghanaians for a very long time. These groups are employed by Ghanaians to protect their property but often terrorize fellow Ghanaians who have variant interests in the same property.

“Vigilante groups are creations of some politicians who use them for their political gain. While we commend Government for calling on the security agencies to stop the violent activities of land guards, vigilante groups and nomadic herdsmen; we state that we need more action than words. Government must walk the talk. We demand that our security agencies shall disengage these groups once and for all,”it said.