File Photo
Vigilantes are what they are in our society because of an individual support, a relationship with a party or personality and having a working relationship with an entity.
Real estate developers engage them to protect their lands, parties engage them and even galamsey operators engage them etc etc.
So then the guilt of the past is the manifestation of what we see today.
Crucially this image reflects the argument of incapability & mistrust for our police and a growing desire for private/human security.
It is therefore in our interest as a people to:
1. Have the political will to consider acts of vigilantism as an affront to national stability.
2. Distant ourselves from all forms of groups whose mandate are unconstitutional/illegal.
3. Boost security institutions such as the police by way of resourcing them, building their capacity, encouraging professional conduct and having a national character.
4. Whiles disbanding vigilante groups may sound right to an extent, it is important we fast track cases of vigilantism and the likes to serve as a deterrent to others.
5. Undertake a public engagement of the threat of vigilantism to socio-political lives.
In conclusion, it is necessary we undertake these steps so that vigilantes don't have a footing in society to illegally change/challenge the status quo any day anyhow.
What is also key in all these is not for us as a country to send mixed signals to the international community especially when we are respected globally in democratic governance and credited for rule of law.
We have an opportunity to pick up the pieces and surge forward with one accord to build a strong nation.
Nana Owusu-Sekyere _Security Analyst_
