Take vigilantism seriously, it can tarnish Ghana’s reputation – Iain Walker ‘advises’ Akufo-Addo

British High Commissioner to Ghana, Iain Walker has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to tackle the spate of vigilantism during elections in the country to protect Ghana's high-earned reputation globally.

Speaking at STAR Ghana’s launch of election 2020 projects in Accra, he said, “I acknowledge the efforts of the President of Ghana to deliver independent investigations under Parliament of Ghana and for passing the Vigilantism Act, however, I think with the impact and effectiveness of that, several measures are not yet untested and they will not be effective with the few commitment of political parties to resolving any issues with legal means…violence at elections not only harms the Ghanaian people, it really risks damaging Ghana’s hard fought and well-earned reputation globally”.

To prevent vigilantism during elections, he was of the view that drastic measures need to be put in place to avoid a repetition of Ayawaso West Wuoguon by-elections brouhaha noting that, Ghanaians should be able to freely participate in elections.

Calling on all stakeholders, especially the judiciary, security services, and electoral commission who participate in general elections, admonished that they carry out their duties without fear of political inference so they maintain their credibility.

The British High Commissioner, however, is looking forward to Ghana sustaining its strong track record and holding a free and fair election in 2020.

Meanwhile, Chairperson in charge of operations at the Electoral Commission, Samuel Tettey, indicated that for the country to enjoy a free and fair election, electorates need to be well informed to equally take part in the electoral process and be law-abiding citizens.

Siding with the British High Commissioner, Mr Samuel Tettey further noted that vigilantism, electoral violence, campaign and manifesto influence have been the major challenge in the Ghanaian electoral process.

Assuring Ghanaians of a peaceful election on December 7, 2020, he said “the EC as part of its preparations towards the 2020 elections will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to facilitate and enhance the creation of an electoral environment that is free from impediments to the enjoyment of the already mentioned rights and freedoms and support and encouragement of active citizenship”.