The Upper East Regional Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to immediately investigate reports of the formation of a group known as “The Lions,” allegedly being operated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Youth Wing described the reports as “grave” and said the matter must be handled under the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999).
The statement, signed by Deputy Regional Youth Organizer Samson Samari, said Ghana’s democracy has made significant progress in eliminating political vigilantism and that any attempt to reverse those gains must be addressed.
“These reports raise serious questions that warrant immediate investigation under the Ghana Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999). Ghana cannot afford any development that may undermine the national consensus against political vigilantism or threaten the peace and stability that our democracy has painstakingly built over the years,” the statement read.
The Youth Wing referenced Act 999, which prohibits the establishment, operation, financing, promotion, or participation in political vigilante groups.
It also recalled the Vigilantism and Political Party-Related Violence Pact signed in 2019 by Ghana’s major political parties under the National Peace Council, in which parties pledged to disband vigilante groups and refrain from supporting such organisations.
The NDC Upper East Youth Wing is demanding a “thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation” into the reported formation of “The Lions.”
“If the investigation establishes that the group’s objectives, structure, or activities fall within the prohibitions of Act 999 or any other law of Ghana, the appropriate authorities must take swift and decisive lawful action against all individuals found culpable, regardless of their political affiliation or status,” it stated.
The NDC Youth Wing further urged the NPP leadership in the region to publicly clarify the status, purpose, and activities of the reported group.
“We further urge the leadership of the New Patriotic Party to publicly clarify the status, purpose, and activities of the reported group and to demonstrate its commitment to the Vigilantism Pact and the laws of Ghana,” the statement added.
According to the Youth Wing, the laws of Ghana must be enforced fairly and consistently.
“The laws of Ghana must be enforced fairly, consistently, and without exception. No individual, political party, or group should enjoy immunity where the rule of law is concerned. Any perception of selective enforcement will only undermine public confidence in our democratic institutions,” it said.
The statement expressed confidence in the professionalism of Ghana’s security agencies and urged them to “discharge their constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and independence, ensuring that the law is applied equally to all persons without fear or favour.”
The NDC Upper East Regional Youth Wing concluded that political parties must reject all forms of vigilantism and uphold democratic values.
“No political ambition is worth sacrificing the peace, security, and democratic stability of our nation. Ghana has made significant progress in eliminating the culture of political vigilantism… Those gains must not be reversed,” it said.
The Youth Wing also pledged to “remain vigilant and will not hesitate to speak out whenever actions or developments threaten the peace, security, and democratic integrity of Ghana.”
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